Chapter 446
Chapter 446
“Exactly,” Riana replied. “Which means there’s another objective’
Nathan gazed out at the garden. “Do you think they want control?
“And recognition,” Riana added. “Recognition that’s being forced”
Nathan fell silent for a moment-not because he didn’t understand where the conversation was going, but because he had just realized how deep the implications Riana was uncovering truly were. Dusk hung low, leaving behind a wash of orange light that reflected off the surface of the teacups in their hands.
“Recognition isn’t just about legitimizing a name,” Nathan said at last. “Acknowledging Eli’s status could also grant a certain level of access to the Miller family p>
Riana lifted her cup and took a slow sip, as though weighing every word before continuing. “That’s exactly what unsettles me,” she said softly. “I don’t see this ending at a single point. I’m thinking further ahead.” She set the cup down and looked at her husband intently. “What if Eli isn’t coming just to be acknowledged p>
Nathan turned to her, his gaze sharpening. “What do you mean p>
“To displace,” Riana answered without hesitation. “Someone else p>
The air between them grew heavier.
“Displace… someone else? You mean Grace?” Nathan asked, his voice barely audible.
“Yes,” Riana said firmly. “Grace.” She stared straight ahead, as if seeing something invisible. “Grace is our strongest link to Althea. The only living trace of Chase within this family line. If someone wanted to destabilize the Miller family, Grace would be the most vulnerable point-not because she’s weak, but because of her value p>
Nathan blinked, his chest tightening. “That’s a serious accusation.
“Not an accusation,” Riana corrected gently but firmly. “A possibility. One that could happen, couldn’t it?” She turned to her husband. “Think about it. Eli arrived with Selena, carrying carefully arranged documentation. It’s not just about being acknowledged as a granddaughter. It’s about equality. The same status as Grace. The same rights. The same treatment p>
Nathan let out a long breath. “And you think they want to place Eli on equal footing-or even replace her p>
“Yes,” Riana said carefully. “If recognition were the only goal, what they’ve received so far would be more than sufficient. But the insistence on moving into the main house, the desire to be at the center of the family-that’s not purely emotional. It’s strategy. And I’m certain Eli has been guided to voice that strategy. Selena has hinted at it repeatedly. Even in front of Althea p>
Nathan looked down at Riana’s steady hands resting in her lap. He had known his wife for decades. When Riana spoke like this, it wasn’t fear talking—it was her instinct as a woman.
“They want to put Eli on the same level as Grace,” Riana continued her voice growing colder. “And if they succeed, the next step isn’t impossible-equal treatment extending to how we treat Althea. And Althea is a daughter-in-law of the Miller family; someone Selena might think no longer needs to be regarded as such because Chase has passed away.” Riana felt her chest tighten as she said it, but the words still had to be spoken.
“Eli and Grace are the same. If the test results are true, then Eli is also Chase’s child, right? Selena wants everything to be treated equally p>
Nathan shook his head slowly. “Grace is still too young for a game like this p>
“That’s exactly why,” Riana replied quickly. “Children don’t know how to protect their territory. And adults are often too late to realize when boundaries have already been crossed p>
Silence settled between them. The dusk continued to fade.
“We won’t let that happen,” Nathan said at last, his tone firm now “Not to Grace. Not to anyone in this family p>
Riana nodded softly. “I know. That’s why I’m saying this now-no to accuse, but so we can be prepared p>
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Chapter 446
+25 Bonus
Nathan took his wife’s hand. “You’re right. We can’t afford to let our guard down p>
Riana returned the squeeze, her gaze steady. “As long as we still hold control over this family, no one gets to dictate the roles within our bloodline p>
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