?Chapter 120:


    After unleashing days of pent-up fury on Irene, a delicious sense of triumph rippled through Elliana’s chest. Since the day she’d married into the Evans n, Irene had been a relentless storm—spitting venom, weaving petty schemes, and making her life a daily battle. But today, she had finally turned the tables and served her tormentor a long-overdue dose of her own cruelty.


    It was, without question, the worst day of Irene’s life. No one had ever dared speak to her with such cutting disregard—not even Bertram, who’d barely disguised his contempt for her over the years, had ever gone this far. But Elliana had. And that was what made it burn. Worse still, Irene couldn’t strike back—not here, not now. All she could do was stand there, seething in silence, swallowing the humiliation like poison.


    Elliana took a moment to savor the sight— Irene’s clenched jaw and trembling fingers. Then, she turned her attention to Eloisa.


    Surprisingly, the fire had gone out of Eloisa. Even Ruben’s earlier attempt to calm her had failed. But somehow, Elliana’s words—sharp, precise, and deeply honest—had pierced through her fury and defused it.


    Each sentence Elliana had hurled at Irene echoed in Eloisa’s heart,ncing the pressure she’d been holding in for too long. Now, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, the fury reced by something far gentler: gratitude toward Elliana. She felt like a coiled spring finally released, the tension melting away and bringing a sudden sense of relief.


    “Elliana, thank you,” Eloisa said, her voice trembling with emotion.


    Elliana offered a soft, almost serene smile. “I only spoke the truth. There’s no need to thank me.”


    Eloisa let out a heavy, trembling sigh. “The Evans family is lucky—truly lucky—to have you.” Her voice faltered. “If only… If only my Charles…” She couldn’t finish. The words crumbled on her tongue, and she turned away, broken by grief.


    Across the room, Trinity stiffened. Eloisa’s praisended like a p, and a surge of dread knotted in her chest. Her eyes darted from face to face, silently gauging their reactions. Were they all beginning to see Elliana in a different light?


    In Trinity’s mind, Elliana’s ce in this family should have been considered a stain—not a badge of honor. Only she was the Evans family’s shining pride, not Elliana.


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    Jealousy tightened around Trinity like a noose. She couldn’t stand being sidelined while Elliana soaked in admiration. She had to act—had to be seen.


    Only minutes ago, Trinity had shrunk in fear under Eloisa’s fury, blending into the background. Now, she stepped forward with a poised, practiced smile.


    “Eloisa,” she said softly, slipping her hand around the grieving woman’s arm. “I’m so sorry for your loss. We can’t bring the dead back—but you must look after yourself. Seeing you like this breaks my heart.”


    But the moment her fingers touched Eloisa’s skin, Eloisa’s eyes ignited with fresh rage.


    “You!” With a cry of fury, Eloisa shoved Trinity away—hard. “Get away from me!”


    Trinity let out a gasp as she tumbled backward, hitting the floor with a thud.


    “Trinity!” Lance was at her side in an instant, helping her up as she clutched his arm like a fragile porcin doll. “Are you alright?” he asked, his face tight with concern.


    Trinity nodded, her eyes ssy with tears. “I’m fine,” she whispered, her voice trembling.


    Lance turned on Eloisa, indignation burning in his gaze. “Out of respect for our families’ long history—and knowing you’re grieving—we’ve tried to be understanding. But Trinity was only offeringfort. Don’t you think this was a bit excessive?”


    “Me? Excessive?” Eloisa gave a bitterugh, sharp as shattered ss. “Why don’t you ask her what she did?”


    Eloisa’s words sent a shiver of unease through Trinity.


    Others might be confused by the outburst, but Trinity knew exactly what Eloisa was referring to.


    Over the past two years, as Barbara’s health had seesawed between hope and despair, Eloisa had often turned to the Evans family to voice her anguish. One day, in a moment of deep vulnerability, she’d confided in them—only to be met not withpassion, but cruelty. That day, only Irene and Trinity had been home. And Trinity, desperate to win Irene’s approval, had said things that cut deep—callous, cold-blooded things that no grieving mother should ever hear. Eloisa hadn’t forgotten. Not a single word.


    Trinity felt the past slither up her spine like ice. If Eloisa chose to expose what had happened that day, the polished image she had so painstakingly built would…


    Trinity’s world seemed ready to crumble in seconds. Thinking quickly, she tightened her grip on Lance’s sleeve, her voice trembling just enough to sound sincere. “I’m really okay,” she murmured. “Eloisa’s in so much pain… I understand. Please, drop this and don’t make it worse for her.”


    But Lance wasn’t letting it go. “Eloisa,” he said, his tone steely, “Trinity practically grew up in this house. Everyone knows her—how kind she is, how bnced, howposed. So why don’t you tell us exactly what she did?”


    Trinity’s heart dropped. She wanted to scream at him—for his stubbornness and ignorance. “Lance, please, don’t make it a bigger issue because of me.”


    “Trinity, don’t be afraid,” he said gently. “Even if the Evans family shares some responsibility for what happened with Barbara, that doesn’t give Eloisa the right to attack you—or make false usations.” Then, he looked Eloisa dead in the eye. “If you really believe there’s a case here, then take it to court. We’ll face whatever thew decides. But if you keep throwing baseless me around, don’t expect me to stay silent.”


    His words were gasoline on open me.


    “Fine!” Eloisa snapped, eyes zing. “Your family loves to throw your weight around, don’t you? Well, guess what? I’m not afraid of you!” And with that, Eloisa surged toward Lance.


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