Chapter 3

3.

The next day, my father called.

"Let's go out for dinner tonight. Lydia wants to treat us as a thank you for your help."

When Mom and I arrived at the restaurant, she said she needed to use the restroom first.

I walked toward the private booth alone. Just as I was about to open the door, I heard my father's voice inside.

"Once I get that secret formula from her, you'll have all the leverage you need. I'll make sure half the company shares are put in your name."

Lydia let out a soft, melodic giggle.

"Isn't that a bit much? Maeve has been your wife for over twenty years, after all."

My father was silent for a moment before he spoke with total indifference.

"So what? She can't compare to you. She never could."

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind me. "Why are you just standing there?"

I spun around. It was the girl from Caleb's apartment yesterday.

She glanced at me with a sneer, pushed past me, and opened the door to the booth.

I followed her in, my eyes locked on her every move.

The moment she stepped inside, she chirped happily, "Dad! Mom!"

"Jade! Come on in, honey!" Lydia beamed.

My father's smile froze for a split second when he saw me standing there.

He quickly masked it with a look of annoyance.

"You're here? Why were you eavesdropping at the door like a creep?"

I looked him dead in the eye and asked, "Why did she just call you Dad?"

My father frowned, but he didn't miss a beat.

"It's just a nickname. Her father wasn't around when she was little, so I helped them out. Her mother is grateful, so she let the girl call me that. Don't make a big deal out of it."

"Is that so?" My voice was like ice as I glanced at Lydia.

My father's face darkened, his eyes turning cold.

"Sienna, where are your manners? Lydia is your elder. You haven't even said hello. You're acting like a brat!"

Just as I was about to snap back, my mother walked into the room.

"What's all the shouting about?"

My father let out a cold snort.

"Ask your daughter! Look at how you've raised her. She has no respect. Lydia invites us to dinner, and she stands at the door spying and refuses to even greet our guests."

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but my mother placed a hand on my arm.

She looked up, her voice flat. "Sienna, say hello to Mrs. Thorne. We wouldn't want people thinking we lack class."

I grit my teeth so hard they hurt. "Hello... Mrs. Thorne."

My father nodded, satisfied, then turned back to Lydia with a tenderness he never showed us.

"Lydia, don't mind her. She's just being difficult."

"It's fine, Grant. Sienna is just a child. I don't take it personally."

Jade, standing by the side, suddenly chimed in. "Mom, you're too kind. Some people just don't appreciate it."

"Exactly," my father added, glaring at me. "Sienna, you should learn from Jade. She's mature. Don't be like your mother―totally unrefined."

My mother gave me a calm look, then turned to my father.

"I just remembered we have something to take care of at home. We won't stay for the walk down memory lane."

My father's face turned livid.

"You're leaving before we even eat? That's pathetic! No wonder your daughter is a mess. You're both useless!"

My mother didn't even respond. She grabbed my hand and led me out.

As we walked away, my heart was racing. I couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Mom, did you already know? About them?"

"Whether I knew or not doesn't change the facts, Sienna. Some plays have to be performed until the very end."