Chapter 61
Cordelia stood frozen, trembling with shock. After what felt like an eternity, she finally managed to speak, her voice tight. “No way.”
Yelena’s eyes clouded over with coldness.
Cordelia met her gaze with sharp defiance. “This is our home. Dad gave it to Mom. We’ve lived here for years. This is our home!”
“How dare you bring that up?” Yelena sneered, her voice shrill with venom. “Who is your shameless mother anyway? Do you really think she deserves a house from my father?”
“Your mother was allowed to stay here out of pity. At least she served him!” Yelena pointed at Carter with disdain. “What makes a bastard like you think you deserve to live in the Jenners’ house?”
Carter’s temper flared. He had always been sensitive about his complicated family history. Yelena’s words struck a raw nerve, and he was about to lash out.
“What nonsense are you talking about!?” he shouted, his fists clenched, his muscles tensing with fury.
Cordelia sprang into action, stepping in front of him, trying to stop him from acting on impulse.
Yelena recoiled at the sight but quickly recovered, taunting them with even more cruelty.
“Tell me, what part of that isn’t true? Your whole family is a disgrace. You’re all worthless!”
“Enough, Yelena!”
“Yes, I said it. What are you going to do about it?” Yelena taunted, moving toward Cordelia and shoving her. “Get out of the way with your bastard brother, you b*tch!”
Cordelia stood her ground, blocking Yelena from pushing Carter. But Yelena didn’t hold back. She clawed at Cordelia’s arm, leaving angry red scratches across her skin.
Pain surged through Cordelia’s body, and in her haste to move back, she lost her balance and stumbled down the stairs.
In the blink of an eye, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her. She gasped, stunned, as she was pulled into a firm embrace.
“Are you okay?” Marcus’s voice was low, filled with concern.
Cordelia’s lips trembled, her eyes swimming with confusion, anger, and something deeper. She clung to him, her body shaking with a mix of emotions. “Hubby…” she whispered, barely able to hold herself together.
Marcus gently patted her shoulder, his expression hardening as he scanned the room with cold authority.
“What’s going on here?” he demanded, his gaze piercing.
Yelena had never seen him before, but she quickly assessed the situation. This man had nearly cost her a marriage, and now he was standing before her, exuding a powerful, almost regal presence.
He was tall, handsome, and commanded attention effortlessly. But Yelena wasn’t impressed. He was a convicted fighter, a man with nothing.
“So, you’re Marcus?” Yelena sneered. “Cordelia’s useless husband?”
Marcus’s expression darkened.
Yelena continued, her tone dripping with disdain. “Even if you’re here, it won’t change anything. This is a family matter, and my father is taking the house back. I’m here to make sure they move out today!”
“Move out?” Marcus scoffed, his voice laced with mockery. “And what makes you think you have the authority to make that happen?”
Yelena squared her shoulders, her gaze sharp as she met his. “Because I’m my father’s daughter. I’m the first daughter of the Jenners!”
Cordelia’s heart tightened, a knot forming in her chest. She moved closer to Marcus, reaching for his arm as if to warn him.
He turned toward her, his eyes soft yet resolute, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Cordelia was stunned. The look in his eyes sent a chill down her spine, and she suddenly felt both comforted and afraid all at once.
Yelena noticed the subtle exchange, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.