Kaleb’s kick had real force behind it. Amilia doubled over, coughing up blood onto the floor. Shakily rising to her feet, she shot Kaleb a look of utter disbelief.

“I’m your sister! How could you do that to your own flesh and blood because of that worthless Bexley? Are you in love with her or something?” Amilia spat.

Before Kaleb could answer, she sneered, “I never pegged you for someone so shallow. You think she’s pretty and want to keep her as your mistress, so much so that you’d abandon your own family for her! You make me sick! Does Jenifer know about your twisted obsession?”

“You!” Kaleb’s jaw tightened and his fists clenched. He was stunned that Amilia could invent such absurd notions.

Kaleb genuinely cared for Bexley, but his feelings were the protective warmth an older brother feels for a younger sister—nothing more. From their very first meeting, something about Bexley had felt familiar to him, as if she belonged in their family. It never occurred to him that Amilia would twist this innocent affection into something ugly just to wound him.

Just then Jenifer Thompson, Kaleb’s wife, entered the living room and caught Amilia’s venomous accusation mid-sentence. Seizing the moment, Amilia tried to stir up more trouble.

“Jenifer, you’re here just in time! See what your beloved husband is up to? He’s fixated on Bexley and wants to keep her around as his mistress, right in front of you!”

But Jenifer—the formidable younger sister of former King Howell—was not easily rattled. She would not stand for any talk of infidelity in her marriage, and Amilia’s attempt to sow discord was obvious. Her plan unraveled instantly.

Jenifer didn’t take the bait. Her voice was sharp and unwavering as she told Amilia, “You’re not a child anymore. How can you still act so irresponsibly? I know exactly the kind of man Kaleb is, and I have complete faith in him. I also trust Bexley. Don’t you dare try to smear her name or drive a wedge between me and Kaleb.”

Amilia was left speechless. She had counted on distracting everyone, turning Kaleb and Jenifer against each other so attention would shift away from her and Karlee. She never expected Jenifer to remain so composed.

What few realized was how close Jenifer and Bexley truly were. Outwardly their relationship appeared that of mistress and servant, but in private they were confidantes, sharing secrets like sisters.

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After finishing her reprimand, Jenifer gave Bexley’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

“So, you think you’ve won, do you? Don’t get too comfortable! You want me to apologize? In your dreams!” Karlee snapped, venom in every syllable.

Amilia flashed a triumphant smile and chimed in, “That’s right. Apologize to whom? To that liar and her band of lies? Never.”

Jenifer’s eyes narrowed. She stepped forward, voice cold and controlled.

“Enough. This stops now. You will not poison this house with more of your lies.”

Kaleb’s jaw tightened. He stared at the two women until the room seemed to hold its breath.

“I asked you to apologize. One more refusal and we’ll deal with this properly.”

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