Chapter 17

Roselyn lounged on the plush couch, her gaze locked on her phone as she scrolled through social media. Lylah and Malicia occupied the adjacent sofa, their eyes fixed on her with venomous intensity.

"Lylah," Roselyn purred, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness.

Lylah's head snapped up, her expression a mask of feigned innocence. "Yes?"

"Fetch me a glass of water, darling," Roselyn requested, her tone laced with condescending politeness.

Lylah's eyes flashed with resentment, but she bit back her retort. "Why bother yourself? Get it yourself," she snapped, her voice tinged with defiance.

Roselyn's smile was a razor-sharp warning. "Oh, I think Alexander made it clear: you'll do as I say. Or would you like a refresher?"

Lylah's face reddened as she swathed, her eyes darting to Malicia for support. Malicia's expression remained icy, but her gaze urged Lylah to comply.

With a forced calm, Lylah rose and stalked toward the kitchen, her heels clicking in staccato rhythm.

She returned with a glass of water, her movements stiff. "Here," she spat, thrusting the glass toward Roselyn.

Roselyn's eyes never left Lylah's face. "A little civility, please. Say it with a smile."

Lylah's jaw clenched, but she pasted on a fake smile. "Here's your water...Roselyn."

Just as Lylah turned to leave, Roselyn's voice stopped her. "Hello, Alexander," she cooed, her tone intimate.

Lylah's eyes widened in panic as she spun back around, realizing Roselyn was on a call with Alexander.

"Please, sorry," Lylah stuttered, hastily retrieving the glass and offering it to Roselyn with a sugary smile. "Take this water."

Roselyn disconnected the call, her gaze never leaving Lylah's. "Well played, Lylah. You're learning."

Lylah's eyes flashed with anger, but she knew better than to retaliate. For now, she would play the obedient servant, biding her time until she could strike back.

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Ordering Lylah around was just the beginning. Roselyn's plan to assert her dominance was well underway.

"Bring me some snacks, Lylah—crackers with hummus and a bowl of fresh fruit. And make sure the grapes are seedless," Roselyn said, her voice dripping with condescension.

Lylah's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in frustration. She forced a tight smile. "Right away." Her hands shook slightly as she prepared the snacks.

As she walked back to the living room, Roselyn's next command was already waiting.

"Lylah, I need my favorite book from the library. Go get it for me now." Roselyn's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Lylah's face reddened, her eyes flashing with resentment. She stalked out of the house, slamming the door. The sound echoed through the silent hallway.

Upon returning, Roselyn instructed, "Prepare a relaxing bath for me with lavender essential oils and rose petals. And make sure the water's not too hot." Her voice was laced with entitlement.

Lylah's lips curled into a snarl, but she bit back her retort. She mechanically prepared the bath, her movements stiff.

The demands continued, each one chipping away at Lylah's composure:

"Go to the store and pick up some fresh flowers for the living room. I want orchids, not roses."

Lylah's eyes rolled heavenward, her shoulders sagging.

"Fetch me my laptop from the study. I need to check some emails."

She trudged to the study, her feet heavy.

"Make me a grilled chicken salad for lunch, with avocado and cherry tomatoes. And don't forget the balsamic vinaigrette."

Lylah's hands trembled with rage as she chopped the vegetables.

"Clean my room, and make sure everything is spotless. I want it done within the hour."

She scrubbed the floor, her anger boiling.

"Bring me a glass of iced tea, with lemon and mint. And don't skimp on the ice."

Lylah's smile was a thin-lipped lie.

"Take my clothes to the dry cleaner's. I need them back by tomorrow."

She slammed the dryer door, the sound echoing.

"Get me a pillow and blanket from the bedroom. I want to watch TV."

She tossed the pillow, her movements jerky.

"Make me a cup of green tea, and bring it to the living room."

Lylah's movements were robotic, her eyes vacant.

As the evening drew to a close, Roselyn smiled, satisfied. "You're learning, Lylah. Keep it up."

Lylah's face twisted in a mixture of fury and helplessness. She felt trapped, her anger building.

"Prepare dinner, something light. Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables will do."

Lylah's eyes blazed, her face flushed.

Lylah's frustration boiled over. "Mother already hired a maid to cook dinner. Why are you making me do it?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Roselyn's smile was a knife twist. "Oh, I thought you'd relish the chance to prove yourself useful, considering your lack of accomplishments. But I forget, being a failure runs in your family."

Lylah's face burned with humiliation as Malicia's eyes flashed with anger.

"How dare you!" Malicia shouted, her voice echoing through the room. "You think you're better than us?"

