Chapter 28 So Now I Matter?
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+5 Pearls
She barely touched her food. After dinner, Catherine al Camille pulled Nathan aside for a “chat“-which Elena could guess the topic of without hearing a word.
But it was Richard who caught her off guard. He invited her into his study.
For Elena, stepping into that room felt surreal. She’d never been allowed in before. Not once.
That space was always reserved for Camille.
Once, Camille had tricked her into going in. The punishment had been brutal–ten lashes from Richard’s belt, deep enough to scar. Now he was waving her in wanly.
“Elena. Come on, don’t stand there,” Richard called.
She forced herself to move, standing stiffly in front of the desk.
“Sit. Don’t be so formal.”
She sat slowly, still wary. Richard smiled, trying to sound casual. “I heard from Camille that you’re pretty close with Sophia. And that the interview you’re working on–Alexander specifically asked for you?”
Elena didn’t respond. She already knew where this was going. The Hart Group wasn’t small, but next to the Kingsleys? They were nothing.
She stayed silent, waiting. Eventually, Richard gave in.
“I know you’ve always had issues with me and your mother. We kept Camille around when maybe we shouldn’t have. But before you came back, she was the only daughter we had. I hope you can understand our feelings.”
Understand? Elena almost laughed.
“Didn’t I always try?”
She met his eyes, voice calm but cutting.
“When I first came back, you told me Camille wasn’t used to living in a small town, so you’d keep her here for a while. Said you’d send her to the countryside later. That never happened. You gave her the best room, got her a job, even sent her abroad on your dime.”
“She wasn’t raised for that kind of life,” Richard offered weakly.
“And I was?” Elena’s voice trembled with fury.
“We were both separated from our real parents. But she got to grow up with you. She got the silver spoon and all the love. And me? You didn’t even bother learning my food preferences. I hate ginger. Camille loves it. Guess which one you always remembered.”
It all poured out, sharp and fast. Because she’d remembered every slight. Every time she was told to “understand.”
Nathan had treated her slightly better, and that small scrap of affection had been enough to make her believe he loved her.
11:30 Tue, Feb 10 BBQ
Chapter 28 So Now I Matter?
Richard looked like he wanted to yell, but held back.
“That’s all in the past,” he said. “We’ll do better. From now on, you’re our only daughter.”
Maybe once, Elena would’ve been touched. Now, it felt sulting.
+5 Pearis
Camille had already married Nathan. Once their relationship became public, she’d be the lady of the Hawthorne family.
And Elena? Just the backup. The discarded title of “Hart heiress.”
What did they take her for? A trash bin Camille could toss scraps into? Richard was clearly trying to figure her out.
After a long pause, he finally said, “Our company’s working on a real estate deal. We need some outside investment. Since you’re close with Sophia, maybe you could set up a meeting with Mr. Kingsley? How about this Wednesday?”
Just like she thought. The only reason she was allowed in this room
Fine. She was happy to play this game.
“Sure,” she said. “I’ll give Sophia a call and set it up.”
was because now, she was useful.
Richard lit up like a Christmas tree. He even walked her to the door himself when she left. Nathan was waiting outside.
“Elena, Grandpa was asking about you last night. Want to come back to the estate with me tonight?”
His expression was strained. The smile looked forced.
Elena caught the way Catherine and Camille were staring at them, practically burning holes into Nathan’s back.
Clearly, they’d been pressuring him about the family shares. She looked up at him sweetly and smiled. “Sure. Let’s go together.”
Then, right in front of Camille, she leaned in close to Nathan. “Not gonna ask if there’s something going on between me and Ryan?”
Nathan’s smile widened. He gently pinched her cheek. “Why would I? I was just teasing. Come on, let’s take
your car.”
10
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
