Chapter 48 Chapter 49
The following day, Chad prepared for his departure to the office. This presented the perfect opportunity for Silvia to confront Marlie, as she entered their room just as he left for breakfast.
Ever since Charlie returned from her sister's place, Silvia was well aware that she had brought nothing but trouble into their lives.
Silvia was certain that Charlie had the hidden pictures safely, which were in her possession; if not, how had they ended up being leaked?
Chad was not the culprit, as his utmost concern was for the well-being and reputation of their family.
Audrey would never dare to be involved, as it would jeopardize her friendship with Angelina. While Audrey may be clever, she would never go against her own brother. Therefore, the only logical person with a motive for such an act was Charlie herself.
Silvia made her way to their room and coincidentally encountered Marlie as she emerged from the bathroom.
Upon spotting Marlie, Silvia directed a piercing stare in her direction - a stare that ran in the family. Marlie found amusement in this gaze and wondered why Silvia was present. Silvia's intentions remained a mystery to Marlie.
Silvia approached Marlie and lifted her hand, preparing to strike her, just as she often did to poor Charlie.
However, to Silvia's surprise, Marlie intercepted her hand, halting it halfway. Marlie's expression darkened, and she tightened her grip around Silvia's hand, squeezing it tightly. Silvia attempted to break free from Marlie's grasp, but Marlie refused to release her.
"You..." She tried to utter a statement, but Marlie interrupted her and suddenly let go, offering Silvia a smirk before moving closer to her dressing table.
"Now you, a weak person like yourself, dare to stand up to me?" Silvia burst into laughter at this notion. She walked over to the couch and seated herself comfortably.
"Do you truly believe that, now that Chad is giving you the slightest bit of attention, you have the power to defy me?" She chuckled at the thought of Marlie challenging her.
Marlie smiled, observing her reflection in the dressing mirror. Her thoughts ran wild. "He's giving it? Well, I am the one taking it! I will take everything to such an extent that he will have nothing left for himself, not to talk of you!"
Silvia continued to speak...
"Well, I must admit that since he took pity on you and married you, you at least deserve his pity. So, I will leave it at that. But now, gather your belongings and leave this house!"
Silvia issued her command, staring at Marlie's back as she remained seated, still smiling to herself.
Leave? Never! Marlie vowed to stay put until she had accomplished what she came there to do. She would not budge an inch. She sat defiantly, paying no mind to Silvia's demand.
Marlie's delay in obeying Silvia's instructions resulted in Silvia's frustration. Instead of complying, Marlie grabbed a hairbrush and began brushing her hair, further infuriating Silvia.
"Are you deaf? Get up and leave this house with your filthy body!" Silvia vented her anger, rising from her seat and pointing towards the door.
Marlie let out a heavy sigh, stood up, and turned to face Silvia. "I'm not surprised that Audrey barks like a dog!" Marlie teased, causing Silvia to roar in response.
"How dare you..."
"Please calm down, Silvia. A refined woman does not behave in that manner," Marlie calmly stated, wearing a sweet smile as she elegantly resumed her seat.
Silvia seethed, staring at Marlie, who continued to provoke her. "Your son can't live without me. What would happen to your son if I were to leave?"
"Angelina will take care of him," Silvia replied sharply.
"How can she, when she is currently trending as his mistress? Poor thing... she won't be able to show her cursed face in public," Marlie exhibited fake sympathy for Angelina.
"I'm sure she must be hiding away in her shell right now," She added with a provocative smile.
"I knew it!" Silvia exclaimed, moving closer to Marlie, who remained in place, observing Silvia's approach with a wrathful expression. This confirmed Silvia's suspicions."It was you who leaked those pictures."
Marlie swiftly adopted an innocent facade and responded to Silvia, "Mother-in-law, how can you accuse me of such a thing? I couldn't possibly be responsible for exposing those captivating and exotic images on the internet. Your baseless accusation has hurt me deeply!"
Marlie defiantly wore a smug expression as she continued, "Oh, but I did."
"How dare you..." Silvia attempted to intimidate and threaten Marlie, but Marlie retorted, "What will you do, Silvia?"
Silvia was taken aback by Marlie's audacity. She contemplated what could have compelled Marlie to take such a bold step of defying her. Does she know who she is dealing with? Definitely not, so she will tell her.
"You have no idea who you're messing with, Charlie!" Silvia roared.
"What are you going to do to me, Silvia?" Marlie asked with a raised brow.
"I will..."
"Kill me?" Marlie interrupted Silvia, bursting into laughter. "Just like you killed your husband?"
Silvia was hell shocked by this revelation, and a wave of fear caused her to stumble backward. "How did Charlie discover this secret, as not even Audrey was aware? "she wondered. But then she attempted to appear blameless, feigning ignorance in response to Marlie's accusation.
"What nonsense are you rambling about?"
"Nonsense? Could a mere nonsense make you tremble with fear like that?" Marlie countered. "I know you killed the father of your children, mother-in-law!" Marlie challenged.
