chapter 110
Tori's POV:
Cecilia's words hung in the air, sharp and pointed like daggers.
I stood there, feeling every pair of eyes in the room fix on me.
I clenched my fists at my sides, digging my nails into my palms until the pain helped clear my head. I kept my expression neutral, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me affected by her words.
"After all," she added, her voice carrying through the silent room, "it's not every day an Omega manages to captivate not one but two Grayson males. First Ethan, now Lucas. One might almost think there's some... special talent involved."
The implication was clear, and I heard a few shocked gasps from around the room.
"Cecilia!" Elizabeth's voice was sharp with disapproval. "That's enough. Go check if dinner is ready."
But Cecilia wasn't finished. She tilted her head, false innocence painted across her features.
"I'm only making conversation, Grandmother. Everyone is curious about the... convicted Omega who's suddenly becoming part of our family. After all, we do have standards to maintain."
The room fell completely silent.
Elizabeth's face transformed, her welcoming warmth replaced by a cold fury I hadn't expected from the elegant older woman.
She moved to close the distance between herself and Cecilia.
The sound of the slap echoed through the room.
Cecilia's head snapped to the side, her hand flying to her reddening cheek as she stared at her grandmother in shock.
"Is this the family education I gave you?" Elizabeth's voice was low but carried a dangerous edge. "Is this how I taught you to treat guests in our home? With disrespect and cruelty?"
Cecilia stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You... you slapped me? For her?" Her voice cracked with emotion. "She's just an Omega! A criminal!"
"She is our guest," Elizabeth stated firmly. "And regardless of her status or past, she deserves basic respect in this house. Something you seem to have forgotten."
Tears welled in Cecilia's eyes.
She looked around the room, perhaps seeking support, but found only uncomfortable expressions.
With a choked sob, she turned and rushed up the stairs. A moment later, a woman I assumed was her mother – Grace Freeman, based on Morgan's descriptions – excused herself quietly and followed.
The tension in the room was palpable.
Before anyone could speak, Fiona Price stepped forward, one hand resting on her slightly rounded belly.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with exaggerated delight. "The puppy just kicked! Would you like to feel it, Elizabeth? It's quite strong for only being a few months along."
Elizabeth's expression softened immediately, her anger melting away as she moved to place a gentle hand on Fiona's stomach.
"Already kicking? That's wonderful news." She smiled, the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. "A strong pup indeed."
As the family's attention turned to Fiona, Elizabeth caught my eye and gestured subtly for me to join her. I approached cautiously, uncertain of what she wanted.
To my surprise, she reached for my hand. "Don't mind Cecilia," she said softly, her eyes apologetic. "I'm afraid she's been spoiled all her life. She doesn't know how to behave properly sometimes."
I found my voice at last. "Please don't worry about it. Cecilia is only concerned about your family's reputation. Her intentions are good, even if her approach was... direct."
The words surprised even me as they left my mouth. "As an Omega with my history, I understand her concerns. "
Elizabeth's eyebrows rose slightly, her eyes held a new warmth, a mixture of pride and something deeper.
"That's remarkably generous of you," Elizabeth said, studying me with new interest. "Most would not be so understanding after such treatment."
She patted my hand gently and gestured to the seat beside hers at the long dining table.
"Come sit by me, dear. Lucas has been called to Richard's study for a moment. They'll likely be talking for a while." Her voice lowered conspiratorially. "Family business, I'm afraid. But don't worry—no one will dare bother you while you're at my side."
I nodded, grateful for her protection, and took the offered seat beside her.
I settled into the chair, feeling strangely like I'd found safe harbor in an unexpected place.