Chapter 351: Chapter 351



Raelyn’s amusement was evident as she watched Joelle’s bewildered yet guarded expression. “Why that look? I live alone. Naturally, I checked out who my neighbors were before moving in. Plus, did you think your relationship with Adrian was some big secret?”

Joelle’s smirk was sharp, her gaze piercing. “Was it really necessary to investigate my ex-mother-in-law? Raelyn, isn’t that taking caution a bit too far?”

Raelyn regarded her with open admiration. “You’re quite astute. You’re not at all like what the rumors suggest.”

Joelle took a seat opposite her. “Our last encounter was no chance meeting, was it?”

“No.”

“So, what is it that you want, Raelyn?”

Before Raelyn could respond, a disturbance outside diverted their attention. “Mrs. Miller! Mrs. Miller! Please, settle down!” Leah, clad in an apron, attempted to intercept and soothe Amara.

Pointing angrily at Aurora and Ryland, Amara bellowed at Adrian, “How could you bring these children here today? Didn’t you know I was planning to introduce you to a woman? What’s the meaning of bringing these kids here? The girl is one thing, but why bring Rafael’s son too?”

Aurora and Ryland, terrified, burst into tears, and Adrian scooped them up, one in each arm, preparing to head upstairs. Amara shoved Leah aside and charged forward. “Aren’t you listening to me? Don’t you hear what I’m saying? I demand you take this child away immediately!”

As she neared them, her expression grew even more threatening. Aurora was too frightened to make a noise, but fortunately, Adrian quickly turned her away from Amara.

He faced Amara with a cold stare. “I’ve told you before, my personal life is not your business. I don’t need you to set me up with anyone. I choose to be with Joelle, and that’s my family.”

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“What’s so great about Joelle?” Amara was baffled. “Have you forgotten her past actions? The Watson family is ruined! What does Joelle have other than her looks? She’s not suitable for the Miller family!”

“Mom, stop talking, or I won’t be able to remain respectful.”

“How dare you!” Amara fumed, stomping her foot as if trying to drill a hole into the floor. “Do you think you’re really on your own now? That I have no sway over you? Let me remind you, everything you own is because of the Miller family! Your life is a gift from me! You’ll marry whoever I decide, and you’ll do it now! Get those kids out of here immediately!”

“There’s no need for that,” Joelle interjected coolly as she approached. “Since you don’t want us here, we’ll leave on our own.”

Upon seeing her, Amara’s face turned even more scornful. She looked down at them with disdain, hands on her hips, her purse hanging off her shoulder. “So you were the one who brought the kids here. Joelle, have you no shame?”

If she went on, there was no telling what further harsh words might spill from her. Adrian set the children down. “Leah, please take them to their room.”

“Okay.”

Once the children were out of the room, Adrian faced Joelle without needing any prompt. “Mom, isn’t this enough?”

Amara’s expression turned into a frown. “Why can’t you understand? Adrian, you carry the honor of the Miller family. Your wife should be someone who can support your career! This isn’t just about you; it’s about the entire family’s legacy!”

From childhood, Adrian had been brainwashed by Amara with a relentless drive, taught that this was the only way to be worthy of the Miller family legacy. Adrian had always viewed Amara’s strict standards as just high expectations. At that moment, he still believed so. To him, Amara’s actions weren’t devoid of love; she simply held high expectations.

“Mom, a wife is someone who will be with me throughout life. I should be able to choose who that is. Please respect Joelle and my children.”

“Absurd!” Amara’s eyes, crinkled with crow’s feet, were fixed on him. In a tense moment, she raised her hand and slapped him. Adrian, used to such treatment, felt a familiar disappointment but was numb to the shock.

Raelyn stepped out just then, her arms crossed as she observed the unfolding scene.

“Enough!” Joelle was infuriated by Amara’s behavior. Adrian had attempted to reason with her, but Amara acted irrationally, unwilling to listen.

“Joelle, this is all your fault. Since you arrived, my son has been opposing me at every turn! You’ve led him astray!”

Amara raised her fist, and though Joelle was unafraid, she refrained from retaliating against an elder. Luckily, Raelyn stepped in. She was about Amara’s age but showed more vigor. “Is it really necessary to resort to hitting, Amara? Aren’t you concerned you might hurt yourself?”

Amara scrutinized Raelyn from head to toe. “And who might you be?”

“Don’t you recognize me?” Raelyn clicked her tongue, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I suppose it’s understandable. I’ve undergone a few cosmetic enhancements over the years. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Raelyn Sampson.”

“Raelyn Sampson?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Raelyn…” Amara repeated the name under her breath. A moment later, her expression shifted to fear. “It’s you!”

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