Chapter 73

Watching Mary take a slap meant for her, Elysia was momentarily dazed. She'd intervened solely because she disapproved of Bella's actions; she'd never expected gratitude. After all, Bella held the most sway in the family. Offending Bella would jeopardize Elysia's position. Yet, Mary had unhesitatingly shielded her.

This was surprising. Mary didn't need to do that. Bella intended to slap Elysia, but Mary's intervention was a blatant provocation in Bella's eyes.

Bella seethed. "Mary, a mere maid, dares defy me, the lady of Rosewood Residence?" Trembling with rage, she pointed at Mary. "Very well! You have nerve!"

Mary knew she was in trouble. Years of service had taught her Bella's temperament: a grudge-holding woman who despised inferiors. Crossing Bella rarely ended peacefully. Yet, she didn't regret her actions. This was the first time she'd seen a master defend a servant.

Mary had previously harbored prejudices against Elysia, assuming her village upbringing meant crude behavior. However, she'd found Elysia beautiful, intelligent, and kind—a stark contrast to Emma, who, like Bella, looked down on servants.

Despite her fear, Mary explained, "Madam, please calm down. Miss Elysia has delicate skin; a slap could leave a mark. And if Mr. Rosewood were to inquire…"

Mary's unspoken threat was understood. Bella frowned, considering the implications.

Elysia watched Mary's performance, a slight smile playing on her lips. Years of experience had taught Mary how to navigate such situations. She'd given Bella an escape route while portraying herself as a loyal servant—a clever maneuver. Mary had calculated this precisely. Only Scott could truly overrule Bella; his name brought pause even to Bella.

Hearing Mary mention Scott, Bella weighed the situation, seemingly accepting Mary's explanation. Her anger subsided. However, Elysia's presence still irked her.

Bella dismissed Mary, "This is none of your business. You may leave."

Mary quickly thanked her and exited.

Elysia yawned, nonchalantly saying, "Farewell concluded. I won't disturb your mother-daughter bonding." She smiled, glanced at Emma, and left.

Emma, huddled and trembling, looked pitiful. Tears welled in Bella's eyes as she approached, but Emma pushed her away.

Emma, eyes filled with disappointment, fear, and hatred, felt betrayed and abandoned. Bella didn't want her; neither did the Rosewood family. She wondered, "What do I have left?"

Chapter 73 (Continued)

"Emma, I'm your mother… don't scare me," Bella pleaded.

Emma sneered inwardly. A mother who only showed fake kindness afterward was meaningless. If Bella truly loved her, she would have agreed to Elysia's departure. Bella's refusal to let Elysia leave made Emma question her own future.

"You're the real family!" Emma said coldly.

Bella was deeply hurt. "No, Emma, Mom loves you. Everything I do is for you. We can't upset your father; otherwise, you can't return to Rosewood Residence."

At the mention of returning, Emma's eyes lit up. "What? Return?"

Bella confirmed it. Emma questioned her chances, given her father's displeasure.

Bella embraced her, promising to discuss Emma's return once her father cooled down.

Emma, relieved by the glimmer of hope, accepted this.

Bella tearfully saw Emma off. Turning, she encountered Elysia, dressed to leave. They exchanged a silent glance and passed each other.

Elysia walked toward a waiting red Maserati. Nicole, inside, offered her a gift.

"Birthday present," Nicole said. Nicole admitted to monitoring Elysia's situation. Initially planning to offer support, she’d reconsidered after learning that the Hartley, Evans, and Shelton families were already there.