Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 49: My Poor Daughter

Chapter 49: My Poor Daughter

Chapter 49: My Poor Daughter

Beatrice paced back and forth across her room, her fingers tugged anxiously at her nails.

She couldn’t sit still, in her mind, she was racing with so many things.

She glanced at the clock, then at the door.

Just then, her maid entered quietly. "Madam, someone’s waiting for you outside."

Beatrice’s head snapped up. "Where?"

"By the garden," the maid replied.

Without another word, Beatrice hurried past her, slipping through the back door and moving quickly through the garden.

She saw the man standing near a sleek, black car, he was watching her approach.

From an upstairs window, Henry glanced out, noticing her rushing toward the car.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he saw her slip inside, but with his lawyers waiting, he let it go.

They were discussing a lawsuit against Eira for defamation. It was all he could think about at the moment.

Meanwhile, Beatrice shut the car door behind her, settling into the seat as the man looked at her.

"Is he..." she whispered, leaning closer. "You know... dead?"

The man gave a small nod, confirming her question.

Beatrice let out a long, relieved sigh, almost laughing to herself.

"How dare he even dig into this?" she muttered.

"He nearly found out... the scandal it would’ve caused." She shook her head, raising her voice. "I’m so glad he’s gone. Good riddance."

The man said nothing, watching her in silence as she continued.

"Imagine the mess it would have made for us," she scoffed, half to herself.

"It was the only way. I had no choice." She glanced at the man. "Are we clear now?"

"Yes, Madam. Everything is taken care of."

"Good," she replied, leaning back, a small smile onto her face.

Beatrice returned home, slipping quietly through the side door, but she stopped when she saw Vanesa pacing in the hallway, her face looked to be tight from all the anger she was going through.

Beatrice walked up to her daughter, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, and kissed her forehead.

"I’ll protect you," she murmured softly.

Vanesa looked up, she felt confused but softened by the warmth in her mother’s touch.

She didn’t fully understand her mother’s sudden tenderness, but she let herself lean into the embrace, holding on tightly.

After a moment, Vanesa pulled back. "Mom... There’s so much happening right now. Things I don’t understand."

Beatrice smoothed her hair. "What’s bothering you, dear?"

Vanesa hesitated, then sighed. "The kids at university... they’re mocking me. They think it’s funny that Father’s stocks crashed. They say his power is slipping, that we’re... we’re not what we were."

Her voice wavered, and she looked away, embarrassed.

Small waves of wrinkles formed on Beatrice’s forehead, but her voice stayed soft. "And you believe them?"

Vanesa swallowed. "No, I... I don’t know. I just don’t understand what’s happening. It’s like everything’s changing, and I don’t know how to handle it."

Beatrice held her hands tightly. "Listen to me, Vanesa. They don’t know what they’re talking about. People will say anything to bring down those they envy. Don’t let it shake you."

Vanesa nodded slowly but didn’t look convinced.

"It’s just... hard. Everyone’s watching, waiting for us to fall. And Father... he barely even looks at me lately. He’s always with the lawyers or in his office. It feels like he’s more worried about Eira than us."

Beatrice’s face darkened for a split second, but she softened again, pulling Vanesa into another hug.

"Don’t waste a thought on Eira. Your father is handling it. And as for everyone else... they’re beneath you, Vanesa. Remember who you are."

Vanesa took a deep breath, nodding. "I’ll try, Mom."

Beatrice held her close, "Good. Trust me. I’ll make sure no one ever hurts you."

Beatrice pulled back, giving Vanesa a long look. "There might be a way to turn all this around, you know."

Vanesa frowned, again confused. "What do you mean?"

"I heard some news this morning. Callian... he’s awake."

Vanesa knew that, but she didn’t want to tell her mother about the embarrassing encounter with him, so the best option was just to act surprised.

Vanesa’s eyebrows shot up. "Callian?! That asshole is always around that bitch Eira. It’s becoming annoying. He’s protecting her like some kind of precious gold."

"Yes," Beatrice said smoothly, "and that’s precisely why we’re going to change things."

Vanesa tilted her head, still unsure. "How?"

Beatrice stepped closer, "You’re going to be there for him. Make him see you, make him forget her."

Vanesa’s eyes widened, "You think I can?"

Beatrice squeezed her shoulders. "Of course, darling. Callian’s been through a lot. He’ll need someone patient, kind... someone who can give him what Eira can’t."

Vanesa thought for a moment. "And you think I’m that someone? He hates me, mom..."

"Who else?" Beatrice said. "You’re charming, beautiful, and strong. Eira doesn’t know how to handle him, especially now. But you... you could make him see what he’s missing."

Vanesa smirked. "She’ll be furious."

Beatrice gave a small, satisfied smile. "Good. Let her be. She’s a problem for all of us, and the sooner she’s out of Callian’s life, the better."

"But what if he doesn’t... you know, fall for it?" Vanesa asked, knowing Callian wasn’t exactly interested in her and he showed this her so many times.

Beatrice waved a hand dismissively. "You just need to be there. Show him you care, that you understand what he’s going through. A man like Callian will respond to that."

Vanesa nodded slowly, "You think he’ll trust me?"

"He’ll be looking for support, someone stable. You have to be patient. Start small. Just show up, be his friend, listen to him," Beatrice explained.

Vanesa’s smile grew as she imagined it. "And Eira... that stupid bitch won’t even understand the situation."

Beatrice’s voice turned sharper. "Exactly. She’ll be too busy playing the good wife, running after her family drama. Callian needs someone who can focus on him."

Vanesa let out a small laugh. "It’ll be easy. She barely has time for him with all her issues. And when she finds out? She’ll hate it."

Beatrice chuckled. "It’s about time she felt what it’s like to lose. Now, go visit him as soon as you can. Start small, get him to open up."

"And if he pushes me away?"

"Be patient. Don’t push, just show up, be understanding. He’ll start to appreciate you,"

Beatrice said with a sly smile. "Sooner or later, he’ll see that you’re exactly what he needs."

"I can do that. I’ll make him see what he’s missing. And when he’s finally done with her..."

Beatrice patted her cheek. "Then we’ll get everything we want."