Chapter 7

The sudden sharpness in Adria’s voice sliced through the heavy silence like a knife.

“What are you doing with her? And why didn’t you tell me you were coming…!”

Zara froze. Her chest tightened at those words so full of judgment, so void of defense. Disappointment pooled in her heart because it was painfully clear Adrian hadn’t seen the fight between them. He hadn’t noticed her tears, her trembling. And worse, he wouldn't have even considered taking her side.

After all, why would he? He hated her just as much as his mother did.

“Uhmm… I came because of the news,” Clare muttered nervously, breaking the tension.

“Oh, that…” Adrian sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck as though the weight of the world pressed against him. His eyes flicked toward Zara, sharp and cold.

“Are you happy now? That my name is being dragged through the mud because of you? Tarnished like that? Go to your room. The sight of your face disgusts me.”

The words struck harder than any slap. Zara’s throat burned, but she swallowed her cries and ran off timidly, her heart hammering in her chest as she fled up the stairs.

Behind her, Adrian turned back to his mother, his voice clipped.

“Mum, it’s no big deal. The damage is done, but it’ll pass with time.”

His mother’s lips twisted into a bitter sneer.

“Pass? You think disgrace just disappears? That shameless girl is ruining everything we’ve worked for all these years. I really hate her, Adrian. Do something about her, and soon before she destroys us completely.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened. He didn’t argue. Instead, he straightened his coat and gestured stiffly toward the door.

“Fine. But see me out. I don’t want to breathe the same air as her. Being in this house with her makes me sick.”

Zara’s POV

She slammed the door behind her when she reached her room, pressing her back against it as if the wood could shield her from the venomous words still echoing in her mind. Her chest rose and fell quickly, fighting to steady her breathing.

Across the room, Isabella was already awake, scrolling on her phone, probably preparing to leave for her own room. She glanced up when Zara entered, and instantly noticed the sadness etched across her stepsister’s face.

“Zara…” Isabella slipped her phone aside and stood, walking toward her near the door. “What’s wrong? Are you still upset about yesterday?”

“No, no,” Zara cut her off quickly, forcing a brittle smile. “I’m fine. Totally fine.” The lie felt heavy on her tongue.

Isabella narrowed her eyes. “Did Adrian harass you again?”

Zara shook her head, hugging her arms around herself. “Everything is fine, alright? Just… go freshen up. And thanks for yesterday. It meant a lot.”

Her words carried a weight of avoidance, like bricks stacked to wall Isabella away. But Isabella wasn’t so easily convinced.

She hesitated before asking, “Have you seen Adrian anywhere today?”

Zara hesitated too, her stomach twisting. “Yes… downstairs. In the living room. With your mother.”

Understanding flickered instantly in Isabella’s eyes. She didn’t press further, but the bitterness of that truth confirmed why Zara’s mood was even darker than yesterday.

“Okay. Try to rest,” Isabella murmured before heading straight for Adrian’s office.

Confrontation in the Office

She didn’t bother knocking softly. Her knuckles hit the door sharply.

“Come in,” Adrian’s curt voice called.

She pushed it open, stepping inside with her arms crossed. “What was Mum doing here today?” she demanded, skipping all greetings.

Adrian raised his head slowly, his brows narrowing. “Where are your manners, young lady?”

Isabella scoffed, her lips curling. “That’s rich, coming from you.”

His voice hardened immediately, each syllable laced with warning. “Watch your tongue. You will not disrespect me in my own house.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” Isabella shot back.

Adrian stood now, his presence towering, his voice rumbling with authority. “Get out of my office. Now. I don’t have time for your childish insolence.”

She turned on her heel, but before she could reach the door, his voice cracked like a whip.

“Wait. Before you go call that woman into my office. Now.”

Isabella froze mid-step. Her jaw clenched. “Adrian”

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” he thundered, his voice slicing through her hesitation.

Her fingers curled into fists, but she said nothing. With stiff shoulders, she walked back upstairs to Zara’s room.

The Summons

“Isabella?” Zara looked up wearily from where she sat curled on the bed, her face pale and eyes rimmed with exhaustion. “Do you need something?”

“Actually…” Isabella swallowed. Her voice dropped lower, almost as if she regretted the words. “Adrian wants to see you. In his office. Now.”

Zara’s heart stopped. The sound of his name alone made her blood run cold. Anger surged alongside fear, a dark cocktail that left her breathless. Why did he want her? To remind her she was nothing but a replacement? To mock her again? To bruise her with words or worse, his hands like his mother had done?

She shook her head violently. “No. I can’t. I won’t.”

Isabella bit her lip, torn between her sympathy and Adrian’s order. “Zara, listen ”

“No!” Zara’s voice cracked, trembling with both fury and terror. “If I go to him, it will only end the same way. Pain. Humiliation. I can't, I can't take it anymore.”

Silence fell, heavy and suffocating. Then Isabella leaned closer, whispering urgently.

“Zara… you don’t understand. He wasn’t just asking. His tone wasn't casual. It was different. Almost… desperate. Whatever this is… it’s not just another lecture. Something’s wrong.”

Zara’s pulse quickened. She searched Isabella’s eyes, but found no answers, only the same unease mirrored back at her.

Her hands trembled as she rose from the bed, each step toward the door heavy with dread.

Because if Adrian truly wanted something from her…

It could only mean trouble.

Zara stood frozen before Adrian’s office door, her hand hovering just above the handle. The air felt thick, pressing against her chest as though warning her not to enter.

On the other side, silence reigned yet she could feel his presence, waiting. Watching.

Her heart pounded like a drum. This was no ordinary summons.