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    Graham Vi was avishly decorated estate, a perfect disy of wealth. The air carried the faint scent of expensive wood polish, mingling with the rich aroma of dinner being prepared.


    Mrs. Galloway, wee home," a maid greeted at the entrance.


    Inside the grand dining room, the Graham family, who had just sat down for their dinner, were momentarily stunned by her arrival. But the surprise onlysted a beat before they all stood up, greeting her with enthusiastic smiles.


    "Rosalie, sweetie, you''re back," udia beamed, reaching out to grasp Rosalie''s hands in a gesture of affectionate wee. "Why didn''t you tell me in advance?" She was ying the part of the doting stepmother to perfection, her eyes soft and her tone sugary sweet.


    If Rosalie hadn''t uncovered the truth, she might have actually been touched by this warm reception. But now, as she met udia''s sickeningly sweet smile, her own expression remained indifferent.


    With practiced ease, Rosalie withdrew her hands from udia''s grasp and curved her lips into a cool smile. "This is my home. I cane back whenever I want. What, do I need to notify you in advance now?"


    udia stiffened, momentarily at a loss for words. A flicker of displeasure shed in her eyes.


    For years, she''d yed the role of the loving stepmother so well that it had be second nature. And with how useful Rosalie still was to them, she


    couldn''t afford to drop the act just yet. So, udia swallowed her irritation and forced her usual warmth back onto her face.