Chapter 683

"Mom, when did you get back?" Arianna asked, entering the room and closing the door.

"Not long ago," Eloise replied calmly, walking to the wine cabinet and selecting a bottle. She took two glasses, sat down, and gestured for Arianna to sit opposite her. After opening the bottle, she filled both glasses with wine. Arianna sat, picked up her glass, and swirled the wine gently, watching the liquid.

"Mom, I'm so sorry you're going through this," Arianna said.

"Likewise," Eloise said, drinking her wine in one gulp. She stared into her empty glass, dazed. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry."

"Mom, don't say that!" Arianna patted her mother's hand. "Things aren't that bad. Why would you say such a thing?"

"It's because I'm not good enough," Eloise said, her knuckles white as she gripped her glass. "That's why Dad brought that child home! I'm afraid it won't be long before he brings that woman home, too!"

Since retiring to care for the family, Eloise had devoted herself to the Tanners for years. She believed her beauty and skills would win her husband's heart and secure a happy, wealthy life. However, Joseph had always been unfaithful. After a few years of marriage, he resumed his womanizing, even fathering an illegitimate child. She endured, but now he'd brought the child home, constantly ignoring her and treating her as an eyesore.

"Mom, didn't we agree to work together? Why are you giving up now?" Arianna asked, offering comfort. "Don't worry; that woman and her son won't be arrogant for long."

"I can't stand seeing them another day! Do you know she's openly calling herself Mrs. Tanner in public? I was at the store buying jewelry today" Eloise's voice choked. "It felt like a slap in the face!"

"And Nathaniel," Eloise continued. "For your father's sake, and for this family, I don't even dare acknowledge my own son! It's such a shame! He…"

She poured herself another glass of wine and drank it quickly. Arianna sensed her mother was bottling up a great deal of emotion, and coming home had been the breaking point. Given the favoritism Damian currently enjoyed with his father, such thoughts were understandable.

It was clear to everyone that, even if the family business wasn't solely his someday, Joseph intended to groom Damian as his successor. Halving the Tanner inheritance would be a significant accomplishment for the mistress. And if her son inherited the family business, the mistress would be secure. She knew it was only a matter of time before she moved in, and she eagerly anticipated introducing herself as Mrs. Tanner.

Although Arianna had heard about the other woman her whole life, she'd never met her. Seeing Eloise's anger, Arianna found herself curious to meet this woman.