Rome change

Lilian’s mother, Vivienne Sinclair, quickly stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “Girls, Seraphina has always been spoiled. You shouldn’t mind her,” she said, glancing at Lilian’s younger sister, Seraphina, who had just stormed out, huffing in frustration.

Isadora nodded silently and went to help carry their bags. Alessandro’s gaze followed Isabella as she smiled faintly, a mixture of relief and quiet defiance.

Once inside, Isadora led them to her room. Her face lit up as she opened the door.

“Welcome, sisters,” she said warmly.

Lilian looked at her, frowning. “Is this the room you stay in?”

Isadora nodded. “Yes. It might be small, but I like it.”

Lilian’s eyes darkened. “Mom and Dad maltreating you?” she asked bluntly.

Isadora tried to answer but couldn’t find words.

Lilian stepped closer. “I’m sorry. I’ll apologize on their behalf.” She hugged Isadora tightly.

Isadora couldn’t hold back her tears and began crying. Lilian held her, whispering, “I’ll set things right.”

The three of them—Isabella, Lilian, and Isadora—sat on the bed.

“Tell us what’s going on,” Lilian and Isabella asked in unison. “You look pale for someone who lives in a mansion.”

Isadora forced a weak smile. “You’re the first to even care about my well-being… but it’s okay. Whatever Mom and Dad have done, I forgive them.”

Lilian shot her a sharp look and stood abruptly. She grabbed Isadora’s hand, pulling her to her feet, taking even Isabella by surprise.

“Come with me,” Lilian said, striding straight toward the hall where the guests were gathered.

She called out for her mom. Vivienne rushed over, trying to appear affectionate.

“Can you tell me what this means?” Lilian demanded.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Vivienne asked.

“Do not call me dear!” Lilian snapped. “Why is Isadora living in such a crapped-up place? She’s part of our family, Mom. Her father owns this house—everything you live on. Why do you have to make her look like a beggar?”

Lilian smirked slightly. “If you could abandon your own daughter, then who is Isadora for you not to maltreat?”

Before she could finish, Matteo raised his hand as if to slap her, but Isabella quickly grabbed his hand and screamed, “Don’t!”

Matteo recoiled, shocked, as Isabella pushed him away.

Seraphina rushed back into the hall, complaining loudly, “Isadora didn’t fix what she was supposed to do for me!”

Lilian grabbed her hand firmly. “Look at me, Barbie!” she snapped, using the nickname only she gave her spoiled sister. “I don’t care if we’re sisters—you should learn to respect your elders. Isadora is older than you!”

Then Lilian turned to Seraphina. “Take us to your room,” she said, holding her hand firmly. Isadora and Isabella followed as Seraphina reluctantly led the way.

When Seraphina opened the door, they all froze. The room was lavish, like something out of a fairy tale, furnished and decorated for a princess. Isadora’s eyes widened in awe.

Matteo, realizing he couldn’t stop what was happening, told the guests, “Everyone, please leave. I’ll sort things out first.”

Alessandro, who had been watching quietly from the side, smiled faintly and left to go home, leaving the family to handle their own chaos.

Vivienne entered the room shortly after. Lilian’s eyes blazed as she turned on her.

“So Isadora gets to live in a cramped, tiny room,” she said, voice icy, “while you give your daughter luxury and comfort?”

Vivienne opened her mouth to respond, but Lilian cut her off. “I’ll never be your daughter. You abandoned me when I needed you the most. If you could do that to your own child for money, you will never be a mother figure to me.”

Her tone softened slightly as she turned to Isadora. “Sissy, do you like this room?”

Isadora nodded, a small smile forming.

Lilian faced her mother again. “See, Mom? She likes this room. So can you remove Seraphina’s belongings?”

Even Isabella was stunned. Vivienne tried to speak, but Matteo stepped in, low and commanding, “Enough.”

Lilian’s glare didn’t waver. “Enough? Exactly what do you mean by enough?”

She turned to Isadora again. “What’s your favorite color? What do you like?”

After Isadora told her, Lilian pointed at Vivienne. “See? This is her father’s house. She has every right to take up any room she wants.”

Before Vivienne could respond, Lilian clapped her hands.

“Maids! Pack Seraphina’s things and replace everything with what Isadora likes!” she ordered.

The maids moved quickly, leaving no room for argument. Isabella’s jaw dropped, realizing for the first time just how much protection and power she would have here—with Lilian by her side.