Then he added, “You can fill in any amount you want for compensation. If it’s not enough, let me know.”
I froze, staring at him in disbelief.
So that’s what he thought—I came here for money?
In his mind, my mother’s life could be erased and replaced by a few numbers on a check?
Before I could speak, the office door opened softly.
Anya walked in.
The moment he saw her, Erving stood up and hurried over to steady her, his tone instantly gentle. “Why didn’t you wait for me in the studio? Don’t come over here by yourself again.”
Then he turned back to me, introducing her as naturally as if we were all family. “I’ve decided to have Anya move into the villa. She’s not in good health. It’ll be easier for me to take care of her if she’s close by.”
In an instant, my blood turned to ice.
I remembered years ago when he bought that villa, holding my hand as we walked through every room. He’d smiled and said, ‘This is the home I built for us. Everything’s arranged the way you like it. Only you, me, and your mom will live here.’
And now, he was bringing in the woman indirectly responsible for my mother’s death!
“What if I say no?” I asked.
His expression darkened immediately. He instinctively pulled Anya behind him. “Mandy, why are you being so petty? Anya saved my life. If she hadn’t pushed me out of the way back then, I would’ve been the one in the hospital. She’s sick now. What’s wrong with letting her stay here?”
Right on cue, Anya’s eyes reddened. She even pretended to leave. “Erving, am I causing trouble? Maybe I should just go back to the studio. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“Don’t go.” He stopped her and shot me a sharp glare filled with disappointment. “How far are you going to push her? I don’t need your permission for this, Mandy.”
Then, he turned to his assistant. “James, go prepare a room.”
With that, he led Anya away. As they brushed past me, I caught the fleeting smirk at the corner of her lips.
When I returned to the villa, there was already a suitcase sitting in the entryway—hers.
I pretended not to notice and went straight to my mom’s old room.
I wanted to look through her belongings. But the moment I stepped in, I realized the amethyst necklace from her bedside table was missing.
That necklace had been a gift from my dad, a symbol of their love. Mom had worn it until the day she died. It meant everything to her.