Vivienne blinked in confusion. “Mara? Who’s that?”

As far as Vivienne was concerned, the name Mara had been flushed down the toilet long ago, just like yesterday’s news.

The whole Boyd family had become invisible in Vivienne and Percival’s world, let alone Mara.

Their association with the Boyds had been as necessary as a fish needs a bicycle—completely irrelevant!

Isolde nodded emphatically. “Yes, Mara. Mom’s niece, the one you’ve met before.”

Vivienne was still clueless, but Percival recalled and said, “The girl from the second branch of the Boyd family.”

“Huh?” Vivienne blinked, not following.

Percival chuckled helplessly and flicked Vivienne’s forehead. “The one you said had a nose like a button mushroom.”

“Oh!” Vivienne’s face lit up with realization. “Isn’t she supposed to be abroad? Why is she back?”

What Vivienne did not voice was, “How could she have the gall to show her face here again?”

But with Isolde present, such language was inappropriate.

The trio walked into the living room where Cecilia sat, looking somewhat apologetic.

“Mom, what’s she doing here? Is something wrong?” Percival inquired.

He knew his mother well enough to realize that although she could be scatterbrained at times, she had a strong moral compass.

The Boyds had been nothing but trouble, and Mara had even tried to break him and Vivienne up—Cecilia would not forgive that lightly.

in at the Ellington Mansion, something must have gone seriously awry for Cecilia to soften her

would turn out this way; I thought we’d gone our separate

sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. She felt she had no

never a central figure in her life, and

dynamics were none of

you make your own decision; don’t mind me,” Vivienne said with a smile, looking at Cecilia with a soft

bit her lip, “Vivienne,

all, and probably the only family you have left. She’s been close to you for many years, and whatever you decide, I won’t object. Just follow

sure I won’t let Mara

“No thanks needed.”

of my business anyway.” The last thought was Vivienne’s

Vivienne’s stance clear, Percival had little to add, though he did say sternly, “She can stay but not in the house. And she better not show her face around Vivienne. It’s bad

already a huge concession

I’ve got people looking for a place for her. Don’t speak to your mother like that!” Cecilia retorted, less patient

the door, clenching

lady of the house. To the

had not expected that even her stay would

eyes briefly scanning the slightly

slamming the door shut. Had she been imagining it, or did Vivienne catch her eye? It had sent a shiver

into

whereabouts? Mara mentioned they had a layover in M State. It’d be good to know if Huxley’s

nodded. Locating Huxley would also mean passing Mara off

family’s large number of real estate, choosing a place

to Elite University. You can continue your grad studies here. I’ll hire a housekeeper to take care of your daily needs. Here’s a credit card. The PIN is your birthday. I’ll stop by weekly, and if anything comes up, just

for Mara, from a new phone

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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