Ileana hadn’t expected Scott to say that. Her head snapped up, eyes wide with shock.
“Sir, your tea is ready.”
At that moment, Mae knocked on the study’s door.
Mae set the teacup down and quietly left. Ileana stood frozen, unsure what to say.
“I… Alessia, she… after all, she’s been with her ssmates for two years. Of course, she’s closer to them,” Ileana stammered, fumbling for an excuse and forgetting
what she’d meant to call her.
“So, since you can’tpete with her, you take it out on people beneath you?”
“I… I’m sorry.” The apology slipped out before Ileana could catch herself. With her head bowed, she missed the look of disappointment in Scott’s eyes.
“Sorry for what?” Scott’s tone was cold,manding respect without a hint of warmth. He looked at Ileana not as a father, but as a superior addressing a
subordinate.
“I shouldn’t haveshed out at the maid just because I was upset at school,” she muttered, eyes downcast, trying to hide the resentment and humiliation simmering inside.
“Wrong.”
Ileana couldn’t understand, but she didn’t dare protest. Scott left his seat and walked toward her. She could only stare at his polished shoes, unable to lift her
gaze.
“Look at me.”
She flinched, but forced herself to look up, meeting Scott’s eyes. Hers were full of uncertainty and avoidance, but to Scott, they seemed cold and unfeeling–like a stagnant pool no one could disturb.
“If you want to pick on the staff, that’s your choice. But don’t ever let anyone catch you. If you want a ce in your ss, earn it. Use money, connections–whatever it takes. Turn people into your allies and make yourself indispensable. How you do it is up to you. I only care about results.”
Ileana stared at him, disbelief swirling in her eyes. Scott’s gaze remained icy and unyielding.
<b>14:42 </b>
“I don’t care what you were before. Now you carry <b>the </b>Tate name. <b>You </b>act <b>with </b><b>the </b>dignity andposure that’s expected from a member of this family. I <b>will </b>not <b>ept </b>an outsider who just happens to bear our name surpassing my own bloodline. If you can’t live up to that, I have no problem bringing Alessia back<b>.</b><b>” </b>
“I can do it. I will,” Ileana replied, her ambition finally breaking through in her voice. She clenched her fists, eyes fierce with determination–and something darker,
Scott looked satisfied. “I’ll arrange for an etiquette coach. Tomorrow’s introduction banquet is important. Don’t make any mistakes.”
“Yes, sir.” For the first time, Ileana managed a faint smile.
Scott nodded, gesturing for her to leave. As the study door clicked shut behind her, Ileana’s knees nearly buckled.
“Alessia! I am the real heiress of the Tate family. You’re nothing but a stepping stone. Whatever pain you feel–deal with it yourself!” she spat, storming down the hall.
That night, everyone in the household was lost in their own thoughts.
The next morning, the siblings took the bus to school as usual. By now, their presence barely drew a nce. Though the incident at the food court had made its way online, Alessia had anticipated it and managed to keep things quiet before it could spiral out of control.
Life had returned to its calm routine.
As soon as she stepped into the ssroom, someone greeted her.
“Thanks for yesterday.” That was the beauty of good connections–everything got done quickly and efficiently.
“It was nothing. Compared to handling celebrity gossip, this was a breeze. I should be thanking you for the stuff you brought me,” the ssmate grinned.
Alessia just smiled, saying nothing more.