NOVPUBThe news of the Quinns adopting a new heiress soon hit all the channels.
People were buzzing with speculation, whispering theories, piecing together the bits that had slipped past Brenda's tight suppression of last night's events.
Though she had successfully prevented the explicit details from spreading, fragments of it still made their way out —just enough to fuel the gossip and raise questions.
"Madam," Margaret began with a worried frown. "This is going to affect Arwen. What should we do now?"
Brenda's expression was also grim. She knew her daughter was a stubborn one —not easily listens to anyone and forces everyone to accept her wishes and rules … but this … this was straight outrageous.
Does she yet not realize what she has done?
If she didn't, there was nothing she says or does will make her see it.
"She is still trying to force Arwen," Brenda said, understanding her daughter's move way too easily. "She thinks that she can force her. It's laughable, you know. She is forcing her daughter using the bond that she never built with her. She thinks it will work. But it won't take her long to realize that nothing would bring her back what she had already lost."
Margaret's frown deepened. "But Madam, I am not worried about Ms. Catrin realizing it, I am worried about Ms. Arwen. This news will definitely make her upset," she paused and then added again. "Although she has severed her ties, yet all her childhood she has craved for her mother. It would be easy for her to ignore it."
Of course …
Brenda knew this. All her life, she tried her best to fill the emptiness in Arwen, but the void of a mother in a child's life cannot be easily substituted.
"Margaret, Arwen is fated to experience this pain. No matter what we do, we can't help her. She will learn and understand how to deal with it herself. But since now she is no longer alone, she would be fine."
She believed Aiden. With him around, Arwen won't suffer much.
She has seen him last night. The way he put her above everyone, above himself, was enough to tell what future he promises.
***
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Catrin scrolled through the news on her tablet, looking satisfied with how everything had turned out.
Although this sudden announcement was abrupt, she had no regrets regarding it. She just wants Arwen to realize what she was about to lose.
How dare she walk out pretending like she doesn't fear the consequences at all?
She will make her realize that severing relationships was not an easy feat. It comes with the fear of losing something forever.
"Boost this announcement," she instructed her secretary. "I want everyone to be talking and discussing this."
The secretary nodded and opened her mouth to speak —but before she could say a word, the office door swung open, interrupting.
Emily stepped inside, her expression soft yet hesitant. "Mom."
Catrin's face darkened at once, her brows pulling together. The tone —was sweet —anyone would have liked it. But Catrin?
She felt sick listening to it. It twisted her stomach.
"How many times have I told you not to call me that unless it's necessary?" she snapped. Her voice cutting through the room like a knife. "Do I have to keep reminding it to you?"
Emily flinched. Her eyes flicked towards the secretary, a flicker of shame passing through her expression. But she withheld it inside, letting her finger curl into fists. "But Mom, we are not alone. I thought —"
"Enough!"
Catrin's palm slammed down onto the desk with a loud crack, making the secretary jump and Emily recoil.
"I said don't call me that," she hissed. "Not until I say so. Your job is just to pretend to be my daughter, not to actually perceive yourself to be one."
Emily stood frozen, gritting hard. But she could only swallow the insult.
"I may be adopting you, but don't overstep," Catrin continued coldly. "Know your place. If you try to play a role that's not yours, I won't hesitate to find someone else."
Emily bit her lip, her fists clenched at her sides. Humiliation burned hot in her chest —but she forced herself to nod.
Catrin glared at her. She blamed Arwen in her heart. If only Arwen hadn't acted rebelliously, she wouldn't be forced to do all this.
But it was fine.
If a little suffering like this could bring back her daughter, she was willing to take the bet.
It was just a matter of time. The day Arwen returns, she will let everything fall back in place.
Until then, she didn't mind taking a little hardship…
"What brought you here?" Catrin asked after a long moment. "And don't tell me that you simply waltz here for nothing. I have never even allowed Arwen to appear like this."
Emily swallowed but shook her head. "Aunt, I came to ask you what I am supposed to do next? You said you will let me know once the announcement becomes public."
This was supposed to happen later in the coming weeks.
Emily was caught off guard when, in the morning, after she woke, she saw it already trending.
Up until yesterday, she was still uncertain —still fearing Catrin might change her decision.
But with the announcement, it was finally official.
She was going to be adopted as the Quinn family's heiress.
The news filled her with joy, and she had come here, hoping to bask in a little recognition —maybe even flaunt her new status.
But seeing that Catrin was still as cold and distant as ever, she didn't take a wrong step.
So, to save face, she quickly tacked on a more acceptable excuse.
"I just didn't want to make any mistakes," she added quickly. "Everything is happening so fast that I am getting nervous."
Catrin's gaze remained unyielding, as if sizing her up.
"You —"
"Catrin, what the hell is this?"
Before Catrin could finish, Idris's voice thundered through the room, silencing everything else.
