Chapter 31
Edith couldn’t help but laugh-it was just too absurd.
Where was all this sisterly solidarity Salome was preaching now, back when she was scheming and making Edith’s life hell at the Vance estate? Suddenly, with nowhere else to turn, she wanted to talk about women supporting women. The hypocrisy was almost
comical.
Besides, Edith hadn’t married for money or to save her father-none of that. She’d never once needed Salome’s pity, and she never would.
She pulled her hand free from Salome’s desperate grip and offered a word of advice, her tone measured. “If you’re feeling insecure, just make sure you save up some money while you’re still with the Vances. That way, when the baby comes, no matter what happens with the family, you and your child will be safe and comfortable.”
It was meant as a practical suggestion, but to Salome, it sounded like a threat-a clear sign that Edith was determined to stand between her and Bennett. Worse, it felt like a warning: milk the Vances for all they’re worth now, before they throw you out and leave you with nothing.
Salome’s eyes flashed with fury. How dare Edith threaten her?
She glared at Edith, jaw clenched. “I tried to talk things over with you-calmly, politely.”
Edith arched an eyebrow. “You call this calmly talking things over?”
Before Edith could say anything more, Salome suddenly stumbled backwards, crashing into the spiral staircase. With a series of startled shrieks, she tumbled down the steps.
“Aaah! Aaah!”
The screams sent a jolt of panic through Edith. She looked up just in time to see Salome sprawled motionless at the bottom of the stairs.
Chaos erupted. Guests rushed over, some running, others standing frozen in shock, all eyes fixed on Salome. Even her bodyguards seemed stunned.
Edith narrowed her eyes. “What are you waiting for? Help her up! Get her to a hospital!”
It was only then that the two bodyguards finally snapped into action.
Jayne hurried over, panic written all over her face as she glanced from Salome to Edith, utterly at a loss for what to do.
Salome was deathly pale, a smear of blood glistening on the hardwood floor beneath her. But in her eyes, a glimmer of triumph flickered. She cast a victorious look at Edith-the look of a winner savoring her opponent’s defeat.
Edith’s hands clenched into fists.
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12:19
Chapter 31
This was madness. Complete, utter madness.
Seeing Edith’s tightly pressed lips and conflicted expression, Salome’s sense of satisfaction only grew. Weak and trembling, she let the bodyguards lift her, then pointed shakily toward Edith, bursting into loud sobs.
“She pushed me! She can’t stand that I’m having a Vance baby! She’s jealous because she can’t have children of her own-she’s lost it, she’s gone insane!”
Salome watched Edith’s reaction out of the corner of her eye, secretly thrilled. As if Edith could ever win against her. She wasn’t just going to turn the Vances against Edith-no, she’d make sure Edith’s future in-laws despised her too.
Who would ever marry a woman who couldn’t have children?
The guests erupted into a wave of shocked whispers.
“Miss Sumner’s been married for years and never got pregnant. So she’s infertile, then?”
Jayne stood frozen in panic, helpless and unsure of what to do.
Edith steadied herself, descending the stairs with her voice trembling but firm. “Mom, please-just take care of our guests. I’m going to the hospital.”
Turning on her heel, she started after the bodyguards.
Jayne reached out and grabbed Edith’s hand, her voice shaky. “Edith, are… are you alright?”
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Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.