The Heiress' Savage Comeback
Steven cast a disapproving glance at Salma. "This debacle was instigated by Jodie and Andrew. Why are you implicating Simone?" He was acutely aware that due to recent incidents involving his sons, they had become the butt of jokes among their relatives and friends. His wife's emotional state was somewhat unstable. Flushed with embarrassment, she vented her frustration on Simone, arguing, "Had she not quarreled with Jo, Andrew wouldn't have gotten involved. He's her blood brother, and he's in such a pitiful state. Shouldn't she show some compassion?" He furrowed his brows, "What are you implying?" Alice shot an unhappy look at her daughter-in-law. "It was Jodie and your son who stirred up the trouble, and Simone was merely defending herself. Hasn't this been humiliating enough? Do you want to prolong this drama?" Her daughter-in-law's confusion was escalating. It was Jodie's problem, but now, it had somehow become Simone's issue. Salma felt a surge of discomfort when her mother-in-law voiced this. "I'm also concerned about Andrew. If he continues in this state, I dread to think what might happen. Simone is his sister. If she can help, why is she being so heartless? I just want to have a word with her." Alice glared at her obstinate daughter-in-law, her anger flaring. "Simone has severed ties with you. If you confront her, it's emotional blackmail. It won't mend the relationship; it might even push her further away." Salma remained unconvinced. "She's my daughter. What's wrong with wanting to talk to her?" She was adamant about going, regardless of the consequences. Alice was livid. "Fine, persist in your stubbornness." She turned to Owen. "Old man, since they're here, we should refrain from interfering to avoid causing more trouble." It was evident that Salma was displeased with their meddling. If that was the case, they would cease their involvement. Owen was equally disgruntled. Their visit today had been fraught with tension, and it hadn't ended well. This was why they had always been reluctant to meddle in their children's affairs. Consequently, he wanted out. "Fine, let's return to the hotel and rest. We'll head back to Cebros early tomorrow morning." Then, he turned to his son. "Handle your family matters. Just make sure your wife doesn't live to regret it later." Salma was growing more obstinate and was disregarding others' advice. Once she made up her mind, nothing could deter her. If that was the case, they would let her face the repercussions. Their previous attempts to intervene at Gray Manor had not only been futile but had also bred resentment. If that was the case, they would excuse themselves from the thankless task. After stating this, Owen left directly with Alice. Seeing this, Steven had no choice but to follow them. He returned to the room dejectedly after being reprimanded by his parents. He looked at his wife sternly. "They've washed their hands of this. Are you satisfied now?" He knew Salma had harbored resentment towards his parents ever since she was summoned back to Gray Manor and reprimanded in front of the family. She wished the old couple would keep their noses out of it. "Why would I be pleased?" Good riddance. She was indeed relieved, but she couldn't admit it. "Your parents are from a different generation and can't stoop to Simone's level. They feel humiliated. But I feel sorry for my son. So, I'll find her." Seeing her in this state, Steven knew she wouldn't change her mind until she faced a setback. He said helplessly, "Fine, go ahead. Just don't regret it." In any case, he was too embarrassed to approach his daughter. Salma scoffed. "I didn't expect much from you anyway." He frowned. "You should limit your interactions with Mrs. Foster." His wife had been growing close to Melinda recently, and they often made plans together. He noticed that as time passed, his wife's resentment towards her daughter intensified. Melinda had never been fond of Simone and had always favored Jodie. She must have been manipulating Salma, gradually influencing her. She retorted unhappily, "Now you want to dictate who I can be friends with. Aren't you overstepping your bounds? I get along well with Mrs. Foster. What's wrong with spending more time with her?" Steven was taken aback. "I just think there's something off about her, and her intentions in getting close to you aren't pure. That's why I cautioned you."She dismissed his concerns. "You're overthinking it. We used to be close. Now, we're just rekindling our friendship. Men don't understand women, so don't interfere." She had a lot to discuss with Melinda, considering how her daughter was ruthless, always opposing her mother. Melinda's daughter was the same, deliberately humiliating her. His face darkened. "You're being unreasonable." She shot back, "You're the one who's being unreasonable." Seeing their parents arguing, Andrew and Aaron were somewhat bewildered. The latter quickly intervened. "Mom and Dad, have you booked a hotel? Let me take you to rest first." It was a tactic to prevent their argument from escalating. Steven responded, "Not yet. I'll stay here tonight to keep an eye on things." He was still worried about Andrew. Salma had an idea and said to Aaron, "Do you still have rooms at your place? Book me two." She had seen on the live broadcast that Tina and Simone were in the same group, so they were staying at the same inn. She could move there to find her. Aaron felt awkward and said uncomfortably, "At this hour, there probably won't be any available." He couldn't bear the thought of his mother and sister staying together. She replied in annoyance, "Fine, you're siding against me too." She then huffed and left with her bag. Once outside, she had her assistant book a room at the inn. As she stormed off, Steven and his two sons exchanged glances. She's so worked up, and we didn't even provoke her! With a glimmer of hope, Andrew asked, "Dad, do you think Mom can retrieve the artifact from Simone?" Steven looked at him and sighed. "I think it's unlikely." He emphasized, "If she fails, don't blame her. After all, your previous actions were indeed excessive. Your mother was influenced and became obsessed with it." He simply hoped his wife wouldn't act impulsively, but she wasn't listening to him now. At that, Andrew forced a bitter smile. "I know. I have no right to blame her." Steven stayed behind with his assistant while Aaron returned to the Cubilis. Just as he entered the inn, he saw his mother and her assistant walking in. His expression changed. "Mom, why are you here?" Salma glanced at him and said, "Of course, I came to stay. Even if you didn't help with the booking, I could've asked someone else to do it." He felt a headache coming on. "Then, should I take you to your room?" She snorted coldly. "I can manage on my own." With that, she went straight to check in with her assistant. He followed along and only relaxed when he saw his mother enter the room. Then, he turned around and went back to his room. After pondering for a moment, he took out his phone and sent a message to Simone. 'Mom has checked into the inn. She should be looking for you soon.' Meanwhile, Simone had just finished showering and came out. Hearing the notification sound, she picked up her phone and looked at it. She thought for a moment and replied, 'Why? Is she interested in the artifact I have?'
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