The Love From Vengeance

303: CUTTING THROUGH

LUKE’S POV

So while my great–aunt descended the stairs, her presence filled the room with an air of unwelcome authority. Dressed in a blue dress that accentuated her ample figure, she approached with deliberate steps, and I couldn’t muster a friendly look. “What do you want now?” I asked, my tone devoid of warmth as she drew near.

She glanced around, her eyes narrowing at the disorderly scene before us. “Your house is a mess, Luke. Those little children have caused chaos everywhere.”

“I know,” I interjected sharply, cutting her off before she could continue. “The children will clean it up.”

She offered a fake smile, and I couldn’t help but bristle. “Is there anything else?” I asked, my patience wearing thin.

She shook her head, still smiling. “I just came to remind you of your place in this

house.”

I sighed heavily. “You should stop talking nonsense,” I retorted, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “When will you ever change?”

Despite my irritation, she chuckled softly. “I’ll keep reminding you that I am the owner of this house.”

“And I’ll keep telling you that you’re talking nonsense,” I shot back, refusing to back down. “But I’m not kicking you out. You can do as you please, but I know your evil plans won’t succeed.”

Her smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. “We’ll see about that,” she said cryptically before turning to leave.

“Wait,” I said, sort of loudly, and she halted before turning around.”

ves, my dear child?” The fake smile was still etched on her round face.

“Don’t call me that. I don’t need you faking a smile or putting on an act.”

“Go to hell,” she spat before turning around.

303 CUTTING THROUGH

“I just have to ask,” I uttered, causing her to freeze. “Why do you hate me so much?

“You want an answer to that?” She turned to me.

asked

understand, do you?” she said, her

spoke. “Well, so do I,” I retorted, my tone sharp. “But I need to know why you insist on

about your feelings,” she said dismissively. “All I care about is

my head in disbelief. “Can’t you think of anything

knowing grin. “Money is everything, Luke,” she

serious expression. “That’s a

grating on my nerves. “You know it yourself, Luke,” she told me with a mocking tone. “Money rules the world.”

a surge of frustration and disappointment. “I used to have respect for you,” I admitted, and my

the same room as

laughter echoed in the room, grating on my nerves. “Oh, sweet child,” she said mockingly. You’ll come to realize that money is

end.”

used to be my

brought out immediately, snapping her

anymore,” I said lowly

fool yourself. You love money as much as I do.”

love money. But that last part? Scratch it out. There’s

“Oh, shut up.”

happening,” I

her voice cutting

like a knife.

“Put an end to your rude behavior,” I shot back, refusing to cower

into a contemptuous sneer. “You’re just a little kid compared to me,” she spat

my shoulders, refusing to back down. “Even so, you should still have some respect for yourself and for

dangerous glint flickered in their depths.

challenged her, meeting her glare head–on. “Have you ever loved my grandfather?” I queried, and my voice cut through the tension

is that?” she demanded,

just want to know,” I replied calmly, refusing to back

and her voice

fake smile playing on my lips as

stupid man you