Ethan’s small voice quivered beside me. “Mama… why is Asher here?”
Before I could answer, Asher’s smug grin stretched across his face. “Because this is my house now. I’m the true son. You’re… just a bastard.”
Ethan recoiled, his hand tightening around mine. Anger flared inside me, hot and wild. I wanted to rip that arrogance from his lips, but Marina’s soft, poisonous voice stopped me.
“Asher, go to your room,” she said smoothly.
He sauntered upstairs, satisfaction in every step.
The maids passed, their eyes flickering to me but never meeting mine. Whispered words, sharp as knives, filled the hall.
“Everything’s been moved… Madam Vivienne’s belongings are now in the maid’s quarters.”
I swallowed hard, forcing my tears down. Marina pressed a hand to her chest, feigning concern.
“Oh, Vivienne… Dominic told me to stay here with Asher. I didn’t expect your things to be moved. Please, don’t misunderstand me.”
Honeyed words. Eyes laughing.
I clenched my jaw for Ethan’s sake. Taking his hand, I led him to the maid’s quarters.
Inside the cramped room, his resistance broke. He wept into my sleeve, small tears soaking my clothes.
“Mama… why does Papa treat us like strangers?”