305.


    YOU''RE FIRED! KATHERINE I stood frozen for a moment, unsure of how to respond.


    A storm of conflicting emotions crashed inside my chest.


    The overwhelming joy of finally meeting her, the nervousness of getting close, of how she would treat me, of whether I could win back her love after more than ten years...


    and now...


    Now, all that remained was the bitterness of seeing my daughter treat me as an enemy, a stranger.


    "Tam your mother, Lavinia, and I only want whats best for you..." "T dont have a mother! You have no right to call yourself that! Get out of my room, leave, leave...!"" she started screaming, throwing water at me.


    Asoapy sponge hit me directly on the chest, soaking my dress and skin, sshing my face.


    I clenched my fists, my whole body trembling.


    My gaze moved from her tantrum to the so-called "nanny" standing in the corner.


    She quickly lowered her eyes, but I saw it clearlythe smugness and mockery in them.


    "Leave the bathroom.


    I wont say it again," I ordered coldly, taking control.


    My chest ached from Lavinias rejection, but I would have time to win her over, to fix the mess my sister had left behind.


    Now, I would protect her, even if it meant making her hate me more.


    "I''m sorry, mydy, but you''ll have to finish on your own today.


    My ---- apologies..." the woman said pitifully, stepping forward to stroke Lavinias wet hair as if she were her mother.


    "No, nanny, dont go, dont leave!...


    The child clung to her arm, and ina single nce, I could see itthis woman had taken Rosses ce, who, it seemed, didnt even spare my daughter a second look.


    I wanted to dig her out of the ground just to kill her myself.


    The "nanny" walked past me, finally leaving the bathroom.


    "Dm going to tell Father so he punishes you for abusing nanny! You re awful, I hate you, I hate you!" "But I love you, my daughter...


    I just want to take care of you..." I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat and shoving all those weak emotions deep inside.


    "Finish your bath, dont catch a cold.


    Lady Freya is waiting outsideshe was my nanny, and she will assist you." I spoke and left the enormous, luxurious bathroom, leaving her throwing a fit behind me.


    "Take care of her, make sure she doesnt fall or anything.


    Be patient," I whispered to Freya, who nodded as she stood waiting in Lavinias room.


    Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the small study, closing the door behind me.


    What have you been saying to my daughter?" I asked the woman, walking up to confront her.


    "Nothing important, madam.


    Just little girl tal ----