“Mr. Finck, I’ve already prepared a gift for Grandpa Marcel. And your stomach’s been acting up lately—don’t drink at the party, okay?”
Seraphina had said everything I, as Mrs. Finck, should’ve said. So, I stayed silent.
When we arrived, Seraphina got out of the car with us and was the first to greet Grandpa Marcel. He looked at her with clear fondness, his face lighting up when he saw the scroll she’d brought—an elaborate longevity painting. It was obvious this wasn’t her first time visiting.
As for me, I didn’t want to force myself into a scene I didn’t belong in.
Grandpa Marcel had never liked me. He believed I’d tricked Magnus into marrying me. That belief had never wavered.
The painting was large—delicate and detailed.
As Seraphina pulled down its cover for Grandpa, she slowly stepped back to give him a full view.
I tried to step out of her way, but she moved faster and bumped straight into me.
With a startled cry, she stumbled and fell down the stone steps, dragging the painting with her. The painting fell and tore in half.
Magnus immediately rushed to her side. “Sera! Are you okay?”
Seraphina clutched her arm, wincing in pain—but her gaze locked on me. She didn’t even have to say a word.
That was enough for Magnus. So, he turned to me. “Evelyn, I didn’t know you were capable of something this cruel. Apologize to Sera! Now!”
Grandpa Marcel was furious, his face turning red. The ruined painting had clearly upset him. Grandma Bella turned on me with scorn.
“Evelyn, what is wrong with you? Do you really hate this family so much that you’d make a scene at your grandfather-in-law on his birthday?”
Soon as Magnus helped Seraphina back up the steps, he approached and slapped my face.
I didn’t even have time to react.
His voice was icy. “I should never have spoiled you the way I did. It’s made you completely out of control. Apologize.”
I held my cheek and slowly looked up—only to catch the faint, triumphant smile on Seraphina’s lips.
I didn’t even want to defend myself anymore.
I lifted my head and looked directly at Magnus. “I’m sorry. It was my fault.” Then I added, “Well? Are you all satisfied now?”
With that, I walked away.
Magnus's expression faltered. His lips parted slightly, like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t.
I made it alone to the front gate, but just as I was stepping outside, a car pulled up in front of me, blocking my way.
The back window rolled down.
It was Sven. His voice was low, “Get in.”
Before I could respond, I heard Magnus calling from behind me. “Evelyn!”
I turned to see him standing a few feet away, his expression cold, dark.
“I dare you to get in that car.”
