e no longer belonged to. Smith stood by the window. Arms crossed. Eyes distant. Empty. Barbra lounged on the couch. Legs crossed. Lips curved in

ension. The front door opened. A voice follow

side, "why is this timid local gold

Each syllable dug into wounds long scarred but never h

. Did not defend her. He looked a

I thought I made myself clear," she said sharply. "This marriage was a

es rose like daggers. Helen's sharp tongue. Cold eyes of a stepmother. Useless. Worthless. A burden. She

e felt the same. Powerl

. "Why are you wasting t

said coldly. "She is j

igns the divorce papers before she goes.

ted it in her mind. Hearing it aloud made it real. She lifted

d quietly. "I do not w

in. Mocking. "Of cou

Dropped it in front of her. Did not look at h

elt like carving pieces of herself away. Dreams erased little by little. A small business.

ess. From the weight of a lifetime of rejection. No matter what she

placed the pen down. Hands tre

em. Nodded. Satisfaction clear in her cold eyes. "Go

as heavy. Deliberate. Echoing painfully in the small

he paused. A message

I was so touched and sorry for you. She said that your father

ayed in her mind. Matthew. Ki

er's sudden death. The lawyer who disappeared. Helen's control over the estate. Poverty swallowing her childhood whole

ly. Phone clutc

What are you starin

oor. Fear. Tears. Trembling. Gone.

r. "You look very confident for someone

frowned. Barbra shif

Isabella continued. "About m

sked with irritation quickly.

rply. "He is very relev

idened. "That

Regained control fast. "

s exactly what Helen used to say. When she stole

Unease clear. "Smit

irmly. "Stay. You des

would you even know

her. Saw what Matthew did. Bribed the lawyer. Took the company. Hele

Flicker of fear in her eyes. M

art steady despite pounding. "Am I? Or are

Thick. Su

ed at his m

rted away. One spl

. And still treated me like dirt. Called me a go

dence faltering. "Smith, you

ough his hair. "Mom,

This is nonsense. She's

ss. "Manipulate? I signed the divorce.

her's life. His company. My child

ed back. Pa

"Every single thing. Reclaim my father's p

. Rage. "You will do no

ce. "That is what you want me to b

e room. Even Barbra

steady. Posture strong. "This t

arp. Biting. But free. Her heart still ached. Bruised. Hea

n everything

ot let them

bella would no