Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Don’t play games with me

“Look at that bitch! How dare she show up here?” Ruby muttered, glaring in Orabela’s direction. “And Roderick’s kissing her! Ugh, I want to slap both of them.”

“Ignore them,” Layla said gently. “Just enjoy your meal. I’m so glad you could make it.” She smiled warmly.

“Well, Lucius sent a special car for me,” Ruby replied, taking a spoonful of ice cream. “Everyone’s got him all wrong, especially me. I believed all those stupid rumors and even told you some.”

Layla’s heart skipped a beat at Ruby’s words. Lucius had gone out of his way to ensure Ruby was here. It was a true act of chivalry, making Layla’s smile deepen as she thought about him.

“Madam, Sir Lucius’s mother requests your presence,” a waiter informed Layla politely. She glanced at Ruby and offered a reassuring smile. “Enjoy the food, and don’t let anyone ruin your mood,” she said before excusing herself.

Following the waiter, Layla’s steps slowed as she approached the gathering area. Her eyes widened in surprise at the scene before her. Evelina, Lucius’s mother, was beaming as she chatted animatedly with Orabela and her family. Even Lucius’s in-laws were present, their faces reflecting the same cheerful warmth. But there was one conspicuous absence—Lucius. Where could he be?

Layla’s gaze swept the hall, searching for any sign of him, but there was none. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, exuberant shout.

“Here comes my sweet sister!” Orabela called out, her voice dripping with enthusiasm. She strode over to Layla, her eyes sparkling with an unusual cheerfulness. Layla couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Before she could react, Orabela’s hand slipped around her arm, pulling her closer to the group. The grip felt almost too familiar, too tight. What was Orabela up to? Confused Layla just stared at her for a brief moment.

“Layla, where were you when the whole family is gathered here?” Evelina asked, her smile tight but curious.

“I—I was with a friend,” Layla stammered, forcing a smile. She could barely stand to be near her family, the very sight of them—especially her father—making her skin crawl.

Evelina’s eyes narrowed. “I heard your mother didn’t attend the reception today.”

“No, she didn’t,” Layla replied, her voice strained as she shifted under Evelina’s scrutinizing gaze. The tension was suffocating.

“Why don’t you tell your mother-in-law how you manipulated Lucius into going to your house after your mother slapped you?” Fiona’s voice cut through the room like a knife. Layla’s smile instantly faded, her face draining of color. How could Fiona be so cruel, and in front of everyone?

“Fiona, how many times do I have to tell you to mind the time and place before airing such matters?” Aleksis snapped, his eyes flashing with anger as he picked up his champagne glass. He took a long sip, trying to calm himself.

“Father, I’m simply informing Mother-in-law about recent events,” Fiona retorted, her voice dripping with false innocence. “After all, even my son’s wrist hasn’t healed since Lucius intervened. Layla really knows how to control a man like him,” she added with a spiteful smirk, her words landing like poison darts.

“Mom, please, stop,” Roderick whispered urgently, leaning closer to his mother. But Fiona shot him a sharp glare, silencing him.

“Well, there are plenty of other things that have happened recently,” Fiona muttered darkly, casting a sidelong glance at Layla.

“I’ve seen the recent news articles. She didn’t hesitate to spread rumors about her own sister,” Evelina remarked, her eyes still locked on Layla, piercing and cold.

“Exactly!” Orabela chimed in, seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation. “Aunt Eve, you must have noticed how our family’s reputation is being dragged through the mud.” She gave a theatrical sigh, her expression one of innocent distress. “But I don’t believe it’s Layla’s fault. Why would she do something like that? It’s obvious that someone’s trying to create a rift between us,” she continued, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Fiona’s lips twisted into a sneer. “Everyone knows Layla is the illegitimate daughter of the Rosenzweig Family. Who would bother conspiring against you two unless it’s about the inheritance?” Her voice dripped with contempt as she glanced at Layla, as if daring her to deny it.

Orabela’s face turned serious as she glanced at Layla, their eyes meeting in a tense silence. “No, that’s not true!” she said, raising her voice, though her smile remained as she tried to mask her unease. “Layla and I would never fight over inheritance. We both know exactly where it belongs.” Her eyes flicked to Layla, a hint of challenge in them, before turning back to the group. “Of course, it’s Father’s.”

Layla could see the calculated glances being exchanged, the judgment in Evelina’s eyes, the malicious delight in Fiona’s smirk, and the triumphant gleam in Orabela’s gaze.

“Well, as Lucius’s mother, I wasn’t entirely pleased with this marriage,” Evelina finally declared, her voice calm yet firm. “However, my son is fond of Layla, regardless of her status, so I support his decision.”

Layla was stunned. Evelina had always been distant, and Layla had assumed she would never truly accept her. To hear these words now was unexpected, almost surreal.

“But where is Lucius?” Evelina asked, looking around, her inquiry lightening the atmosphere slightly.

“I—I’ll bring him here,” Layla stammered, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere. She turned, her heart racing, and nearly collided with Lucius, who had just entered the hall.

His expression was dark, his eyes stormy as if he had overheard every venomous word. Layla forced a smile, trying to hide her turmoil.

“Oh! Here comes Lucius!” Fiona exclaimed with an overly wide grin, her tone falsely cheerful.

Ignoring her, Lucius walked straight to Layla, his gaze softening as he reached her. He gently caressed her cheek with the pad of his fingers with his warm and protective touch.

“The woman who pretends to be my mother is not,” he announced coldly. His eyes flicked to Fiona. “And Fiona, I suggest you keep your mouth shut. If you continue crossing the line, I won’t hesitate to put you in your husband’s grave.”

It was an open threat to her. Fiona’s smug smile vanished, replaced by a look of fear. Even Evelina stiffened at his words, taken aback by his intensity.

Roderick, already aware of his uncle’s temper, had wisely slipped away, wanting no part in this dangerous confrontation. He knew better than to test Lucius’s patience, especially with his mother’s reckless behavior.

“And Orabela,” Lucius’s voice dropped, turning almost deadly, “what did you put in the drink Layla was supposed to have?”

A stunned silence fell over the room. Everyone’s eyes turned to Orabela, who froze, her confident facade cracking. For a moment, she seemed at a loss, her gaze darting around as if searching for an escape.

“W-What are you talking about, Lucius?” she stammered, her voice shaking despite her attempt to sound innocent. “I wouldn’t—why would I do something like that?”

Lucius’s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through her weak denials. “Don’t play games with me, Orabela. I know what you did. Now, I suggest you start talking, or things will get very unpleasant for you.”