While Nathaniel was tied up at work, Zara arrived at the mansion to find Zane eagerly waiting for her.
"Mommy," Zane shouted, leaping off the sofa and rushing over to her.
Zara crouched down and took him into his arms, smiling as she tousled his hair. "All ready for school?"
"Yes, I’m ready," Zane bead.
"He has been waiting for you since he woke up," ca Gracie’s voice from across the room.
Zara looked over and saw Gracie sitting on the sofa, calmly sipping her coffee.
"I thought you and Nathaniel would co early and have breakfast here," Gracie finally looked at her. "Why isn’t he here?"
Zara rose to her feet. "He got an urgent call from the office and had to leave early," she explained.
"Hmm," Gracie humd shortly but said nothing and resud her focus on her coffee.
Zara looked back at Zane, her smile returning. "Go and bring your bag. We are running late."
"I’ll be right back." Zane turned and rushed into his room.
Left standing there, Zara shifted awkwardly, unsure whether to sit or stay standing. Gracie hadn’t invited her to take a seat.
Zara cleared her throat softly as she looked around the hall. "Where is everyone?"
Gracie glanced at her as she set the cup down. "Still care about us! I thought you were too busy to think about us – even you ignored Zane."
"I ignored Zane!" Zara squinted at her, stunned. "I dropped him here last night because I went to attend an event with Nathaniel. It was a big event for him. I went to support my husband, not to enjoy a party. Why do you always bla ?"
It was rare for Zara to raise her voice to Gracie, but this ti her patience snapped. She couldn’t control herself from lashing out.
"No matter what I do, it’s never enough for you," she went on, the words coming out in a rush from her mouth. "When I stopped working to focus on the family, you had complaints. When I started working again, you still had complaints. You’re never satisfied with . If my presence bothers you so much, then I won’t co here anymore. I won’t even send Zane here."
"You—" Gracie began heatedly, springing to her feet. But before she could continue, Zane ca running out with his school bag slung over his shoulder.
"Mommy, I am ready," he exclaid cheerfully.
Zara mustered a smile. "Let’s go then." Holding his hand, she walked out without even sparing a glance at her mother-in-law.
Gracie rolled her hands into fists as she glared at their departing forms. "You," she muttered, grinding her teeth. "You dared to disrespect . Wait, just wait..."
She took up her phone and dialed Nathaniel. The call was logged in after a long ring.
"Nathaniel," she burst out angrily, "your wife just insulted . She said I’m always complaining about her and spoke to in the most disrespectful way. You need to teach her a lesson."
Nathaniel grimaced, rubbing his temples.
"I only asked why she was late to pick up Zane, but she fired up at ," Gracie continued furiously. "She lost her manners completely. She doesn’t have any respect for ."
"Mom, I’m at work right now," Nathaniel said, trying to stay calm. "Can we talk about this later?"
"You..." Gracie’s face turned even uglier. "Are you ignoring now? You don’t take my words seriously, do you?"
"It’s not what I an," Nathaniel said with a weary sigh. "I’m really busy. I promise I’ll co by after work, alright?"
"Fine," she said curtly with frustration. "Rember your promise."
Beep
The line went dead.
Nathaniel shrugged as he glanced down at the phone. He shook his head as he put the phone aside and resud checking the file.
Gracie huffed and crossed her arms across her chest, her irritation rising. She muttered curses under her breath.
Riya appeared in the hall in the anti and saw her brooding. "Mom, are you alright?" she asked with concern lacing in her tone, striding toward her. "Did anyone say sothing to upset you?"
Gracie twisted her mouth with disdain. "Who can upset in this family other than Zara? She has been a constant headache since she married my son. Now she had the nerve to humiliate ."
"What?" Stunned, Riya’s eyes widened. "She humiliated you! How dare she?" She stomped her foot. "Zara is always like this. With her sharp tongue, she kept humiliating . Now, she didn’t even hesitate to go after you. Mom..."
She sat down beside Gracie and tugged at her arm. "Don’t let her get away with it this ti. You should teach her a lesson she won’t forget."
"I’ve already told Nathaniel," Gracie replied, lifting her chin with arrogance. "He promised to co by after work. I’ll make sure he punishes her for her insolence."
Riya’s brows pinched. She doubted whether Nathaniel would take action against Zara, given his recent closeness to her. "Mom, Nathaniel has a soft spot for her. He might not do anything. You should take it to Dad instead."
But Gracie didn’t sway. She firmly believed Nathaniel would take her side. "He is my son. Of course, he will listen to ," she said with confidence.
Riya, however, had doubts in her mind. She believed Nathaniel wouldn’t do anything. But she saw a perfect chance to teach Zara a lesson.
A shrewd idea occurred to her.
"Yes, he is your son. Of course, she will listen to you." Riya forced a smile. "But Zara isn’t entirely at fault. She has just restarted her career after a long absence and will naturally focus on her work. Nathaniel supports her, and if you openly attack Zara, he’ll be hurt. He won’t oppose you outright, but he’ll be conflicted. Do you want to put him in that position?"
Gracie furrowed her eyebrows as she processed Riya’s words. She would never put her son into trouble.
"There is no need to say anything negative about Zara," said Riya.
Gracie squinted at her. "What are you trying to say? Say it clearly."
Riya smirked inwardly. Her plan was working. "Since Zara has been busy with her work, she is not paying enough attention to Zane. This is what you are worried about, right?"
Gracie nodded in agreent.
"This problem will be solved if they stay here," Riya suggested. "Zara can work freely without worrying about Zane. And for Zane – he enjoys being here."
Gracie’s face brightened with satisfaction. "You are right. They should stay here. I’ll speak to Nathaniel."
Riya smiled inwardly — if Zara and Nathaniel moved into the mansion, she’d have many more opportunities to get her revenge. ’Let’s see how long she lasts with this family,’ she muttered in her mind maliciously.
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