ared had grown up alongside Bella; that much was true. But in Ashlyn

that she had rushed into registering a marriage with her own enemy? And

efore she could say a word, a burst of cheerf

trip, bringing her two children, Clar

earlier in such a panic-he had gon

knock echoed throu

hands. Time had treated her kindly; her flawlessly preserved face showed no

rprise flickered across her eyes. But it vanished almo

each of you. Take a look

gift boxes and arranged them neat

with a distinctive design. The other contained a bracelet adorned with

f glance before an icy scoff

of her way to drive a wed

sents. One gift would always be something both of them would genuinely like, while the

ich one she picked, she would end up fe

er, her smile gentle and encouraging. "I put a lot of thought into bu

ime. But after living through two lifetimes and hearing wha

d remained standing where she

t as a hint of victory appeared in Alicia's eyes, Ashlyn moved wit

fore she staggered backward, nearly crashing against the wall. She covered her burning cheek,

ge upstairs. He rushed over, and the moment he saw Alicia standing

hat exactly are you two t

his chest and burst into tea

slapped me without saying a single word. I've been part of the Quinn family for so many years. I've given you children, taken care

grievance, and her tears ma

ved up his sleeves and stepped in front of Alicia. Eighteen years old and ru

way to buy gifts for you. What exactly did she do wrong? Apologize to h

, her delicate appearance made her look like a little princess, but at that moment, she

r?" A cruel smile tugged at her lips as she spoke, her childish voice carrying a vicious

n an instant, her expressi

h, and you'll be the ne

veryone's eyes. Every word she spoke, every move she made, c

r gentle; it was cold, dangerous, and heavy with the

fear, she burst into tears and immedi

ok with rage, his voice

ctually raised your hand against your own stepmother and bullied your younger sister. Tell me, what else are you planning to do? Ryan, hold