That was why she could now watch, with detached amusement, as Bella grew so flustered she couldn't even control her expression.
Despite losing her composure, she was still trying to talk tough.
"Well said, well said, Bella. That was a very good speech. But whether you truly believe it yourself, I can't say.
I just wonder, when someone talks such a big game, are they already numb from the pain inside?
In any case, I'm not the one who's sad or heartbroken now.
Miss Ward, you'll have to figure out your own feelings.
Oh, right, I forgot to warn you.
I've moved back in now. You probably feel like I've stolen your room, but let me remind you, this was always my room.
While I'm living at home, you'd best be on your best behavior. Got it?
Don't cause any trouble, and don't start anything.
You know that recording I have is enough to make you relive the prison sentence you escaped all those years ago."
Bella bit her lip, trying desperately to hold back, but her defenses were crumbling. "Lillian, what do you want? That recording doesn't prove anything. It can't convict me."
Lillian replied, "But if I were to release it, what would happen to Miss Ward's future..."
Before Lillian could finish, Bella cut in even more quickly, "What do you want from me?"
"What do I want? I told you. Behave yourself. You're the daughter of my father's mistress, and I don't like you.
In the old days, before my parents were divorced, a woman like your mother who moved in without any official status would have been considered nothing more than a servant, a concubine.

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