45

That afternoon, the atmosphere in the De Santos Mansion felt calm. The lights in the living room were already on, giving the wide room a warm glow. Giselle had just come home from campus. She took off her shoes, then stepped inside with a tired face, her small backpack still hanging on her shoulder.

But her steps halted. On the long sofa in the living room, Qiara sat leisurely with her legs crossed, a fashion magazine open in her hand. She looked so confident, as if the house already belonged to her.

“Just got home, Giselle?” Qiara’s voice was flat, but full of mockery.

Giselle glanced briefly, then continued...