Chapter 421
Chapter 421
“Miss Eli, your breakfast is ready.” Silvia knocked gently on Eli’s bedroom door.
In the living room, Selena was already there, adjusting her hair in front of the mirror.
“Is she still not awake?” Selena asked with a sharp click of her tongue.
“Not yet, ma’am,” Silvia sighed softly. “I’ll try calling her again p>
“No need,” Selena cut in. “Just continue with your work. My room is still a mess. Change the sheets to new ones, the blanket too. And the room freshener-I don’t like the smell of roses. Replace it p>
“Yes, Mrs. Selena.” Silvia could only nod obediently.
Ever since she’d been assigned to this apartment to serve Selena and her daughter on Nathan Miller’s orders, Silvia had felt uneasy. Not because of the work itself, but because of the temperament of the woman she now served. Selena was nothing like Riana-or anyone else in the main Miller residence. Even the family’s lawful daughter-in-law, Althea Grayson, was gentle and warm in comparison.
Althea never demanded service with harshness. To Silvia, she was almost angelic-soft-spoken, graceful. No wonder the Miller family’s eldest son was so deeply devoted to her. And… Silvia couldn’t help wondering-had Selena really been involved with Chase Miller?
It felt far too… impossible.
Some of the staff knew the personalities of the Miller brothers well. Chris Miller was the most mischievous, Cale Miller the most rigid and serious-but all three brothers were extremely selective when it came to their partners.
“Oh well. Just do your job,” Silvia muttered to herself. “I really hope Erick sends someone to keep me company here soon. I miss you, Nora p>
At the thought of Nora, Silvia’s heart sank. She still couldn’t believe how quickly her colleague had passed away. She shook her head lightly, pushing the thoughts away. Better to tidy Selena’s room than endure another long stream of complaints delivered in that sharp, unpleasant tone.
That morning, the small apartment felt more cramped than usual. Not because the space had changed, but because the air itself felt tense ever since Selena woke early. Her daughter still hadn’t come out of her room. Even after Selena finished fixing her hair and ensuring her makeup was flawless, Eli remained inside.
Whatever that girl was doing.
Standing before the mirror, Selena smoothed her hair again, as though even the slightest imperfection was an unforgivable flaw. In the end, her patience snapped. She marched toward Eli’s room, her face set in a sour scowl.
“Eli,” she called without turning around. “Are you up yet p>
Eli finally appeared, wearing a wide smile. She had on a light cream sweater, her hair still half damp. Her face looked bright with a touch of makeup, her eyes shining as if whatever she was about to do today was something she’d been waiting for over the past few days.
“Sorry I took so long getting ready,” she said. “But I’m ready to go now,” she added quickly.
1/4
Chapter 421
+25 Bonus
Selena studied her daughter closely.
“Oh, I’ve even prepared a few things,” Eli continued, lifting the small bag she was holding. “I brought my initial counseling report from Saint Loisse. Some notes from the placement tests-to see which class I’ll be assigned to. And, well… I’m in the advanced student’s class. In case Grandma wants to see p>
Selena folded her arms across her chest. Her gaze sharpened, assessing. She let out a breath, as though patiently dealing with a child.
“Good,” she said. “But it’s not enough p>
Eli frowned. “Not enough p>
Selena stepped closer and straightened the collar of Eli’s sweater, adjusting it again and again as if nothing was quite right. “You need to remember what you’re supposed to say. Don’t go off script p>
“What am I supposed to say?” Eli asked quietly.
“Your academic achievements,” Selena answered briskly. “Your grades-even before Saint Loisse. They need to know how impressive you’ve been. Always in the top three. Your new advisor’s evaluations. Your discipline. That you’ve never caused trouble and that you deserve a better environment p>
Eli nodded slowly. “I can tell Grandma that if she asks p>
“Not if she asks, Eli,” Selena cut in, her tone firm. “You need to say it. Don’t wait for her to ask-this is something you must bring up from the very beginning p>
Eli fell silent for a moment. “Why does it have to be like that, Mom p>
“Because this isn’t about a story,” Selena replied. “This is about our future p>
“Our future is already pretty good,” Eli said, gathering her courage. “I get to attend an elite, well-known school. I’ve seen the environment, it’s very different from my old school, Mom. I get to visit Daddy’s grave. I got to meet Grandma. Isn’t that… more than enough p>
Selena smiled—a thin smile that never reached her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to tap Eli on the forehead, to make her understand that what she’d gained so far was nowhere near what she deserved.
“You’re thinking too simply, Eli,” she said. “This is only the beginning. Do you know where we’re supposed to be p>
Eli shook her head.
“At the Miller family’s main residence,” Selena continued, her voice still edged with insistence. “In the place that suits you. In the place where Riana Miller’s grandchild should be living p>
Eli swallowed hard. “But… Grandma has never said that p>
“Because she’s waiting for you to ask,” Selena replied without hesitation. “She needs to be convinced. Again. Without doubt, Eli. Because they shouldn’t be denying your existence anymore p>
“By showing off my grades?” Eli asked uncertainly.
2/4
Mark