Part 19
The absolute composure in Emily’s voice left Aunt Beatrice momentarily speechless, her mouth opening slightly in shock.
Several prominent guests at the table nodded in agreement, impressed by Emily’s grace under passive-aggressive pressure.
Beatrice’s face flushed an angry shade of pink, but she forced a tight smile, realizing she had lost the social round.
"Of course," Beatrice muttered, quickly taking a sip of her champagne to hide her deep embarrassment.
Throughout the rest of the dinner, Margaret remained entirely silent, refusing to participate in Beatrice’s games.
She watched Emily interact with the foundation board members, noting how easily her daughter-in-law commanded respect.
When dinner concluded and the guests moved toward the terrace for coffee, Emily excused herself to go to the restroom.
She needed a moment of absolute quiet away from the suffocating pressure of the elite crowd.
As she stood before the marble sink, washing her hands, the heavy wooden door opened behind her.
Emily looked up into the mirror and saw Aunt Beatrice entering, her eyes fixed on Emily with pure malice.
Beatrice closed the door firmly behind her, ensuring they were completely alone in the lavishly decorated space.
"You think you’re very clever, don't you?" Beatrice hissed, abandoning all pretenses of high-society politeness.
"You’ve managed to brainwash my nephew and turn him against his own mother, destroying a legacy in the process."
Emily turned around slowly, drying her hands with a linen towel, refusing to let her heart rate accelerate.
"I didn't turn Daniel against anyone, Beatrice. Margaret’s own violent actions brought her to where she is today."
"Don't speak her name!" Beatrice snapped, stepping closer, her finger pointing accusingly just like Margaret used to do.
"You are nothing but a middle-class opportunist who crawled her way into a family she doesn't belong in."
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The insult was designed to sting, to evoke the deep insecurities Emily had fought against for years.
But tonight, the words felt empty, powerless against the reality of the love and security she possessed.