Victoria joined in, her voice shrill. "Yes, Roselyn, how dare you belittle Lylah like that!"

Just as the argument escalated, the doorbell rang. The room fell silent.

Roselyn's expression transformed, a bright smile spreading across her face. "I'll get it!" she exclaimed, rushing to the door.

She flung it open, revealing Grandfather Edgar Valtor, Alexander's grandfather and Victoria's father-in-law, his silver hair distinguished, his eyes twinkling.

"Grandfather Edgar!" Roselyn cooed, embracing him warmly. "What a wonderful surprise!"

Edgar Valtor smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Roselyn, dear, I heard you were settling in well. I had to see for myself."

Lylah watched, seething, as Roselyn fawned over Edgar Valtor, her earlier cruelty forgotten.

Malicia's eyes narrowed, her anger still simmering. "Welcome, Mr. Valtor. Please, come in."

Victoria's expression softened, and she rose to greet her father-in-law. "Father, it's lovely to see you."

As they ushered Edgar Valtor into the living room, Lylah's humiliation still lingered, a bitter taste in her mouth.

Roselyn's voice dripped with sweetness. "Grandfather Edgar, I'll get you your favorite tea. Lylah, fetch it for me."

Lylah's eyes flashed with resentment, but she knew better than to defy Roselyn now. She forced a nod and left the room, her anger festering.

Grandfather Edgar Valtor's arrival radiated warmth, his eyes shining with affection as he gazed at Roselyn. "My dear, lovely Roselyn, granddaughter of my dear late friend, Michael Carson."

He ignored Malicia and Lylah, his focus solely on Roselyn.

"I've missed you so much, Roselyn," Edgar Vallor said, embracing her warmly. "I've come to ensure you're well."

Roselyn's eyes welled up with tears. "Grandfather Edgar, I've missed you too."

Edgar Valtor's voice filled with emotion. "I still remember Michael's kindness and sacrifice. He saved my life, and I vowed to protect and care for his family. That's why I ensured Alexander married you—to secure your future and honor Michael's legacy."

Victoria's expression remained neutral, her eyes masking her true feelings. She exchanged a brief glance with Malicia, who raised an eyebrow in understanding.

Edgar Valtor's face darkened. "And now, I hear Alexander's seeking divorce? Unacceptable! He'll face my wrath for harming one hair on your head, Roselyn. Michael's memory demands I protect you."

Roselyn's tears flowed freely, comforted by Edgar Valtor's unwavering support.

Malicia and Lylah watched, visibly uncomfortable, as Edgar Valtor showered Roselyn with love and attention, ignoring them completely. Victoria's facade crumbled slightly, revealing a hint of resentment toward Roselyn.

Lylah realized that Grandfather Edgar's loyalty to Roselyn, rooted in his friendship with the late Michael Carson, would shift the family dynamics, potentially altering the course of events, but Victoria's hidden animosity toward Roselyn could complicate matters.

Roselyn grasped Edgar Valtor's hands, her eyes shining with reassurance. "Grandfather, dear, there's no need to worry. Alexander and I are not divorcing. He's been treating me wonderfully, and our marriage is stronger than ever."

Edgar Valtor's expression remained skeptical, his eyes narrowing slightly. He didn't trust Roselyn's words, thinking she was saving face for Alexander's sake. But he couldn't deny the conviction in her voice.

Victoria seized the opportunity to intervene, her tone gentle. "Father, perhaps you've had a long day. Would you like to rest for a while?"

Edgar Valtor nodded graciously. "Of course I will. I'm here to stay for a few days. I want to ensure Roselyn's well-being and settle this matter once and for all."

Victoria's and Malicia's eyes widened in unison; their faces pale. They knew Edgar Valtor's prolonged stay would bolster Roselyn's position, effectively doubling her power. Alexander had already granted her significant authorities, and now, with Edgar Valtor's backing, Roselyn's influence would become unstoppable.

Malicia's thoughts raced with alarm, her mind already strategizing ways to counter Roselyn's newfound advantage. Victoria's expression, though masked, betrayed a hint of concern, her eyes darting toward Roselyn, who seemed oblivious to the undercurrents.

Edgar Valtor's gaze lingered on Roselyn, his eyes softening. "I'll get to the bottom of this, child. You deserve happiness, and I'll ensure you receive it."

As Edgar Valtor retired to his room, Victoria and Malicia exchanged weighted glances. The dynamics had shifted, and Roselyn's reign had just begun.

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As soon as Edgar Valtor and Roselyn departed, Malicia's composure crumbled. She turned to Victoria, her voice laced with desperation.

