Chapter 10 "Make sure she knows her place. Women like that become very troublesome once they have delusions." "She's very obedient, won't cause us any trouble." I'd pressed my ear against the bathroom door, each word carving deeper wounds. Back then, I'd told myself it was a test. That Darrell would choose love over his mother's prejudices. That time would change everything. God, I was so fucking naive. Elizabeth circled me like a shark. "Or maybe you found a new… benefactor? Women like you always seem to manage that." 'Women like me?" "Poor. Desperate. Willing to do anything for a taste of the good life. Her smile turned vicious. "Did you think nobody would notice? A nobody trying to play dress-up?" Heat flashed through my chest, but I kept my expression pleasant. "Your concern for my shopping habits is… touching." 'I'm concerned about my son's reputation." She stepped closer, invading my personal space. "Camila's back now. She's everything you could never be breeding, education, proper bloodlines." There it is. The real reason she's here. "Camila does seem… lovely." I tilted my head. "Though I have to ask if she's so perfect, why did she leave in the first place?" - Elizabeth's eyes flashed. "Career opportunities. Unlike some people, she has actual talents beyond batting her eyelashes." "Mm." I nodded thoughtfully. "And now she's back for Darrell. How romantic." "It is romantic. True love always finds a way." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper meant for me alone. 'Unlike whatever pathetic arrangement you have with my son." The words hit their mark, but instead of crumbling, I felt something cold and sharp settle in my chest. "You know what's funny, Mrs. Hawthorne?' I matched her whisper. "You seem more invested in your son's love life than he is." Her face darkened. "What's that supposed to mean?" "Just an observation. Most mothers want their children to be happy. You seem more concerned with… appearances. "Happiness comes from suitable matches. Not from slumming with- "With what?" I interrupted, my voice still honey-sweet. "Please, finish that thought." Elizabeth's mouth snapped shut. Even she wouldn't dare complete that sentence in public. I glanced around the store, noting how other customers had started to stare. Her voice had been rising steadily. "You're causing a scene, Mrs. Hawthorne." She looked around and realized several people were watching with obvious interest. Her perfectly composed mask slipped back into place. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation outside." 1/2 Chapter 10 'Actually, I think we've said enough." I adjusted the strap of my purse. "Besides, you seem confused about something important." "Which is?" "You keep talking about Darrell like I'm trying to steal him from Camila." I smiled, the expression sharp enough to cut glass. "But weren't they the ones fucking in his car while I was home alone?" Elizabeth's face went ashen. "How dare you-" "Speak the truth? Use crude language?" I shrugged. "Sorry if reality offends your delicate sensibilities." "You insolent little-" "Careful." My voice dropped to a deadly quiet. "We're in public, remember? Wouldn't want to damage that precious reputation." She was breathing hard now, her carefully constructed composure cracking. "You think you're clever? Playing word games with me?" 'I think I'm tired of being talked down to by someone whose son can't even be faithful for twenty-four hours." "He was never unfaithful! Camila is his true mate!" "Then what does that make me?" The question hung between us like a loaded gun. Elizabeth's mouth opened and closed soundlessly. "That's what I thought." I picked up the gift bag from the counter. "Well, this has been… educational. But I really should go." "You listen to me, you little gold-digger-"