Esther had never liked Elena. She’d dropped countless hints, both subtle and direct, but Elena always pretended not to understand. Now, using Ethan’s impending marriage as an excuse, Esther seized the opportunity to push her out.
Elena couldn’t figure out what she had ever done to deserve this treatment.
“Mom, Ellie can live wherever she wants. She’ll make her own arrangements,” Ethan interjected.
“After you marry Sienny, having such a third wheel around—are you fine with it? Would Sienny be fine with it?” Esther shot back, deliberately dragging Sienna into the conversation.
Sienna knew exactly what Esther wanted her to say. But having just been forced to agree to leave the entertainment industry, she was already feeling resentful.
“Auntie, I’ll listen to Ethan,” Sienna said with a practiced smile. “Besides, Ellie has been with Ethan for so many years. It’s not something she can easily change overnight.”
Esther’s expression darkened further. “It’s all the fault of that worthless mother of hers, bringing such trouble into the world.”
Elena’s body stiffened at the cruel words. Even after dinner, while waiting for Ethan in the courtyard, Esther’s harsh comment echoed in her mind.
Ethan’s marriage was a significant event, and the entire Scott Family was bustling with preparations. Yet Elena felt increasingly lost. She could sense Ethan’s kindness and affection toward her, but why did he still went on in marrying Sienna?
Drawn by curiosity, she moved closer to the family’s meeting hall. From inside, she could hear the tone Esther used with Sienna had completely shifted.
“Sienny, after you leave the industry, your focus should be on supporting your husband and raising children. Being the daughter-in-law of the Scott Family is far more complicated than you might think,” Esther said with an air of authority.
“And as for Elena—you’re too softhearted. Keeping her around will only bring disaster to your marriage with Ethan.”
Elena didn’t wait to hear the rest. She turned and left quietly, her heart sinking. Esther and Sienna shared the same goal: to drive her away. They would stop at nothing to make it happen.
Her mind was a chaotic mess as she wandered aimlessly, eventually reaching the gates of the old estate. She tripped over something she couldn’t see and fell hard onto the ground.