Chapter 69: The Unwanted Guest

Esme stood at the top of the staircase, gripping the railing so tightly her knuckles turned white. Down below, the grand front doors had just swung open, and in walked Grandma White, her expression as stern and authoritative as ever. But she wasn't alone.

Sophia followed behind, stepping into the mansion like she already owned it, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

"I've made my decision," Grandma announced, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Sophia will stay here from now on."

Esme's heart dropped.

Sophia smiled, slow and triumphant, as she glanced around the mansion, her gaze finally landing on Esme at the top of the stairs. "It's good to be back," she murmured, eyes glinting with satisfaction.

Kael, who had been standing near the living room, clenched his jaw. His fingers twitched, barely restraining the urge to throw something against the wall. He exhaled sharply. "Grandmother—"

"Not a word, Kael," Grandma cut him off, lifting a hand. "This is how things will be from now on. I want to see which of these two women truly deserves the title of 'Kael's wife.'" She turned her sharp gaze toward Esme, eyes filled with challenge. "Nothing is set in stone yet."

Esme inhaled deeply, forcing herself to stay composed even though her stomach churned. She felt humiliated.

This woman—this outsider—was being placed on the same level as her?

Sophia let out a light laugh, covering her mouth as if she found the entire situation amusing. "Oh, Esme, don't look so pale. I'm sure you'll put up a good fight."

Esme's fingers curled into fists at her sides, but she refused to let Sophia see how much this was affecting her.

"Take her things to the room next to Kael's," Grandma instructed the guards, waving her hand dismissively.

Kael's patience snapped. "That room is occupied," he said sharply.

Grandma turned to him, unbothered. "Then find somewhere else for whoever's there."

Kael's lips pressed into a thin line. He was holding back for now, only because he didn't want to create an all-out war in the middle of his own house.

Sophia turned to Esme again, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "Oh dear, I hope this arrangement won't make you uncomfortable."

Esme let out a slow breath, forcing herself to meet Sophia's gaze head-on. "Not at all," she said, her voice level. "Unlike you, I don't need to prove anything."

Sophia's smirk faltered for a split second before she recovered. "We'll see."

Grandma turned on her heel, satisfied with how everything had unfolded. "I expect to see results soon," she said before walking out, leaving a thick tension behind.

Kael exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. His patience had been tested beyond its limits today.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Esme and Sophia standing there, both fully aware that the battle had just begun.