Chapter 32

"I only want what’s best for him," she said, her voice almost too smooth. "If Iris makes him happy, then I’m happy for him."

Ivy snorted dismissively. "Please. Iris is a parasite. She’s only clinging to Ryan for his money and status. She’ll never be one of us."

Mrs. Rose nodded in agreement, her expression hardening. "It’s true. The sooner Ryan realizes the mistake he’s made, the better. He should have been with someone like you, Bella. Someone who understands our world—our expectations.”

Bella’s smile remained, but there was a glint in her eyes, a flash of something dangerous. "It’s Ryan’s decision," she said softly, but her words carried an edge. "We should all respect it. For now.”

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Ivy looked to her mother, her frustration evident. "But why should we wait? Why let that woman ruin our family?”

Mrs. Rose sighed, her voice low and calculated. "Patience, Ivy. We mustn’t act rashly. Iris will expose herself in time. People like her always do.