Esther had never liked Elena. She’d dropped countless hints, both subtle and direct, but Elena always pretended not to understand. Now, using Ethan’s impending marriage as an excuse, Esther seized the opportunity to push her out.
Elena couldn’t figure out what she had ever done to deserve this treatment.
“Mom, Ellie can live wherever she wants. She’ll make her own arrangements,” Ethan interjected.
“After you marry Sienny, having such a third wheel around—are you fine with it? Would Sienny be fine with it?” Esther shot back, deliberately dragging Sienna into the conversation.
Sienna knew exactly what Esther wanted her to say. But having just been forced to agree to leave the entertainment industry, she was already feeling resentful.
“Auntie, I’ll listen to Ethan,” Sienna said with a practiced smile. “Besides, Ellie has been with Ethan for so many years. It’s not something she can easily change overnight.”
Esther’s expression darkened further. “It’s all the fault of that worthless mother of hers, bringing such trouble into the world.”
Elena’s body stiffened at the cruel words. Even after dinner, while waiting for Ethan in the courtyard, Esther’s harsh comment echoed in her mind.