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

you really don’t understand, do you?” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. “I have better things to

word she spoke. “Well, so do I,” I retorted, my tone sharp. “But I need to know why

“Oh, sweet child, I don’t care about your feelings,”

“Can’t you think of anything else besides money?” I

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

gaze with a serious expression. “That’s a lie,” I

grating on my nerves. “You know it yourself, Luke,”

used to have respect

same room as you now.

my nerves. “Oh, sweet child,” she said mockingly. You’ll come

end.”

be my

out immediately, snapping

anymore,” I said

Luke, my child. Don’t fool yourself. You love money

I love money. But that last part? Scratch it out. There’s no way I’ll go against my blood all because of money.”

“Oh, shut up.”

I spat

my great–aunt retorted sharply, her voice cutting through the

like a knife.

her gaze with a steely resolve. “Put an end to your rude behavior,”

her lips curling into a contemptuous sneer. “You’re just a

some respect for yourself

a dangerous glint flickered in their depths. “Don’t start talking nonsense,” she snapped.

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

at me, incredulous. “What kind of question is that?” she demanded, her tone bordering on outrage.

I replied calmly, refusing to back down. “Especially since you keep

some manners!” she snapped, and her

a fake smile playing on my lips as I raised an

stupid man