Chapter 28: Arrogant!

When Winnie and her mother, Beatrice, heard the news, they exchanged a confused look. Beatrice frowned as Winnie shook her head. “Did my husband request the vans?” she demanded. “Or were they brought in by the decoration company—or the entertainment team for today’s party?”

The butler thought for a moment, then shook his head. “The vans are heavily guarded by armed men. They refused to answer my questions or let me near them. I can’t say.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened, then her expression darkened. She stormed out of the house, with Winnie hurrying after her. At the mansion’s car park, they spotted the vans—surrounded by masked, armed guards. Both women frowned at the sight.

Beatrice strode forward. “Who is in charge?” she called out.

Ciara stepped down from one of the vans. Recognizing Beatrice as Chairman Alexander’s wife, she greeted her politely. “Hello, Mrs. Alexander.”

Beatrice wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. “Who is in charge,” she repeated, “and why are you here?”

“We’re here because your husband authorized it,” Ciara replied.

Beatrice blinked, disbelief creasing her features. “My husband?”

She fixed Ciara with a stern look. “I hope you’re not lying to me. I hate liars—utterly. If you are, the consequences will be dire.”

With that, she turned and left, Winnie following close behind. Ciara watched them go and sighed, finally understanding why Andy had stationed armed guards around the vans: the mother and daughter were a handful.

After leaving the mansion’s park, Beatrice marched straight to Alexander’s study and barged in without knocking. Ignoring whatever he was working on, she demanded, her voice edged with anger, “Alex, what was the meaning of that? You brought vans into the mansion without discussing it with me? What do you take me for? Why didn’t you talk to me first—and what’s inside those vans?”

Alexander looked up, expression unchanging. His voice was calm. “Andy asked for permission. I granted it.”

The nonchalance in his reply only fueled her fury. Gritting her teeth, she snapped, “That cripple thinks he’s part of this family. The sooner we put him in his place, the better. I don’t feel safe with those vans here. I want them gone, Alex.”

Alexander tapped his desk, watching her with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. He sneered lightly. “Beatrice, the ‘cripple’ you’re talking about is my son-in-law. That makes him family.”

Her face tightened. She was used to getting her way with Alexander—often without pushing. His resistance now left her seething. “Are you going to send them out or not?”

His gaze hardened. “They’re not leaving. And if you can’t stand them being here, you can go. No one will stop you.”

Shock flashed across her features. Her nails dug into her palms as she stared at him, eyes reddening. She spoke slowly, each word sharpened by anger. “Alex, ever since your precious daughter Catherine returned, you’ve changed. I hope you’re not going to throw away my sacrifice, my dedication, and the love we’ve shared all these years—because of your love for your late wife…”

Alexander shot to his feet, his composure fracturing into fury. “Don’t you dare mention her name.”

The air in the study thickened. Knowing she had crossed a line, Beatrice held his gaze, her voice cold. “Alex, don’t make me regret loving you—and everything I’ve done to be with you.”

Beatrice finished speaking, spun on her heel, and marched out of the room. She headed for the mansion’s car park; Ciara wasn’t there.

Facing the armed guards Andy had brought into the estate, she snapped, “All of you—get lost.”

Winnie, at her side, shouted, “Are you deaf? Didn’t you hear my mom? Scram! Or do you want me to throw you out myself?”

To their shock, the guards lifted their rifles as one, muzzles leveling at mother and daughter. Winnie blanched. Beatrice’s face didn’t flicker as she lifted her chin and taunted, “Go on—shoot. I want the whole world to see how murderous and bloodthirsty that cripple is.”

Winnie trembled, her voice breaking. “M-Mom, d-don’t make them shoot.”

“They’re here because of me,” came Alicia’s voice from behind them.

Ciara stood beside her.

The guards instantly lowered their weapons at the sight of Alicia. Their deference only stoked Beatrice’s fury. She’d always ruled this house. Since Alicia’s return, control had been slipping through her fingers.

She regarded Alicia with a calm mask stretched over anger. “I am your mother—and the mistress of this mansion. I have every right to know why these vans are here. It’s a matter of security. You didn’t grow up in a proper environment but in a violent, undereducated one, so it’s natural that we have… limited trust in you.”

Alicia arched a brow, feigning surprise. “You seem to know an awful lot about the environment I grew up in.”

Beatrice faltered, suddenly aware Alicia was steering the exchange.

Winnie jabbed a finger at Alicia’s face. “My mom is talking to you. Answer her and stop spouting nonsense.”

Alicia’s interest faded. She looked at them both and said, coolly, “Neither of you is worthy of knowing.”

She turned and walked away. Ciara watched her with open admiration.

Beatrice ground her teeth, hatred flaring hotter than before. Winnie burst out, “So arrogant.”