I leaned heavily on my cane, my old bones aching with fury rather than age. The room had fallen into a tense silence after my outburst at Victoria. Good. Let them all remember who still holds the power in this house.


    “Olivia,” I said, reaching for her hand, "with Grandmother here, no one can bully you anymore."


    The relief in her eyes nearly broke my heart. How long had my poor girl suffered while I was lost in my


    confused memories?


    Victoria''s face had turned an interesting shade of red at my words. I watched with disgust as she quicklyposed herself, transforming her rage into a pitiful expression. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up


    at Ethan.


    "Ethan," she whispered, her voice trembling perfectly


    I nearly gagged at the performance. Did my grandson truly fall for such obvious maniption?


    With a dismissive snort, I returned to my seat, my cane thumping against the hardwood floor with each step. The sound seemed to echo my authority through the room.


    "Who allowed Victoria Frost toe in?!" I demanded, my voice sharp enough to make Eleanor flinch. "Didn''t I


    that as long as I''m alive, she''s not allowed to step foot in the Stone family''s house?"


    I fixed my gaze on Ethan, who had the decency to look ufortable.


    "So, am I too old now, and my words no longer carry weight in this house?" I continued, letting the usation


    hang in the air.


    (Victoria''s POV)


    I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, fighting to maintain myposed expression. The old witch hadn''t directly ordered me to leave, but her message couldn''t have been clearer,


    This was a public humiliation, designed to remind everyone of my ce - orck thereof in the Stone family hierarchy.


    My eyes sought Ethan''s, silently pleading for him to defend me. He met my gaze briefly before looking away. his jaw tight with tension.


    Eleanor was no better, her eyes fixed firmly on the floor. Not a single word of support from either of them.


    The realization hit me like a physical blow. I was alone in this battle.


    1 should go,” I murmured, making onest attempt to salvage my dignity. “Emma needs rest after her ordeal."


    I reached for my daughter''s hand, pulling her close to my side. She blinked up at


    me with confusion, still ying the part of the traumatized child.


    As we walked out of the Stone mansion, I felt Olivia''s eyes on my back. The smugness radiating from her made my skin crawl.


    Once outside, safely hidden from view by the massive oak trees lining the driveway, I let my mask of


    O III<pposure slip.