"Did you not safeguard the evidence in your secure place?" Marlie's inquiry stunned Silvia.
Silvia suddenly realized that Marlie possessed incriminating evidence against her. Probably more evidence than she claimed.
Silvia had indeed stored such evidence in her safe. However, upon further consideration, she regained her composure, knowing that Chad was already aware of this information. What is there to worry about?
"You won't achieve anything with that, Charlie!" She declared.
"Do you think I would hand it over to your son?!" Marlie declared, her gaze fixed on Silvia's shocked expression.
Marlie burst into laughter, the sound reverberating in the room. She clearly comprehended Silvia's underlying intentions behind her words.
Marlie knew the fact that Chad was already aware of everything. However, Silvia had no idea she knew Chad was aware or else she wouldn't have had high hopes.
Even if Chad was oblivious, Marlie had no intention of informing him. How else could she make Silvia suffer if she were to divulge this to Chad?
"Chad would thwart your plans!" Silvia asserted to Marlie.
Marlie realized that Silvia was proving to be obstinate. Silvia sought a means of escaping her clutches. Then she issued a threat.
"Very well, when the sun rises in the sky today, your secret will be splashed across the headlines!"
Marlie threatened with a smug expression on her face.
Silvia became enraged, rising from her seat and shouting at Marlie, "You wouldn't dare, Charlie!"
"Do you not believe me? Fine then! Look at the time. Calmly look closely at the fucking time!" Marlie smiled, finding it amusing that Silvia appeared pitiful yet believed that she, Marlie, was merely joking. She pointed to the clock on the wall, drawing Silvia's attention to glance at the time cautiously.
"In just two hours, you will understand what I'm talking about. Whether I am joking or deadly serious." Marlie smirked, revealing to Silvia that she wouldn't hesitate to expose her online.
Fear gripped Silvia as she pondered what Marlie intended to reveal to the public.
"But don't worry, it won't be noon by that time, so I will save yours for later, mother-in-law." Marlie savored the joy of seeing fear in Silvia's eyes.
The fact that Silvia had no control over how her life was being manipulated gave Marlie satisfaction. Now that Silvia was in her grasp, she would reign over every aspect of Silvia's life.
Marlie had eagerly awaited this moment for days. Making it easy for Silvia would not do justice to the time she had invested.
"What are you planning to do, Charlie?!"Silvia questioned, fear evident in her voice.
"Have some patience, mother-in-law. It doesn't hurt to wait, especially when the reward is worth the time."
Silvia's anger grew, frustrated and helpless as Marlie had her cornered. Silvia shouted, her voice trembling with fear. "What do you want?! Tell me, what do you want in exchange for that damn evidence ?" She cussed angrily.
"Calm yourself, mother-in-law... There, simply soothe your emotions. Otherwise, you'll develop wrinkles!" Provocatively, Marlie uttered these words to Silvia, who seemed ready to confront Marlie.
Finally, now that Silvia had inquired about Marlie's intentions, Marlie would graciously disclose them.
"You must understand, mother-in-law, that I've never been interested in accumulating wealth or seeking fame and recognition. No, those things hold no importance for me. It's solely because I deeply care for you, mother." Marlie said innocently.
Silvia passed a disdainful and raging glare at Marlie.
"I care so much that I desire for you to rest and unwind. Just staying in the house will always be great." Marlie continued.
Silvia, now perplexed by Marlie's words, questioned Marlie's motives. Wasn't Charlie the one who just threatened her? What does she intend to do now?
Nevertheless, Marlie affectionately smiled at Silvia and approached her. She attempted to assist Silvia in taking a seat, but Silvia swiftly pushed Marlie's hands away.
Marlie raised her hand in the air, signaling that she would not touch Silvia unless Silvia permitted it.
Silvia hesitated but eventually sat down, convinced that Marlie was merely playing a game. A stupid game. She believed that Marlie would not take any action until Marlie's smile turned into a menacing smirk.
"Just stay calm... and observe as your family collapses," Marlie said with an icy gaze.
Silvia's fear intensified as she detected the contempt on Marlie's face. Once again, it dawned on her the increasing evidence Marlie now possessed against her.
Once again, Silvia issued a threat, "You have no idea who you're dealing with, Charlie."
Marlie smiled at Silvia and replied, "Do I look like I'm afraid of your threats?!" Marlie retorted.
"So, are we in agreement, mother-in-law? Yes or no?" Marlie then returns to her smiling face.
"You are evil Charlie!" Silvia growled, her eyes bulging from her sockets.
Marlie smiled at that. Look who is calling her evil now. But her opinion is of no importance to her. Now all that she needs to know is which option Silvia wants to choose.
"Fine!" Reluctantly, Silvia agreed and stormed out of the room.
Marlie beamed with satisfaction, gazing at her reflection in the mirror.
"Don't fret yet, Silvia. Because it won't be fun toying with you since this is just the beginning." Marlie murmured to herself as she picked up her comb and started combing her long wet hair.