Raelyn forced herself to maintain composure, not wanting Joelle to sense her inner turmoil.
âAdrianâs already luckier than most. Ninety-nine percent of the worldâs problems are solved with money. Without me, he wouldnât have even been born into the Miller family.â
âThatâs true,â Joelle acknowledged. âBut you canât care for him while dumping him at the same time.â
The conversation ended abruptly, leaving Raelyn noticeably more somber than when she had arrived.
The following day, Joelle was busy inspecting a fresh delivery of pianos in her studio when a commotion broke out near the entrance. Amara strode in, wrapped in a luxurious mink coat and carrying a brand bag, her entourage of bodyguards trailing behind her like shadows. The staff, clearly unsettled by her imposing presence, quietly clustered behind Joelle, too intimidated to speak.
âJoelle, this studio was funded with my sonâs money, wasnât it?â Amaraâs voice dripped with disdain, and her mental state seemed even more unhinged than the last time Joelle had dealt with her.
âWhy donât you claim the public restrooms on the street were funded by your son as well?â
âDuh,â Amara scoffed with arrogance. âThe Miller family owns practically all of Illerith. Even the public restrooms are oursâso by extension, theyâre mine.â
Joelle smiled, taking a seat across from her. âWhat are you here for, Amara?â
gαâηÏνððsâ¤com is full of thrilling adventures Callan handed a document to Amara, who carelessly tossed it in front of Joelle. âI bought this studio. You should pack your things, leave Illerith, and never let me see you again.â
Joelle didnât bother looking at the papers. âIf youâre here to cause a scene, youâve picked the wrong fight.â
She called for security, but Amaraâs bodyguards quickly blocked the door, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.
âJoelle, donât make this harder than it needs to be. There are plenty of men in the world. Why are you so fixated on my son?â Joelleâs voice was icy as she replied, âMaybe you should ask Adrian that question. Hasnât the person next to you explained whoâs really clinging to whom?â
She shot a pointed glance at Callan, who averted his gaze, guilt evident on his face.
âAdrian is just momentarily bewitched by you. Once youâre out of the picture, heâll realize who the proper wife is,â Amara said confidently.
âIâm done talking to you.â Joelle stood up, her patience wearing thin. âLeave now, or Iâll call the police.â
âCall them, but it wonât change anything. Unless, of course, you donât care about your daughter.â Amara smirked. âI know exactly which kindergarten she attends, and your little boy too. You canât protect them every second, can you?â
Joelleâs face darkened, her composure slipping as Amara hit a nerve. She leaned forward, gripping the edge of the table, her gaze sharp as it locked onto Amaraâs. âAmara, Iâve respected you because youâre an elder, but if you ever lay a finger on my son or daughter, I wonât care who you are or whose mother you claim to be. The consequences will be on you.â
Amara, unused to anyone speaking to her so boldly, looked stunned for a moment, but her shock quickly turned to fury. âHow dare you speak to me like that? You lowborn wretch!â
Joelle pointed to the door, her voice steady and cold. âGet out.â Amaraâs lips thinned in anger as she wrapped her mink coat around her, leaving with her head held high, a final threat trailing behind her. âJust you wait!â
Her entourage swept in behind her as dramatically as they had arrived. Joelle sank back into her chair, her body heavy with tension.
âJoelle, are you okay?â a colleague asked, concern in their voice. Joelle waved her hand dismissively. Amara might not be an immediate threat, but now that she had targeted Aurora and Ryland, there was no telling what an unstable woman like her might do.
In addition to watching out for Amara, Joelle was also worried about Adrian. They had spoken late the previous night, but she hadnât been able to reach him since. Her colleagueâs voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to reality. âItâs nothing. Everyone, get back to work.â
Once in her office, Joelle dialed the kindergarten teacherâs number. As a mother, even if it seemed overprotective, she had to make sure her children were safe. She contacted the new teacher in Auroraâs classâthe one her daughter had been raving about every day. Joelle had added the teacherâs contact after school the day before.
The call was picked up quickly. âMs. Becker, Iâm sorry to bother you. Could you let me know what Auroraâs doing right now?â
Eliza Beckerâs voice was warm and gentle, just as Aurora had described, immediately soothing Joelleâs nerves. âAuroraâs working on crafts with her friends. Would you like to start a video call?â
Joelle felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. âYes, thank you so much!â Seeing Aurora safe and content at kindergarten finally put Joelleâs mind at ease.
âMs. Becker, if you notice anything unusual or see any unfamiliar people around the kindergarten, could you report it immediately?â Even Joelle thought she might be overreacting, but Eliza responded with kindness, showing no signs of discomfort. âOf course. You can rest assured that weâll protect the children while theyâre with us, and we wonât let any strangers near.â
âThank you.â After the call ended, Joelle felt her tension ease, reassured by Elizaâs gentle words.
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