Grandma's arrival

Matteo’s voice cut through the silence like a blade.

“Do you really think I won’t hurt you just because you’re my daughter?” he asked, his eyes fixed coldly on Lilian.

Lilian let out a dry chuckle. “Really?”

Without answering, Matteo reached out and pulled Sophia closer to him. He rested a hand on her shoulder with mock affection.

“You see, she’s a wonderful daughter. Just like Seraphina. They understand what family business means.” His tone hardened. “Your emotions aren’t needed in family business, Lilian. If you want something to work, you must keep your feelings out of it.”

He paused, straightening his suit jacket.

“As for school, I’ll approve it. You’ll all go. But Lilian—” his gaze sharpened, “I’ve already made a very good match for you.”

Lilian narrowed her eyes. “Is that supposed to be a joke?”

Vivienne quickly rushed to her side, grasping her hand as though to soften the blow.

“Come now, girl. Riccardo is a very good kid.”

Lilian pulled her hand back slightly. “Who’s Riccardo?”

Vivienne glanced at Matteo, leaving the explanation to him. Matteo’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

“Riccardo is the heir to the Deluca Empire. When his father heard my long-lost eldest daughter had returned, they proposed a marriage. It will strengthen our bond—and secure our family’s place.”

Before Lilian could answer, Isabella stepped forward. Her voice trembled with restrained anger.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Matteo’s eyes snapped to her. “Stay out of my family business.”

“She’s the only family I know,” Lilian snapped, stepping in front of Isabella protectively.

Matteo let out a cold laugh. “You’re my daughter, Lilian. It seems living with Isabella has influenced you.” He leaned closer, voice low and commanding. “Riccardo and his people will be here today. Do not embarrass me, Lilian. If you do, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

He turned his gaze on Isabella. “And your grandmother is coming today. I don’t want any of this nonsense reaching her ears. Do you understand? She’s my mother, and I care for her well-being.”

Isabella froze, stunned into silence. Sophia, on the other hand, smirked and casually wheeled her suitcase down the hall alongside Matteo, with Seraphina trailing smugly behind.

Vivienne, ever the act of a gentle mother, touched Lilian’s hand again.

“My dear, your father only does this for your own good.”

Lilian yanked her hand away. “Seriously, Mom? I just got back yesterday, after all these years, and this is how you treat me? Why didn’t you give Sophia to him instead?”

Her voice shook with rage as she stormed off. Isabella stood frozen in disbelief, but before she could move, Vivienne turned to her with thinly veiled hatred.

“You see, Isabella, my daughter seems to like you as a sister. Maybe you should convince her to accept this marriage.”

Isabella stepped closer, her eyes burning with defiance.

“Never.”

Vivienne only smiled, cold and cruel, before walking away without another word.

Upstairs, Lilian slammed her bedroom door so hard the walls trembled. Isadora, alarmed, rushed out of her own room only to meet Isabella in the hallway.

“What happened?” Isadora asked.

Isabella forced a smile and tugged her back into Lilian’s room. Together, the two of them worked to calm Lilian down.

That afternoon, the sound of engines echoed across the estate as a convoy of cars pulled into the driveway. The three girls hurried downstairs, curiosity and dread mingling in their steps.

In the grand foyer, a regal woman stood surrounded by guards. Their grandmother. She looked younger than expected, her posture strong and her smile radiant as she spread her arms wide.

“Grandma!” Isabella cried, rushing into her embrace. Lilian and Isadora followed, clinging to her warmth.

“Oh, my precious girls.” Her voice carried love—and a trace of worry. “Why do you all look so thin?”

Before they could answer, Matteo and Vivienne entered with Sophia by their side. Vivienne rushed to hug her mother-in-law, while Matteo kissed her cheek in a polished display of respect.

“Welcome back, Mother,” he said smoothly.

But their grandmother’s sharp eyes caught the contrast immediately. She turned to Matteo.

“Why do these children look so skinny compared to Sophia?”

Matteo chuckled lightly. “Mother, they just got back. They haven’t had time to eat well.”

Her gaze flicked to Isadora, who lowered her head nervously.

“And what of her? She has lived with you her whole life. Why is she so frail?”

The room fell into uneasy silence.

Before Matteo could answer, Vivienne quickly intervened. “Mother, you’ve only just arrived. Please, rest first.”

The grandmother nodded reluctantly, allowing herself to be escorted to her chambers.

As soon as she was out of sight, Isabella leaned close to Lilian and whispered, “I think I know what to do. Grandma looks kind.”

Lilian gave her a wary look. “What are you planning?”

A sly smile spread across Isabella’s lips. “Don’t worry. You’ll see.”

From the corner of the room, Sophia’s eyes narrowed as she watched them whisper. Without a word, she turned and left.