Chapter 13 The Scheming Tehila Jennett smiled , stroking Tehila's hair . But her face went pale at the thought of Seryna's icy attitude . She still didn't get why Seryna wouldn't play nice since Seryna knew the squeaky wheel got the oil . " Don't worry , baby . You're our little princess . Seryna's just some country girl . She's not even in the same league ," Jennett murmured , trying to soothe her . After a pause , she asked , " Tila , have you seen Brunell lately ? " Tehila blushed . " Mom , he's been out of town for work . But once he's back , I'll meet up with him . We need to start figuring out the engagement date . " Just then , Seryna walked back in to grab something she'd left behind . Their conversation almost made her laugh . When she strutted past , the two on the sofa tensed up , faces tight with guilt and panic . Jennett's eyes widened in shock . She figured Seryna must have heard the " country girl " comment and would hate her even more . Chapter 13 The Scheming Tehila The urge to lash out clawed at her . She locked eyes with Jennett , her voice cold . " Ms. Willard , I thought you loved Tehila . Turns out , not so much . When she schemed against me , the ' country girl ' you look down on , you didn't stop her . You let her walk straight into trouble . " And when she suggested I live in the attic , you agreed . You're my mom , but you despise me just because I was switched and raised by a nanny . " You know what ? You don't deserve to be a mother , letting your precious Tehila go astray . " Yeah , I'm from the countryside . So was Tehila's real mother . But at least she cared enough to steal Tehila a life with real status ." " With that , Seryna turned and headed upstairs . It wasn't a disappointment . She'd stopped expecting decency from them long ago . People's judgments never changed . The heartbreak was behind her now . This time , Seryna was living for herself ! Her words cut through Jennett's carefully kept image of a good Chapter 13 The Scheming Tehila mother . Jennett sat frozen , too stunned to speak . Tehila was seething with anger . Seryna was like a whole new person . Before they brought her back , she'd been timid and unpresentable . Now she was sharp and feisty . Tehila was convinced Rashad's support gave her that confidence . Tehila needed her gone . With her still in the family , Tehila's dream life in this house was out of reach . If Tehila's birth mother hadn't slipped and told the truth , she wouldn't be in this mess . " Mom , are you okay ? Let's just go to the hospital , alright ? I'm really worried about you ." Tehila kept her eyes on her , afraid . Seryna's words would sway her . Jennett snapped out of it , staring at her daughter's tear - streaked face . She felt sorry for Tehila ; Tehila had never been humiliated . like this . Seryna was impossible to rein in . No wonder Jennett didn't like her . Chapter 13 The Scheming Tehla " If Sera were half as sensible as you , this house would have peace ." Just as Jennett finished , Seryna's voice came from the stairs . " Ms. Willard , with Tehila pulling her goody - two - shoes act and the rest of you being so biased , this house is never gonna be peaceful ." Tehila was going to destroy the family's pride and their hopes of a marriage alliance with the Fortin family . Seryna turned to her and saw pure hatred burning in her eyes . " Ugh , that glare . You're trying to kill me with it or what ? You set me up so Dad would think I was lazy and useless , didn't you ? You're seriously scheming , Tehila ." Tehila's tears came instantly . " I didn't . Sera , you've totally got it wrong . " " Chapter 14 The Quiet