"How are we supposed to stay here now? Roselyn's been torturing Lylah with orders and demands all day, and now this old man has arrived, solidifying her grip on the household."

Victoria's expression remained calculated, her eyes narrowing. "We'll need to adjust our strategy, Malicia. With Edgar Valtor's backing, Roselyn's power has increased exponentially."

Malicia's frustration boiled over. "It's unbearable! Lylah's already walking on eggshells around Roselyn. This will only worsen. We can't let Roselyn dictate our lives."

Victoria's voice dropped to a whisper. "Patience, Malicia. We'll find a way to counter this. Perhaps we can exploit father’s age and health to our advantage."

Malicia's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect Lylah and our interests. Roselyn won't ruin our lives without a fight."

Lylah, observing the exchange, felt a shiver run down her spine. The battle lines were drawn, and the stakes had never been higher.

Victoria placed a reassuring hand on Malicia's arm. "Don't worry, dear. Father will leave in a few days, and his influence will wane. Alexander and Roselyn's divorce proceedings will resume in a month.

Malicia's eyes widened in skepticism. "But what about Roselyn's newfound power? With Father's backing, she'll be unstoppable."

Victoria's smile was calculated. "We'll handle it. Our priority is ensuring Alexander doesn't weaken. We can't let Roselyn manipulate him further."

Malicia's determination returned. "Agreed. We need to find a way to reverse Alexander's change of heart. What strategy should we employ?"

Victoria's gaze turned thoughtful. "Lylah's proximity to Alexander is our greatest asset. We must utilize it. Encourage Lylah to rekindle her connection with Alexander subtly.

Malicia nodded vigorously. "I'll speak with Lylah immediately. We'll make sure Roselyn doesn't sink her claws deeper into Alexander."

Victoria's voice dropped to a whisper. "And, Malicia, keep a close eye on Roselyn. We can't let her suspect our plans. Father's presence has temporarily shifted the balance, but we'll regain control soon."

Malicia's eyes flashed with resolve. "Consider it done, Victoria. We'll protect our interests and ensure Roselyn's downfall."

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Roselyn sat beside Grandfather Edgar Valtor in the cozy library, surrounded by shelves of leather-bound books. His eyes, usually warm and gentle, now blazed with indignation.

"Roselyn, child, I know all about the hell you've endured at the hands of Victoria and Malicia. Those women have treated you abominably, and that girl Lylah... she thinks she's entitled to the Valtor name? Please, she's nothing but a pretender."

Roselyn's hands instinctively reached for her grandfather's, calming his rising ire. "Grandpa, please don't dwell on the past. It's all behind us now."

Edgar Valtor's voice grew more passionate. "Behind us? Those women have poisoned this household for years! If William, Alexander's father, hadn't fallen under Victoria's spell, he would never have married her. Mark my words, Roselyn, she manipulated him."

Roselyn's soothing tone persisted. "Grandpa, Uncle William passed away, and Victoria raised Alexander alone. She's been a wonderful mother to him, and we should respect that."

Edgar Valtor's expression softened slightly, his gaze lingering on Roselyn's gentle face. "You're too kind, Roselyn. Too forgiving. But I won't stand idly by while those women continue to undermine our family's legacy."

Roselyn's hands tightened around his. "Grandpa, please, for my sake, let's focus on the present. Alexander and I are rebuilding our marriage, and with your support, we'll overcome any obstacle."

Edgar Valtor's eyes narrowed, his mind still racing with memories of past injustices. Yet, for Roselyn's sake, he nodded, his voice gruff. "Very well, child. I'll keep my peace...for now."

Roselyn's smile masked her inner turmoil, hiding the truth she dared not reveal: her desire to escape the marriage. "Thank you, Grandpa. Your support means everything to me."

Edgar Valtor's eyes, though wise and discerning, didn't detect the subtle tension in Roselyn's voice. He attributed her serenity to strength, unaware of the secret she concealed.

"Grandpa, I promise to make you proud. I'll ensure Alexander understands the value of our family's legacy," Roselyn said, her words carefully chosen to reassure him.

Edgar Valtor's expression softened, his heart swelling with pride. "I know you will, Roselyn. You're the only one who truly cares about our family's heritage."

As they conversed, Roselyn's thoughts drifted to the freedom she longed for, the life beyond the suffocating boundaries of her marriage. But duty, loyalty, and her grandfather's expectations kept her anchored, silencing her deepest desires.

The weight of her secrets settled heavy on her shoulders, a constant reminder of the fragile facade she maintained.

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