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Novel Catalog
Chapter 76
Eden’s heart tensed at the sound of Bethany’s voice, but she quickly regained her composure. She had come a long way from the scared and uncertain girl she once was. The past, with all its pain and bitterness, no longer had the same hold over her. And today, she was no longer the same woman who would shrink away in the face of confrontation.
She met Bethany’s gaze squarely, her expression calm, though a flicker of something darker passed through her eyes. “I haven’t forgotten anything, Bethany,” she said, her voice measured and cool. “But I’ve learned to move on.”
Victor observed Eden with a quiet intensity. The transformation in her was striking—what was once a hesitant and unsure woman now stood before him with an aura of quiet strength and self-assurance. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and curiosity. Eden’s growth was apparent in the way she stood her ground now.
Bethany’s eyes narrowed at Eden’s words, clearly offended by her tone. She looked from Eden to Victor, her expression tightening. “So, now you’re too good to speak to me?” she sneered. “Is this how you repay the woman who raised you?”
Victor remained silent, his gaze flicking between the two women. He could sense the tension in the air, but he wasn’t one to interfere in personal matters unless absolutely necessary. Still, the situation intrigued him. Eden was handling it so differently than he had expected.
Myra, standing slightly behind her mother, smiled sweetly at Victor, trying to regain some of his attention. “Mr. Alwynn, I’m sure Eden’s just a little overwhelmed by the unexpected reunion. It’s been a long time since she’s seen her dear mother.” She said it with a touch of sarcasm, but her gaze lingered on Victor, clearly trying to charm him.
Victor’s response was cool. “Indeed,” he said, his voice aloof. “It’s been a long time.”
Eden, ignoring Myra’s feigned sweetness, addressed Bethany directly, her voice unflinching. “You may have raised me, but that doesn’t mean you can control my life anymore. I’m not that girl, Bethany. And I don’t owe you anything.” The words came out with an edge, strong and unwavering.
Bethany’s face twisted with anger, her earlier composure slipping. “How dare you!” she spat, stepping closer to Eden. “You think you’re better than me? You think I don’t know what you’ve become? Don’t think for a second that I can’t expose you for who you really are!”
Eden’s gaze turned icy. “Expose me? What exactly do you think you could expose that I haven’t already faced?” She smiled, but it was a sharp, knowing smile. “Whatever you say doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve lived through worse than your threats.”
Victor watched the exchange, his attention now fully on Eden. He could sense that she was holding back from saying more, but it was clear that this was not a woman who would be easily intimidated anymore. There was a history between them, a painful one, but Eden wasn’t backing down.
Bethany’s face reddened with fury. She opened her mouth to retort, but Myra quickly stepped in, trying to shift the focus back to Victor. “Mr. Alwynn,” she cooed, “We really should catch up. It’s been so long, and we haven’t had a chance to talk properly.”
Victor gave her a quick, uninterested glance before turning his attention back to Eden. He could sense the emotional weight Eden carried, but he could also see that she wasn’t letting it control her. There was a subtle pride in the way she carried herself now, and it made Victor’s curiosity deepen.
“Excuse me,” Eden said, her voice calm but firm. “I think it’s best we don’t waste each other’s time. I have a dinner to attend.”
Victor gave Eden a look, his brow slightly raised, as if silently asking if she was sure about walking away. But he respected her choice, knowing that whatever was unfolding between her and her family was hers to handle.
Bethany and Myra stood silently for a moment, their expressions a mix of frustration and disbelief. But neither of them said anything further as Eden, with Victor beside her, turned and walked towards the restaurant.
As they made their way inside, Eden’s heart was racing, but she didn’t show it. She had faced Bethany and Myra head-on, and for the first time in years, she felt in control. Whatever the past had held, it no longer defined her.