Kayla seethed. "Felicia, don't think you've won. Even if I'm forced out of the Walsh family, I'll find my way back. Do you believe eighteen years of family ties can be severed so easily?"
"We'll see what you're capable of," Felicia replied, tilting her head with a smile. "Maybe I can kick you out once, and I could do it again."
"Bring it on!" Kayla retorted, chin raised defiantly. "Mom's just angry. Once she cools down, she'll definitely want me back!"
Felicia remained silent. She knew Kayla's influence within the family, and understood Myra's hasty departure—it was Myra's way of protecting Felicia. This mild reprimand barely acknowledged Kayla's attempted poisoning. There were no further consequences. Eventually, the incident would fade, and Kayla would be welcomed back.
A sharp ache pulsed in Felicia's chest, despite the calm in her heart. Myra's favoritism remained blatant.
Kayla brushed dust from her dress, a mocking glint in her eyes. "Felicia, do you think clinging to the Lawson family guarantees your future? Even if Mr. Lawson Senior favors you, you and Arnold won't end up together! The lady of the Lawson family will be me!"
Felicia was speechless. Finally, she scoffed. "Go ahead, take it. Whether it's Arnold or the title of Mrs. Lawson, I wouldn't want it. Got it?" Kayla sneered, unconvinced.
To Kayla, no one would refuse such a prestigious position. Felicia's repeated rejection of the marriage proposal was simply a tactic.
Felicia sighed. "Kayla, you're only eighteen. Why this reliance on a man?"
"What do you know?" Kayla snapped. "You're a country bumpkin with a narrow perspective! You're oblivious to the Lawson family's standing. This social leap isn't achieved simply with money; even the Fuller family respects them. Are you asking me to give up my dreams for yours? That's not happening!"
Felicia said nothing. Everyone had their ambitions. Tomorrow, Roberta would be cremated. Felicia would stay with her tonight, paying her final respects.
Kayla, refusing to relent, taunted, "You convinced Roberta to turn against me willingly. She'd rather poison herself than lift a finger against you! She even secretly recorded everything!" Felicia gave her a cold glance. "Not everyone is as selfish as you."
"What's wrong with looking out for myself? In this world, you get crushed if you don't prioritize yourself!" Kayla shifted tactics. "Let's be honest, Felicia. You played a part in Roberta's death! If you hadn't interfered, she'd still be alive! How could Talia have pushed her like that?"
Kayla laughed triumphantly.
Felicia showed her a black-and-white photo of Roberta. Roberta smiled brightly, but a creeping dread washed over Kayla as if those eyes pierced through her.