Chapter 560
Chapter 560
Selena cleared her throat softly before stepping closer to the three women who looked so at ease with one another. Their laughter flowed lightly, carefree-whatever they were talking about, it clearly brought them joy.
They have no idea what’s coming, she thought. Their happiness won’t last. Such a pity, Althea.
With quiet confidence, Selena walked forward.
The main garden was peaceful that afternoon. A gentle breeze moved through the leaves, carrying the soft, calming scent of flowers. Beneath the gazebo, Althea sat back comfortably against her chair. Lydia was beside her, while Felicia sat across from them with a tablet in hand, occasionally swiping the screen while listening to their easy conversation.
The warmth in the air shifted the moment the sound of approaching footsteps echoed along the stone path.
Selena.
She walked toward them with a faint smile and her chin slightly raised, as if certain her presence would draw attention. Without waiting for an invitation, she stopped near the group.
“It looks like you’re all having a lovely time here,” she said lightly.
No one responded right away.
Selena’s smile remained in place. “I just wanted to say congratulations,” she continued, her gaze settling on Althea. “The news about Daven is quite impressive. Every media outlet is covering his case. Getting through a controversy that big… not everyone is lucky enough to manage that p>
Althea met her calmly. “Thank you p>
But Selena wasn’t finished.
“Still, I’m curious,” she went on, her tone soft but edged now beneath its casual surface. “The Callister Group suffered significant losses, didn’t it? Fund manipulation, shaken investor confidence… and the amount Bret Frederick took was substantial too, wasn’t it? Do you really think the company can survive a blow like that p>
Lydia turned toward her, clearly displeased.
Althea remained composed, but before she could respond, Felicia placed her tablet down with a firm,
unmistakable sound.
“Enough p>
Selena glanced at her, one brow lifting.
Felicia rose to her feet. Her eyes were sharp, no longer bothering to hide the irritation she had been holding back. “I’m tired of you,” she said bluntly.
The peaceful atmosphere of the garden tightened instantly.
“Ever since you came to this house, all you’ve done is make snide remarks, provoke people, and stir up trouble,” Felicia continued, her voice steady but unyielding. “Every time you speak to someone, there’s always an agenda behind it–to put them down p>
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Selena gave a faint smile. “I’m only stating facts p>
Felicia stepped closer. “No. You’re just desperate for attention p>
She lifted her hand and pointed firmly toward the path leading out of the garden.
“If you can’t behave yourself, then it would be better for you to leave. We’re talking as a family here p>
She placed deliberate emphasis on the word family.
Selena stiffened. A flush crept across her face as she struggled to contain the anger rising inside her after Felicia’s words. But Felicia wasn’t finished. She continued without giving her a chance to respond.
“Do you know what’s most irritating?” she said sharply. “You act as if you actually have a place in this house p>
Her gaze swept over Selena from head to toe. “When in reality, you have no connection to the Miller family at all p>
Selena opened her mouth, but Felicia cut her off again.
“The only reason you’re even staying there is because of Eli. And even that is based on a claim that hasn’t been proven p>
Her voice turned colder.
“Don’t misunderstand. There is only one daughter-in-law in the Miller family p>
She turned toward Althea.
“Althea Callister p>
Then to Lydia.
“And soon, Lydia will officially become part of the family after she marries Cale p>
Felicia looked back at Selena, her eyes sharp and unwavering. “And you?” She paused briefly. “You’re just an
outsider p>
A soft breeze passed through the garden, but it did nothing to ease the heavy tension hanging in the air.
Selena’s face burned deeper red, her jaw tightening. Was Felicia finally done? Not yet.
Ever since hearing everything about Selena Ward, Felicia had been carrying a deep, simmering irritation. She had been waiting for the right moment to confront her-and now, it seemed, that moment had come.
“So if I were you,” she said coolly, “I’d feel embarrassed. I wouldn’t be going around acting like all the attention. in that house belongs to me p>
Silence fell for several long seconds after Felicia finished.
Lydia looked at Selena with a neutral expression. There was no sympathy there.
But when she glanced toward Felicia, a faint smile touched her lips.
Her support, clearly, was with Felicia.
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Althea remained seated, her posture calm, her hands folded neatly in her lap. But the look in her eyes had grown noticeably firmer.
“Felicia,” she called softly.
It wasn’t a harsh reprimand, but the tone was enough to stop Felicia before her anger could spill over again. Felicia clicked her tongue under her breath and stepped back, though the tension in her expression made it clear she was still far from calm.
Selena seized the opening immediately.
She drew in a deep breath and let her features soften into a wounded expression, as if she were the one being treated unfairly.
“Is this how women from a respectable family speak to others?” she said quietly, her voice trembling just enough to sound fragile. “The impression I’m getting is that I’m the one being cornered here p>
Her eyes turned to Althea, as though waiting for support.
But Althea gave her none.
“Is that so?” Althea’s lips curved into the faintest smile.
“Yes. Are you all p>
“Selena,” Althea cut in smoothly, not leaving even the smallest space for her to continue. Her tone was calm, but final-there was no invitation for argument.
“I’m not here to debate anything with you,” she continued evenly. “I’m giving you a choice. If you’d like to enjoy the garden, you’re welcome to stay. But if not, then please leave us. We’d like to enjoy the rest of our time in peace p>
Selena’s hands curled tightly into fists. Her eyes burned with anger and resentment.
And as if that weren’t enough, Althea added, her voice still calm and unhurried-
“You do know the way back to your room, don’t you p>
日
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