44 Venomous Words, Bitter Truths
The tension in the boutique was suffocating. Elara felt all eyes on her as Ruby approached, her concern seeming genuine but unwelcome.
“Everything’s fine, Elara replied tersely, though nothing about the situation was remotely fine.
Ruby offered a practiced smile. “Elara, you look… well.” Her gaze swept over Elara’s figure. “Those extra pounds suit you. Makes you look more… approachable.”
Chloe stiffened beside her. The backhanded compliment hung in the air like poison.
Linda moved to stand beside her father, shooting daggers at Elara with her eyes. “Daddy, did you get Aunt Lizzy’s anniversary gift?*
Alistair patted the pocket where he’d stashed the velvet box. “Yes, princess. It’s perfect.”
Linda beamed. “She’ll love it. You’re so thoughtful to get her such an expensive piece for your fifteenth anniversary. She glanced at Elara, an unmistakable smirk forming. “Aunt Lizzy deserves to be spoiled after putting up with all that drama from your past.”
The implication was clear. Linda was referencing Elara’s mother without saying her
name.
“We should go,” Chloe murmured, placing a protective hand on Elara’s arm.
They turned to leave, but Alistair stepped forward, blocking their path.
“Actually, Elara, I wanted a word with you.” His tone was civil but firm. “About Vivienne.”
Elara crossed her arms. “I have nothing to say to you about your daughter.”
“Perhaps not, but you’ll listen to what I have to say.” Alistair’s jaw clenched. “Stop causing trouble for her at YodaVision. Your little partnership with Julian Croft is hurting her professional standing.”
Elara blinked in genuine confusion. “What are you talking about?”
Linda stepped closer, venom in her voice. “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what you’re doing, trying to poach clients that should rightfully go to Vivienne’s firm.”
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44 Venomous Words, Bitter Truths
“I haven’t-”
“Damien was furious when he found out,” Linda continued, cutting her off. “He said he’d handle it personally. He even awarded Vivienne the Sentinel Project–worth billions–to make up for your underhanded tactics.”
The revelation struck Elara like a physical blow. Damien had deliberately interfered with her business to benefit Vivienne?
“That’s right,” Linda added, clearly enjoying Elara’s shock. “The project my father’s company was hoping to land. But Damien gave it to Vivienne instead. Shows where his loyalty lies, doesn’t it?”
Anger flared through Elara’s veins. Of course Damien would do that. He’d always put
Vivienne first.
“That’s enough, Linda, Alistair chided halfheartedly, but his daughter’s smug expression didn’t falter.
Ruby placed a manicured hand on Alistair’s arm. “Dear, we should really get going. We
have dinner reservations.”
Alistair nodded but turned back to Elara. “Just leave Vivienne alone. She’s happy with Damien. Your daughter is adjusting well to their relationship. Don’t make things more difficult than they need to be.”
Elara felt something snap inside her. “More difficult? You think I’m the one making things difficult?”
“Elara,” Chloe warned quietly, sensing her friend’s rising fury.
“No,” Elara said firmly: “I won’t stand here and be blamed for problems created by your daughter’s lack of morals.”
Ruby gasped. “How dare you! After all Vivienne has done to include you in Cora’s life-”
“Include me? In my own daughter’s life?” Elara’s laugh was hollow. “That’s rich.”
“You’re being unreasonable,” Alistair stated flatly. “Vivienne is trying to create harmony in a difficult situation.”
“A situation she created,” Elara countered. “Just like you created a situation with my mother years ago.”
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2/5
44 Venomous Words. Bittor Truths
Linda rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ancient history, Get over it already.”
The sales assistant cleared her throat awkwardly. “Perhaps this conversation could continue elsewhere?”
Elara took a step toward the door, Chloe followed, relief evident on her face.
“Running away won’t solve anything,” Alistair called after her. “Please, Elara. For Cora’s sake, try to be civil.”
Elara stopped in her tracks and turned slowly. “Civil? Like how your daughter was civil when she slept with my husband? Or how you were civil when you destroyed my mother’s marriage?”
“That was different,” Alistair insisted. “Your mother and 1-”
“Save it,” Elara cut him off. “I don’t need to hear your justifications.”
Ruby huffed indignantly. “Your manners are appalling, Elara. No wonder Damien preferred Vivienne.”
“And no wonder Cora does too,” Linda added with a cruel smile.
Something inside Elara cracked. The accumulated pain of Damien’s betrayal, Cora’s distance, and now this deliberate attempt to wound her–it was too much.
“I apologize for my manners,” she said, her voice dangerously calm. “I wasn’t raised to be as well–mannered as mistresses seem to be in your family.”
The boutique fell silent. Ruby’s face flushed dark red. Linda’s mouth dropped open in shock. Alistair’s expression hardened into stone.
“That was uncalled for,” he said quietly.
“So was this entire conversation,” Elara replied. “Excuse me.”
She pushed past them, Chloe right behind her. Neither spoke until they were outside on the sidewalk, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the stifling tension inside.
“Holy shit,” Chloe breathed. “That was intense”
Elara’s hands were shaking. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Are you kidding? It was brilliant. They deserved it.”
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44 Venomous Words, Bitter Truths
“Maybe” Elara admitted. “But it won’t help anything
They walked in silence for a moment, Elara’s mind racing with new information. Damien had actively undermined her business to help Vivienne. It shouldn’t have surprised her, but somehow, it still hurt.
“Do you think it’s true?” she finally asked. “About Damien giving Vivienne that project?”
Chloe sighed. “It wouldn’t surprise me. He’s always put her first.”
“He’s never even asked what I do at YodaVision,” Elara said bitterly. “Never shown any interest. But he’ll go out of his way to help Vivienne’s career.”
“Because he’s an ass,” Chloe stated bluntly. “A selfish, entitled ass who doesn’t deserve you or Cora.”
They reached Chloe’s car, but neither made a move to get in.
“What they said about Cora…” Elara’s voice caught. “Do you think she really prefers
Vivienne?”
Chloe’s expression softened. “No. Cora’s a child. She’s easily swayed by attention and gifts. But you’re her mother, Elara. That bond can’t be replaced, no matter how riding lessons Vivienne gives her.”
many
Inside the boutique, Alistair gathered the velvet box containing the anniversary gift. His face was grim, disappointment etched in the lines around his eyes. Without another word, he turned and walked out, Ruby and Linda trailing behind him.
Elara watched them go, a strange mixture of vindication and regret swirling in her chest. She had stood her ground, but at what cost? The battle lines were more clearly drawn than ever, and somehow, she felt even more isolated in her fight to reclaim what was rightfully hers–her dignity, her career, and most importantly, her daughter’s love.
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