Chapter 19
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Graham Villa was a lavishly decorated estate, a perfect display of wealth. The air carried the faint scent of expensive wood polish, mingling with the rich aroma of dinner being prepared.
Mrs. Galloway, welcome home,” a maid greeted at the entrance.
Inside the grand dining room, the Graham family, who had just sat down for their dinner, were momentarily stunned by her arrival. But the surprise only lasted a beat before they all stood up, greeting her with enthusiastic smiles.
“Rosalie, sweetie, you’re back,” Claudia beamed, reaching out to grasp Rosalie’s hands in a gesture of affectionate welcome. “Why didn’t you tell me in advance?” She was playing the part of the doting stepmother to perfection, her eyes soft and her tone sugary sweet.
If Rosalie hadn’t uncovered the truth, she might have actually been touched by this warm reception. But now, as she met Claudia’s sickeningly sweet smile, her own expression remained indifferent.
With practiced ease, Rosalie withdrew her hands from Claudia’s grasp and curved her lips into a cool smile. “This is my home. I can come back whenever I want. What, do I need to notify you in advance now?”
Claudia stiffened, momentarily at a loss for words. A flicker of displeasure flashed in her eyes.
For years, she’d played the role of the loving stepmother so well that it had become second nature. And with how useful Rosalie still was to them, she couldn’t afford to drop the act just yet. So, Claudia swallowed her irritation and forced her usual warmth back onto her face.
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