Part 20
Emily did not flinch, nor did she raise her voice; she simply looked at Beatrice with an expression of profound pity.
"Your opinions on my background are entirely irrelevant to me, Beatrice," Emily said, her voice steady as a rock.
"What matters is the reality of this family now. And the reality is that your toxicity is no longer welcome."
Before Beatrice could unleash another tirade, the restroom door swung open with a sudden force.
Daniel stood in the doorway, his eyes sweeping the room until they locked onto Beatrice, his expression terrifying.
He had noticed Emily was gone too long and had come looking for her, sensing the vultures were circling.
"Get away from my wife," Daniel said, his voice a low rumble that promised immediate, devastating consequences.
Beatrice scoffed, trying to maintain her arrogant posture. "Daniel, I am your aunt. You cannot speak to me—"
"I can, and I am," Daniel interrupted, stepping into the room and placing himself directly between them.
"You are banned from our home. You are removed from the foundation board. And if you approach Emily again, I will ruin you socially."
Just then, another figure appeared in the doorway behind Daniel, looking pale and completely distraught.
It was Margaret. She had followed Daniel, sensing that her sister would attempt to cause trouble.
Margaret looked at Beatrice, her own sister, and for the first time, she spoke up in defense of Emily.
"Stop it, Beatrice," Margaret said, her voice trembling but filled with a strange new authority. "Just stop it."
Beatrice stared at her sister in utter disbelief. "Margaret? I am defending you! I am standing up for your honor!"
"You aren't defending me," Margaret said, tears spilling over her wrinkled cheeks. "You are feeding the fire that burned my life down."
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"Emily did nothing wrong tonight, and she didn't deserve your venom. If you love me, you will leave her alone."
The restroom became dead silent, the weight of Margaret’s defense shifting the entire landscape of the family war.
