All Chapters of In The Smoke-Filled Room: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Eva stepped out of Violet's room, her hand clutching the strands of hair pulled from Violet, an expression of grim satisfaction etched on her face. Sharon, her mother, was waiting in the hallway; a smug expression played on her face as her eyes swept the evidence in her daughter's hand."Finally," Sharon whispered, a sly smile diffusing into her lips. "This will be our ace of spades. Till Friday, she will be identified as an imposter, and nothing will prevent Clyde or his father from acknowledging it."Eva nodded, and her eyes glinted. "I just can't wait to see the look on their faces when it all comes out. This charade ends now."The two women quickly made the arrangement to have the DNA sample sent out to a lab in which they had a high degree of confidence, knowing full well the results that would come from it would reveal Violet to be an outsider. They were already envisioning the scene: Clyde's father filled with disappointment and shame, Violet humiliated and cast out. Everything

The air was heavy in Clyde's stepmother, Eva's, gaudy office. Eva sat behind her desk, her features contorted in irritation. Sharon, Eva's daughter, paced back and forth, while Tony sat in the corner, tapping his fingers on the armrest of a chair."We can't just sit and watch Clyde and Violet take everything away from us!" Eva declared, her palm slapping the desk. "They're ruining everything we've built!"Tony leaned forward, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. "I know Violet is an imposter. That DNA test was edited.""Yes, Mum!" Sharon chimed in, her eyes gleaming with malice. "They must have tampered with the results, but we can't let them win."Eva sank back in her chair, her eyes narrowing in thought. "That reminds me the real Violet has a birthmark on her back. Tony, are you positive Violet doesn't?"Tony was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "No, she doesn't. When we were dating, I never saw anything like that."An evil smile curled Eva's lips. "That's it. We'll use that to

Clyde's stepmother, Sharon, sat pacing up and down in her excessively elaborate living room. The shining red varnish on her nails tapped against the champagne flute with rhythmic precision. Her mind took her through plots and subplots. Across her, on the plush velvet couch, sat her daughter Eva, who regarded her mother with a mixed expression of admiration and impatience.We've tried everything," Eva said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "The DNA test, the birthmark, every angle we've used to discredit Violet has backfired. She's practically untouchable now." "Not untouchable," Sharon corrected tartly, her eyes narrowing. "We've just been going about it the wrong way. If we can't prove she's not Violet West, we'll ruin her another way. We'll take her down along with Clyde.Eva's eyes widened in interest. "What do you mean?"Sharon smiled-cold, calculated. "People already think it's suspicious how fast Clyde and Violet have become such close allies. Whispers have started regardin

That evening, the West family mansion buzzed with increased activity. The dining hall had fresh white lilies on the table and a hint of gold on every decoration. It surely was something more important than just a family dinner. Violet sat quietly at one end of the table, her eyes straying to Clyde, who seemed uneasier by the minute. Across from him sat Lily Harrington, perfectly attired in a glossy black evening gown that matched the sumptuousness of the room. A serene smile covered an assured undertone of entitlement.Sharon and Eva, who sat quite close, exchanged knowing glances. They both seemed a bit too involved in the outcome of the evening. The patriarch Richard West entered last, claiming the space in the center. With his pleased smile, he sat at the head of the table and raised his glass to silence the people.Good evening, everyone," Richard began, his tone appropriately warm yet formal. "Tonight's dinner is more than just a family gathering. I have an important announcement

Soft morning sun rays managed to drill their way into the West mansion, casting golden hues on its intricately carved hallways and rooms. In the kitchen, Violet was leaning against the counter, peeling an orange. She loved such rare moments of tranquility before the storm of activity that was sure to erupt soon.As she popped a slice into her mouth, Sharon entered, her steps deliberate, her smile overly pleasant. Violet looked up, slightly surprised."Good morning, Violet," Sharon greeted, her tone unusually sweet."Good morning, Mrs. West," Violet returned with a polite greeting, sensing something was off.Sharon walked over to the counter, picking up a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "Here, have some juice. It's good to start the day with something refreshing."Violet demurred but took the glass, considering it a friendly gesture. After a few sips, Violet was sure Sharon kept looking at her.Sharon clapped her hands together, simulating urgency. "Oh, by the way, Violet, one