Chapter 57 The Only Mistress
Bianca's lips were fuller now, slightly swollen from his kisses, and the faint mark at the curve of her neck—half-hidden by the sweep of her hair—was impossible to miss for anyone who cared to look.
Hestia's eyes locked on that mark, her nails biting into her palm until sharp pain pricked her skin… but it was nothing compared to the surge of jealousy boiling in her chest.
The pen was hers. It was indeed her grandfather's keepsake.
But she hadn't left it behind in haste. She had placed it there deliberately, crafting a plausible excuse to return.
What she hadn't expected was that Bianca would still be here. Not just here—seated with the composure of someone entirely in control, dismantling her little scheme without so much as raising her voice.
"Yes… this is the one." Hestia forced her tone into something steady, stepping forward to take the weighty gold pen from Bianca's fingers.
The cool metal grounded her thoughts for a fleeting moment. She lifted her gaze, shaping what she hoped was a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ms. Rodriguez. You're very observant. This pen means a great deal to me."
Bianca withdrew her hand, offering a polite nod and a flawless smile. "You're welcome, Ms. Sharp. Valuables like this deserve careful keeping next time."
Her voice was warm, her words unassailable… yet the boundary was drawn. This was Terrence's private domain, and Bianca was its sole mistress.
Hestia's smile faltered. The heat on her face was like an invisible slap.
She glanced toward Terrence, hoping for some neutral courtesy—anything to soften the sting.
But Terrence didn't even turn his head. His attention was wholly on Bianca, thumb idly stroking the fine bones of her other hand in a gesture that excluded everyone else.
His disregard for the tension was absolute. Or perhaps, he simply didn't care.
That kind of complete indifference was worse than being told to leave.
"I was careless," Hestia said through clenched teeth. She gripped the pen tight, the edge pressing painfully into her palm. "I won't disturb you further. Goodbye."
The door clicked shut behind her, sealing the room from the outside world.
Bianca's spine eased, her posture softening as she leaned into Terrence.
His arm came around her instantly, drawing her close. He lowered his head, placing a kiss on her lips—gentle, without heat, meant only to soothe.
"Well done," he murmured, approval coloring his voice. "Mrs. Anderson."
His praise warmed her ears, peeling away the cool mask she'd worn in front of Hestia and revealing a small, satisfied glimmer underneath.
She tilted her face up to him. Even through the sunglasses, she felt the weight of his gaze on her.
"I just don't like the way she looks at you," she muttered, fingers twisting idly at the cuff of his shirt. "And her excuse was pathetic."
Terrence gave a low chuckle, the sound vibrating through his chest. "Yes. Very pathetic."
He paused. "She won't have another chance."
Bianca's eyes lifted to him.
Terrence released her, pressing the internal call button. "Barry, come in."
Moments later, Barry entered, head bowed. "Mr. Anderson. Mrs. Anderson."
"The Sharp Group's negotiations for the North City Tech Park support project—tell the project team the evaluation results don't meet Anderson Group standards. Cancel the cooperation. And for all non-essential dealings with the Sharp Group, downgrade the priority."
A flicker of understanding crossed Barry's eyes. "Yes, Mr. Anderson. I'll take care of it immediately."
He hesitated. "If Mr. Sharp asks—"
"Follow protocol," Terrence cut in.
"Understood." Barry withdrew, closing the door neatly behind him.
Terrence turned back to her, brushing his fingers along her cheek. "Feel better?"
Bianca caught his hand, pressing it to her face, shaking her head. "I'm not angry. I just don't like it. But…"
Her eyes glinted. "Mr. Anderson, I do appreciate your decisive style."
His mouth curved faintly as he drew her closer. "What's next?"
Her gaze sharpened, all trace of Hestia's intrusion gone. "We're going to the Ember Mansion," she said evenly. "It's time to reclaim what's ours."
Half an hour later, three black sedans rolled to a stop outside a high-end villa enclave on the west side of the city, tucked away from the noise yet close to the heart of it.
From the center Rolls-Royce, Bianca stepped out, heels clicking against the pavement.
She wore a pale gray silk dress tailored in a modern cut, layered with a long matching blazer. Her hair was pulled into a sleek knot at the back, secured with an understated jade hairpin.
Her makeup was subtle but precise, her brows defined, lips painted a bold red that made her skin seem even fairer. The air around her carried a quiet authority.
From the other two cars emerged four men in black suits—trained security—taking positions on either side.
The sight sent the Ember Mansion's butler hurrying inside to announce the visitors. Within minutes, Adrian Ember and his wife Amanda Grayson appeared, curiosity and wariness mingling in their expressions.
"Well, look who it is," Amanda called, voice pitched high, a smile stretched across her face. Her eyes darted to the bodyguards. "You didn't even call ahead. And bringing people… what's this supposed to mean?"
Adrian's brows drew together, his tone carrying the weight of a scolding elder. "Bianca, what's going on? Showing up with an entourage—it's not proper."
Bianca stood in the center of the courtyard, her gaze sweeping over them. "I'm here on business. To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I've brought my lawyer and assistant."
Adrian and Amanda exchanged a quick, tense glance.
"What business could possibly require coming to our home?" Amanda's voice sharpened. "Didn't your mother teach you manners? We are your elders."
"Exactly because my mother taught me to respect rules and reason, I'm here today," Bianca replied, her voice calm.
"Ralph."
Ralph stepped forward, opening his folder. "Mr. Ember, Mrs. Ember, I am acting on behalf of Ms. Bianca Rodriguez to address the matter of certain belongings of Ms. Daphne Morgan."
"Based on the evidence we've gathered, several pieces from Ms. Morgan's collection of jewelry and art are believed to be here at the Ember Mansion. This is a copy of the inventory list—please review it."
He handed the document to Adrian.
Adrian took it, scanning only a few lines before his expression shifted.