Chapter 484
Chapter 484
“No,” she growled under her breath. “Not today p>
Eli opened her eyes; her breath caught in her throat.
“Tomorrow is important,” Selena continued, more to herself than to Eli. “Your face can’t look ruined p>
Eli stared at her mother, confused. “Important for what p>
“Go to your room,” Selena ordered. “Now p>
“I want to explain p>
“GO,” Selena repeated sharply.
Eli didn’t argue anymore. She walked toward her bedroom with heavy steps. The door closed softly behind her, it felt as though it had been locked from the outside.
but
Inside her room, Eli sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. Her hands trembled. Tears welled up, but she forced them back. What was her mother planning to do?
No matter how many times she asked herself, she couldn’t find an answer. And there was no way she could ask Selena directly. She’d only be yelled at again—maybe worse. Just moments ago, her mother hadn’t hesitated to almost slap her.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Selena took a moment to steady herself. Just for a moment. She hadn’t expected Eli to lie to her. Worse still, she had nearly been fooled-but thanks to the GPS she’d slipped into Eli’s bag, she knew exactly where her daughter had been.
Unbelievable. Truly.
Even if Eli had succeeded in arranging a meeting with Riana, for Selena, it was already too late.
Once she felt calmer, Selena grabbed her bag. She stood in front of the mirror, fixing her hair, making sure her expression was composed again.
Her phone vibrated, drawing her attention. Harold’s name appeared on the screen.
“Yes?” she answered.
“You sound annoyed,” Harold said the moment the call connected.
“She lied,” Selena replied curtly. “But at least I managed not to hit her p>
“Who? Eli?” Harold guessed.
“Who else?” Selena snorted. “Enough-don’t dwell on that child p>
On the other end, Harold chuckled. “I warned you. You need to be firmer with Eli p>
“At least I can still control her,” Selena said coolly. “And today, the person she met was Josh Miller. She actually thought she could win me over by saying Riana plans to meet her soon p>
“And isn’t that true?” Harold asked mildly.
Selena frowned deeply.
“When tomorrow’s news breaks, you’ll meet them, won’t you?” Harold continued. “No more waiting for when
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Chapter 484
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that old woman isn’t busy-or hiding behind excuses like you don’t matter. They should have paid attention while things could still be discussed civilly p>
Harold’s words made Selena smile broadly. “Ah, I hadn’t thought of it that way p>
“Prepare yourself carefully, Selena,” Harold said calmly. “Make sure all the attention stays on you p>
“Don’t worry,” Selena replied with a calculating grin. “I’ll be ready—and you’ll be surprised by how I look tomorrow p>
“Good,” Harold said. “Tomorrow, make Eli look worn down. Pitiful p>
“What do you mean?” Selena frowned.
“Oh, don’t forget-make her look sad,” Harold added. “Innocent. Naïve p>
Selena fell silent. “You want her presented like that p>
“I don’t mean anything more than that,” Harold said lightly. “I just want the public to feel sympathy for Eli. People love a child who looks like she doesn’t understand anything p>
Selena swallowed. “You’ve thought this through that far p>
“I’ve imagined this for a long time,” Harold replied easily. “Make sure you look right too. Simple. Not too polished. Let people feel sorry for you p>
Selena studied her reflection in the mirror, a reluctant admiration flickering in her eyes. “You’re truly ruthless p>
Harold laughed softly. “Not ruthless-just efficient p>
“Fine,” Selena said. “I’ll make sure you don’t regret putting me in tomorrow’s headlines p>
The call ended. Selena grabbed her car keys and left, intent on preparing-shopping, facial treatments, making sure every detail was ready for the next day. Including choosing the right clothes for Eli—and for herself.
It was late when Selena returned to the apartment. Eli came out of her room the moment she heard the door open. Her face was pale, her eyes swollen.
“Mom?” she called softly. “You just got back p>
Selena turned to her. “You’re not going to school tomorrow p>
Eli froze. “Why p>
“There’s something we need to do p>
“What?” Eli asked quickly. “Mom, please-explain p>
Selena took off her coat and hung it neatly on the rack. “You don’t need to know right now p>
“But p>
“That’s enough,” Selena cut in. “Go to sleep. You’ll need to wake up early tomorrow p>
Eli stood frozen in place. Questions crowded her mind, one after another-yet not a single one was answered.
What was her mother planning to do?
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