Chapter 16: When I Say So

Beatrice’s expression darkened even further. The spy, still on his knees, exhaled in relief, hardly daring to breathe lest the mother and daughter vent their anger on him.

“Scram,” Beatrice snapped, flicking her hand in dismissal.

He sprang to his feet and fled. Beatrice frowned, thinking, before muttering, “What’s wrong with that man, Andy? He’s clinging to that wild girl like a swarm of houseflies.”

Winnie’s anger flared at the mention of Andy’s name. She already despised him—so handsome, so wealthy, and yet disabled—and it stung her that he was the one making Alicia’s life comfortable.

“Why can’t he just marry her and take her away?” Winnie hissed through clenched teeth. “Seeing her wander around this house makes my skin crawl. I want to claw that smile right off her face. Every time she grins, I feel like I’m going crazy.”

Beatrice sneered. “No rush. Your father’s birthday celebration is coming soon. I can’t wait to watch her humiliate herself in front of the socialites. Let’s see if your father will still dote on her after she disgraces him before his allies and friends.”

Winnie’s eyes lit up. She clapped in delight and threw her arms around her mother. “Mom, you’re the best! I was thinking of kicking her out, but your plan is even better.”

Beatrice’s lips curved in satisfaction. “Let Catherine be happy for a few more days,” she said, her voice dripping with irony.

Winnie, pressed against her mother’s shoulder and unable to see her face, did not agree. Her jaw tightened; an icy glint flashed in her eyes.

After leaving her mother’s room, she took a small vial from her handbag. She stared at it, parted her lips as if to call for someone, then changed her mind. “Those servants are useless,” she murmured. “I’ll handle this myself.”

She turned to the mirror, gaze hard, and smiled thinly. “Let’s see how you plan to show off that pretty face in front of me.”

Winnie hid the small bottle, then headed to dinner with the family.

At the table, Alexander glanced at Alicia. “How is your relationship with Andy?”

“We’re alright,” Alicia replied calmly.

Relief softened Alexander’s features. He had been worried about his daughter tying herself to a man he didn’t consider worthy of her.

Suddenly, Beatrice changed the subject. “Honey, your birthday is in a few days.”

Alexander waved a hand dismissively. “It’s exhausting to prepare a party, then keep a stiff smile just to look approachable. I don’t feel like celebrating this year.”

Beatrice leaned in, cajoling. “Alex, even if you don’t want to do it for yourself, think of your daughter. People are looking forward to seeing her at your birthday. You haven’t introduced her to your associates and friends. And none of Catherine’s cousins have visited since she came back. Don’t you want her to blend with the family?”

Alexander fell silent, thinking. He looked toward Alicia, but she ate quietly, seemingly unbothered. Beatrice noticed and clenched her fists under the table. She hated that Alexander considered Alicia’s feelings before hers.

“Do whatever you want,” Alexander said at last, waving it off.

Beatrice forced a smile, then shot Alicia a cold look. Alicia pretended not to notice. When dinner ended, she rose and left the table.

Winnie finished eating as well and headed for her room. As she walked down the corridor, she overheard two maids chatting while they cleaned near her doorway.

“First Miss is so pretty,” one said. “Her skin—wow. I wish she’d share her skincare secrets.”

“It’s not just you,” the other replied. “When they stand together, Second Miss can’t compare. First Miss is just too beautiful.”

Anger flared through Winnie. She stepped into the doorway and found the gossiping maids crouched over their mops.

The moment the maids saw Winnie, they fell silent, their bodies trembling. Winnie stalked toward them, face dark, voice cold. “Who were you two calling ugly? Uglies?”

They dropped to their knees at once. “Second Miss, we’re sorry, we—”

Winnie slapped the one who spoke. “Who the fuck did you just call Second Miss? Are you tired of living?”

At her ferocity, the color drained from their faces. They were terrified.

“That’s enough,” came Alicia’s cool voice from the far end of the corridor.

Seeing her—especially that flawless face—made Winnie’s anger spike. “If I don’t stop,” she sneered, “what are you going to do, Catherine?”

Alicia walked up, unhurried, and stopped in front of her. Winnie realized with a jolt that Alicia was taller—and that hourglass figure only stoked her jealousy. Teeth clenched, she met Alicia’s gaze.

Alicia, looking down at her, enunciated each word. “When I say it’s enough, it is.”

Winnie opened her mouth to retort, but the look in Alicia’s eyes froze the words in her throat. Cold sweat trickled down her back. She suddenly couldn’t move, couldn’t speak.

While Winnie stood rigid with fear, Alicia addressed the kneeling maids. “You two. Leave.”

They scrambled to their feet and fled without daring to thank her.

Alicia turned and walked away. Only then did Winnie’s senses return. Heat flared across her face as the humiliation sank in.

She let out a hateful laugh. “Be proud while you can. Let’s see how confident you are when your precious face and skin are ruined.”