bChapter /bb14 /b

Skr’s expression remained cont, as it her words were the most natural thing in the world. “That didn’t you say could have anything I wanted? What were you lying?”

Freya’s face flushed red, her words caught in her throat. “You

Carlos’s gaze flicked between his daughters, his tone gentle but fem. “Treya, did you say that?“”

Treya nodded grudgingly, her lips tight. She’d said it, sure, but she never imagined Skr would demand her room.

Carlos’s face grew stem. “A Lambert keeps their word. If you made that promise, you’re ountable for it.”

His words cut off any chance for Freya to throw a tantrum of dodge the request.

Freya’s eyes zed, bloodshot with rage, as she red at Skr, looking ready to tear her apart.

Skr raised a brow, her smirk barely concealed. She mouthed, “Mine”

Freya nearly choked on her anger, her mind screaming curses at Skr

She vowed to herself. Till expose this conniving bitch for who she is. I’ll bmake /bMom and Dad hate her and kick her out of the Lambert family

bSkr /breleased Freya’s hand, her smile bright and teasing. “Thanks for giving me your room, Freya.”

Freya forced out a gritted, b“/bYou’re wee,” through clenched teeth.

Skr turned to Yana, her tone softening. “Mom, I’m not big on pink. Can I redo the room myself?”

Yana’s face lit up, thrilled that Skr had called her “Mom.”

“Of course, sweetheart!b” /bshe said, beaming. “It’s byour /broom now; do whatever you want.”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Do you know interior designb? /bShould I get you a professional?”

Skr shook her head, a small smile tugging at her blips/b. “No need. I’ve got it covered.”

Yana pped her hands, delighted. “Skr, you’re so talented–designing your own room!”

Her affection for Skr poured out, unfiltered, as shevished her daughter with praise.

Skr’s heart warmed, a sweetness she hadn’t felt in years creeping in. Her smile deepened, genuine this time.

So this is what real family feels like, she thought

bYana/b, seizing the moment, leaned closer. “Skr, could you find time to redesign our room too?”

She was so eager to bond.

Skr nodded, her voice soft. “Sure.”

Yana’s smile widened. “Here, take this. It’s a bsecondary /bbcard /bto my bount/b. Buy whatever you needb./b”

Skr hesitated, pushing it back. “I don’t need it. I’ve got my y own money.”

Yana’s eyes softened. “This is from me. It’s different from your own money.”

She pressed the card into bSkr’s /bbhand/b, holding it there. “No arguing with byour /bmom

b10 /b

12:44 Wedb, /b18 Jun C

bYana /bdidn’t know what Skr had been through her past was a nk, hidden from even Yana’s best efforts to uncover it.

But something told her Skr had suffered, and she was determined to make up for it.

“If you keep saying no, I’ll get had “Yana teased, putting on a mock frown.

Skr opened her mouth to protest, but Yana’s eyes narrowed yfully.

She relented, taking the card. “Thanks, Mom.”

Yana

beamed, I

med, her gaze lingering on Skr bas /bif she couldn’t get enough. “That’s the least I can do

She paused, then added, “Oh, your dad and I have something to discuss with you. Come with us to the study”

Yana took Skr’s hand, leading her out, with Carlos trailing behind.

They left without a nce at Freya, still standing in the room.

Freya watched them go, her chest tight with humiliation.

Their dismissal made her feel like a pathetic clown, invisible in her own home.

“Family? What a joke,‘ she thought, her anger boiling over.

She let out ba /bstifled scream, venting her rage, then steadied herself and headed to the study

The study door was ajar, a sliver of light spilling out.

Freya crept closer, peering through the gap, her movements silent

kr, your dad band /bI were talking. We’d like to change yourst name back to Lambert. What do byou /b

Inside, Yana’s voice was cautious but warm. “Skr,

think?”

Skr’s response bwas /bcalm, almost deferential. “I’m fine with it. Whatever you and bDad /bthink is best.”

Yana nodded, her smile radiant, “Good. We also want to throw you a wee–home party, introduce you to our circle.”

bAD /b