Chapter 13: The Old Madam's Verdict

The Sterling Ancestral Manor was a place of silence and strict rules. But today, a shrill voice broke the peace.

"Grandma! You have to see this!"

Chloe rushed into the tea room, holding an iPad. Old Madam Sterling, the matriarch of the family, sat there sipping her tea. Though she was eighty, her eyes were as sharp as Jackson's.

"Where are your manners?" The Old Madam frowned. "Why are you screaming?"

"It's Jackson!" Chloe kneeled by her chair, pretending to wipe tears. "He has been deceived by that woman Serenity! Look! The news says he has two secret illegitimate children. This is a scandal! It will ruin our family's reputation!"

Chloe smirked internally. She knew the Old Madam valued reputation above all else. She was sure the Old Madam would order those "bastards" to be sent away.

The Old Madam took the iPad. She put on her reading glasses and zoomed in on the photo.

She looked at Alex. Then at Mia. Then at Jackson holding them.

Her wrinkled hands started to tremble.

"Grandma?" Chloe added fuel to the fire. "Should I call the PR team to deny it? Or send someone to drive that woman out of New York?"

Smack!

The Old Madam slammed the iPad on the table.

"Are you an idiot?"

Chloe froze. "What?"

"Look at that boy! He has the Sterling nose! And that girl... she looks just like my late husband," The Old Madam's eyes lit up with joy. "Scandal? This is a blessing! Our family finally has heirs!"

She turned to her butler, ignoring the stunned Chloe.

"Prepare the car! No... wait. Prepare the guest room! The nursery! Go buy toys! Buy everything!"

Then she looked at Chloe coldly.

"Chloe, you have been engaged to Jackson for five years. And what do you have to show for it? Nothing. Serenity gave us two genius children. You expect me to drive her away? I should be thanking her!"

Chloe's face turned pale. "But Grandma... I am your future granddaughter-in-law..."

"Not anymore," The Old Madam waved her hand dismissively. "Get out. I need to prepare to meet my great-grandchildren."

---

Two hours later.

A black Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the manor. Jackson stepped out, helping Serenity and the twins out of the car.

"Jackson," Serenity whispered, looking at the intimidating mansion. "If your grandmother tries to take custody..."

"She won't," Jackson squeezed her hand reassuringly. "She knows that if she bullies you, she will never see the kids again. I warned her."

Serenity took a deep breath. She wasn't the timid girl anymore. She held Alex and Mia's hands and walked in.

In the grand hall, Old Madam Sterling was waiting, leaning on her dragon-head cane.

As soon as she saw the twins, her stern face melted instantly.

"Oh my goodness," she whispered. "Come here, little ones."

Mia, who was naturally fearless, let go of Serenity's hand and trotted over. She stared at the Old Madam's diamond brooch.

"Hello, Great-Grandma," Mia chirped sweetly. "You look shiny!"

The Old Madam burst into laughter. "Shiny? Ha! I like this girl. She has good taste."

Alex was more reserved. He bowed politely. "Good afternoon, Great-Grandmother."

The Old Madam looked at Alex—the miniature version of Jackson—and nodded in satisfaction. "Smart. Calm. A true Sterling."

Then, her gaze shifted to Serenity.

The room went quiet. Chloe, hiding behind a pillar nearby, held her breath, hoping the Old Madam would insult Serenity.

Serenity stood tall. She didn't look down or tremble. "Madam Sterling. It's been a long time."

The Old Madam walked slowly towards Serenity. She looked her up and down.

"You changed," The Old Madam said. "Five years ago, you looked like a scared mouse. Now... you look like a queen."

"Motherhood changes a woman," Serenity replied evenly.

"Good," The Old Madam nodded approvingly. "The Sterling family doesn't need weak women. You did well raising them."

The Old Madam took off a heavy jade bracelet from her wrist. It was vibrant green, ancient, and priceless.

Everyone gasped, including the servants. That bracelet was the symbol of the Matriarch of the house.

"Give me your hand," The Old Madam ordered.

Serenity hesitated, but Jackson nudged her gently. She extended her hand.

The Old Madam slid the bracelet onto Serenity's wrist.

"Grandma!" Chloe screamed from the back, unable to control herself anymore. "That belongs to the future wife of Jackson!"

"Exactly," The Old Madam didn't even turn around. She patted Serenity's hand.

"Welcome home, granddaughter-in-law. Please, forgive this old woman for being blind five years ago."

Serenity looked at the bracelet, then at Jackson's smiling face. She felt a lump in her throat.

She came here ready for a fight. Instead, she was given the highest honor in the family.

"Thank you," Serenity whispered.

For the first time, she felt that maybe, just maybe... this place could be home again.