The moment the words left my mouth, the air in the room shifted. It felt thicker, heavier, like something unseen had woken up. The pale old man straightened, his eyes narrowing with an interest that unsettled everyone, even Valery. I watched Fake Pearl’s smile falter, just for a second, before she forced it back into place.“Regret,” the old man said softly. “A curious word for someone in your position.”He stepped back, not in fear, but in caution. And that alone made my pulse steady. He felt something. He sensed something. Something he had not predicted.Good.I lowered my head, letting my hair fall slightly forward. I needed time. That was all. A minute. Even half a minute. Anything to find a crack in their arrogance.But Valery moved first.She stalked closer, face twisted with triumph and bitterness. “It is over. Stop pretending you have any power here.”Fake Pearl crossed her arms with a smug tilt of her chin. “Honestly, you should be grateful. Raising a child was never suited t
Last Updated : 2025-12-17 Read more