"You're right, Kim. And now my youngest is all over Leo's wife," Lisa said with an exaggerated sigh, taking a slow sip of her champagne. Kim raised a brow with a teasing smirk. "Is she beautiful?" Lisa shrugged. "Yes, she is. But she lacks the class to survive in our kind of society."
"That's not important, you know," Kim replied gently. "You should just let go and let them be happy." Mom, I wanted to show you something—" The two women turned at the sound of Aurora's voice. She was descending the grand staircase in a flowing satin robe, her hair pinned in an elegant bun.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, hesitating when she saw the guest. "I didn't know you had company." Nonsense, dear. Come here," Kim said, waving her over with a warm smile. "Meet my very good friend Lisa Dark Hart. Lisa, this is my daughter, Aurora." Lisa rose slightly from her seat and leaned forward to kiss Aurora's cheek. "Nice meeting you, Aunt," Aurora said politely. Lisa blinked. "But… I thought you were Rose's daughter?"
Kim let out a tired sigh. "Lisa, that's a very long story." Turning to her daughter, she asked, "You wanted to show me something?"
"Oh… it can wait," Aurora said with a soft smile. "I'll be by the poolside with Aunt Olivia."If you say so, my child." Is she married?" Lisa asked once Aurora had left the room.
"Yes, she is," Kim answered proudly.
Lisa clicked her tongue in disappointment. "What a shame. If only she wasn't married…"
Kim chuckled. "Come on, Lisa. You want our kids to get married now?" And what's wrong with that?" Lisa said dramatically. "Your girl is stunning. A rare gem. Now come on tell me the full story."
Kim exhaled slowly. "That son of a bitch… He really had the nerve to call Peter to ask for help." "William told me about that," Lisa replied, shaking her head. "My dear friend, I can't even imagine the pain you've gone through. But it's all behind you now. Your daughter is finally with you and that's what matters."
"You're right, Lisa," Kim said with a soft, genuine smile. "I'm so happy and at peace. My family finally feels complete. These past few days have been filled with nothing but joy." Lisa leaned in with a playful grin. "Even with your annoying in-laws hanging around?"
Kim chuckled but before she could reply—
"Well, I always knew you'd been badmouthing me to society, Kim." Both women turned to see Amelia Riverson descending the staircase like a queen, her piercing eyes locked on Kim. Kim's throat went dry. Her words caught. She turned toward Lisa, who gave her an apologetic look and a helpless shrug.
"Mrs. Riverson," Lisa said, standing awkwardly. "It's always a pleasure to meet you." Amelia scoffed. "Lisa, you've never liked me. Don't waste my time with flattery. And don't try to explain it's obvious where the root of your dislike comes from." She narrowed her eyes at Kim, her tone sharp and full of resentment. Just then, Aurora and Olivia walked into the hallway.
"What is going on here?" Olivia asked, noting the tension in the room. Aurora glanced at her mother and immediately walked over. "Is Grandma disturbing you, Mom? "No, my dear, it's nothing like that," Kim replied, her voice faint but composed.
"Then why do you look so troubled?"
Olivia stepped forward with folded arms. "Aurora, come on. You can't seriously think my mother is harassing your mother."
Aurora turned slowly. "Well, that's exactly what's been happening since all of you got here." Aurora!" Kim's voice rang sharply.
"But Mom—"
"Wow, Kim," Amelia cut in bitterly, "you really succeeded in turning my own granddaughter against me."
"Grandma, I—"
"That's enough!" Amelia snapped.
"No!" Aurora stood tall, her voice firm. "Mom didn't do anything. I've been here, I've seen how you all treat her. And you think I'll sit by and let you disrespect my mother in her own house?"
"She is a nobody—" Aunt Olivia started.
Aunt Olivia!" Aurora's tone was lethal. "One more word from you, and I'll forget you're my father's sister." Olivia gasped. "Oh wow see that, Mom? Look how this girl is talking to me. Her own aunt! All because of a piece of trash she calls a mother."
"That's ENOUGH!" Aurora roared. "You've gone too far this time. Mom, go pack your things. You're leaving with me." Kim's eyes widened. "Aurora—"
"This house clearly isn't big enough to hold all of us. If my father can't stand up for you, I will. You're coming with me, and I don't want to hear a single word."
The entire room fell silent.
Amelia's lips curled into a tight line. Olivia looked away, her face pale. Lisa, shocked but impressed, kept her head low. Kim wiped a tear discreetly. She had waited years for someone to stand up for her and now her daughter had done just that. Aurora reached for her hand. "