Frank finally finished entertaining those girls and felt himself gradually returning to normal.


    As he stepped out of the lounge, he spotted Carm walking straight toward him. “So, what do you think of today’s girls?”


    “What do I think?”


    He yed dumb, even though he knew exactly what she meant.


    Carm put on a stern face. “Don’t act clueless. You’re my son–I know perfectly well how sharp you are.“,


    Frank had half a mind to brush her off. He didn’t want to upset his mother, but now that she’d confronted him so directly, he saw no reason to keep dodging the issue. “Mom, I’d really appreciate it if you stayed out of my personal life.”


    His tone was cool, maybe even a little distant.


    But Carm had always doted on her youngest son; she didn’t take offense. Instead, she spoke with gentle insistence. “If you don’t want me involved, then tell me what exactly do you n to do?”


    Frank’s expression grew guarded.


    The truth was, he hadn’t nned for anything. Just as he’d told Elissa before, the only woman he’d ever consider marrying was her.


    Sure, the girl had been acting outtely–maybe a bit too much—but, honestly, it was his fault. A little jealousy and drama from a young woman was hardly out of the ordinary.


    His silence made Carm jump to the worst conclusion. Her brows knitted as she spoke sharply. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of letting Marcia join the Atwater family again? Two brothers marrying the same woman–do you realize how people wouldugh at us?”


    The very thought kept her up at night.


    09:52


    Frank’s gaze was steady and cold. “What are you talking about? I already have a wife–how could I possibly marry someone else?”


    Carm was taken aback but remained skeptical. “You’ve never once considered divorcing Elissa for Marcia?”


    “Absolutely not.”


    Frank nodded, forcing himself to be patient. “Mom, trust me I know exactly what I’m doing.”


    He added, “Don’t ever set up something like this again. And please, don’t go behind my back to talk to Elissa, either.”


    “But-”


    Carm hesitated, looking ufortable. Still, she gave a reluctant nod.


    “Fine. I understand.”


    Frank immediately sensed something off. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”


    “No.”


    Carm denied it tly.


    But inside, she had already made up her mind: the Atwater family needed a new Mrs. Frank. Ever since that outrageous demand, she’d lost all respect for Elissa. A woman so greedy could never help her son–if anything, she’d only hold him back.


    Meanwhile, Elissa only allowed herself to rx once te had walked away. She leaned heavily against the wall, finally letting out a shaky breath.


    As the tension drained from her, she realized her palms were so tightly clenched that her nails had broken the skin.


    Every time she saw te, those ugly memories surged back like a recurring nightmare.


    She couldn’t stop herself from trembling with fear.


    09.52


    It took her a long time to recover; by the time she straightened up, she was chilled to the bone. She smoothed her dress–which, thankfully, was still perfectly in ce–and forced herself to return to the party.


    She hadn’t forgotten why she was here tonight.


    Carm seemed to expect her. As soon as Elissa stepped back inside, a maid approached and quietly led her to the study on the second floor.


    Carm was already there, pouring tea as she nced up. “Where did you go? Your legs look like they’re frozen.”


    “It was stuffy in the hall,” Elissa replied coolly. “I stepped out back for some air.”


    Carm set a teacup in front of her. “Try this. The tea estate just sent over a new batch.”


    “It smells wonderful,” Elissa said. Rowan loved tea, and growing up with him, she’d sampled the best since she was little. She took a sip and got straight to the point. “Mrs. Atwater, where’s the divorce certificate?”


    Now that everything was out in the open, Elissa had no patience for small


    talk.


    Carm’s hand paused as she set down her own cup. “I was going to give it to you today. But on second thought, I think it’s safer to wait.”


    “What <i>does </i>that mean?” Elissa frowned, confused.


    Wasn’t everything she’d done today supposed to make a clean break between her and the Atwater family?


    <b>3/3 </b>