Chapter 72

Emma had lost her senses. Unconscious of her words, she desperately defended herself, insisting it wasn't her fault—only that Mary had touched her. Otherwise, she reasoned, why would she have pushed her? It was Mary who had brought this upon herself. Since her expulsion and the subsequent online storm, Mary had become extremely sensitive, fearing scorn and distrust. Having lost so much, she felt utterly bereft.

Enuna's words hit Mary like a bucket of ice water, instantly chilling her warm heart. She had intended to show Emma concern, but not only was it unappreciated, Emma despised her for being a maid. Mary regretted interfering. She should have remained heartless, kicking Emma while she was down, instead of showing compassion.

Bella's expression had soured since Emma's expulsion. If I couldn't protect my daughter from Scott, she thought, can't I even defend her against a maid?

Ignoring right and wrong, Bella seized Mary's collar, ready to punish her, when a clear, teasing voice cut through the tension from the doorway. "Mom always does things the same way—so predictable…"

Elysia leaned against the doorframe, her disapproval evident in her disdainful expression. Bella released Mary, turning to Elysia with reproof. "What are you doing here?"

"What kind of question is that? This is my home. I come and go as I please," Elysia retorted, striding into the room, arms folded across her chest. Her gaze finally settled on Emma. "Besides, shouldn't I see my sister off? Although she's just an adopted daughter and will no longer be part of our family, we were once close. It's only right to say goodbye, isn't it?"

"Stop pretending to care. Isn't it your fault Emma is like this?" Bella accused.

Elysia laughed softly. "Mom, you're naive. I don't have that kind of power. If she hadn't done those things, would she have given others a chance to catch her in a compromising situation?"

"You!" Bella raised her hand to slap Elysia, but Elysia caught her wrist. With a playful expression, she said, "Mom, are you getting anxious? I haven't even admitted to doing those things, and you're already ready to hit me?"

Releasing Bella's hand, Elysia's eyes grew colder. "Don't assume I don't have a temper. After all, she brought this upon herself. No one else is to blame!"

"What do you mean?" Bella asked.

"What do you think? Are you planning to hit me? Don't forget who your real daughter is!" Elysia challenged.

In a fit of rage, Bella blurted out, "I'd rather not have you as my daughter!"

Everyone was stunned. The mistress had actually said that to her biological daughter. Emma, unsure how to react, thought, Triumph! I've already been cast out. What's there to be proud of? Even if Bella truly considered me her daughter, what difference would it make? I'm still powerless.

Elysia knew Bella didn't love her, but hearing those words still caused sharp pain. Why am I still so weak? she mocked herself. They don't want me anymore. Why does it still hurt so much?

Her eyes cold, her tone playful, she said to Bella, "Do you think I'd rather have you as a mother?"

Bella recoiled, staring blankly.

"I've said before, if it's going to be this torturous for both of us, I could go back to Silverstream. It's just that Dad refused," Elysia said, her lips curling slightly. "Mom, do you think I should propose this to Dad again?"

Bella immediately objected, "No way!" She knew Elysia's importance to Scott. The last time Elysia suggested leaving, Scott's reaction had been intense. If Elysia leaves again because of me, she thought, how will I explain myself to Scott? And how could Emma ever return to the Rosewood residence?

Emma couldn't comprehend Bella's refusal. She expected Bella to use Elysia's threat as a pretext to expel her, but Bella's refusal was unexpected. Does that mean everything she said is a lie? Emma thought. Their blood ties are stronger than anything, and I'm just an outsider, an adopted daughter.

Elysia, unlike Emma, anticipated Bella's refusal. She didn't mind playing along. Bending down, she mocked Emma with a soft whisper, "See clearly now? You're the superfluous one."

Emma bit her lip until it bled, the blood adding to her disheveled appearance. Elysia smiled in satisfaction, straightening up. She then sneered at Mary, still on the ground. "What are you waiting for? Expecting me to help you up?"

"No, no need, Miss Elysia," Mary said, rising.

Elysia's gaze shifted to Bella. "If I'm not mistaken, Mom was about to teach her a lesson?" Bella remained silent. Mary frowned in confusion. Did Miss Elysia intend to defend the mistress and Miss Emma? Before she could ponder, Elysia continued indifferently, "Mary has served the Rosewood family for many years. Even if she hasn't made great contributions, she's certainly put in a lot of effort."

"It's disheartening for Mom to scold her without considering the rights and wrongs," Elysia added. Mary looked up, astonished. Elysia wasn't scolding her; she was defending her! What had I done to deserve this? she wondered.

Bella's brows furrowed. "I am the lady of the Rosewood residence. What? Do I need a reason to discipline a maid?"

Elysia hummed lightly. "I really wonder, if the high-society ladies in Sivro knew how unreasonable Mom could be, what would they think?"

Bella moved to slap Elysia again. Mary quickly stepped in front, receiving the slap intended for Elysia.

"Madam, please calm down. This is all my fault, and has nothing to do with Miss Elysia," Mary said.