Chapter 3 Old Grudges and New

Adeline pushed open the door and was greeted by the familiar scent of her old room. It seemed as though three years had done nothing to change the place; the landscape paintings she had carefully chosen still hung on the walls, and the same green ivy adorned the windowsill, its leaves now yellowed and wilted, much like the fleeting joys of her youth. She walked to the window and gently traced her fingers over the ivy's leaves, her movements slow and cautious, as if afraid of disturbing something. Memories flooded in like a tide, but the once warm scenes were now torn apart by reality—Michelle had taken her place, and she had endured humiliation and pain in prison. "Ms. Layton, I've been taking care of this ivy," came a gentle voice from behind. Adeline turned to see Eden, the maid who had served the Layton family for years, standing at the doorway with a tender look in her eyes. "Thank you," Adeline replied indifferently, not saying much else. Undeterred, Eden stepped forward quickly, "Ms. Layton, these past years must have been tough on you. It's good to see you're back now." Adeline eyed Eden's flickering gaze and felt a surge of caution. She's being way too nice all of a sudden. Something's off. Maybe she's here to watch me. "Eden, you don't need to follow me; I can manage on my own." Adeline turned her back to her, dismissing her with a cold tone. Eden paused, then recovered, "Oh, alright then. Ms. Layton, call me if you need anything; I'll be outside." Adeline didn't respond further, just gently closed the door. She leaned against it, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, only to find her chest still oppressively tight. In the bathroom, the sound of running hot water filled the air. The steam fogged up the mirror and obscured Adeline's features. She lifted her hand to push the damp hair from her forehead, revealing a pale and gaunt face. Three years in prison had left many marks on her, not just physically but also mentally. Yet, she would not let anyone see her weakness, including the ever-smiling, ingratiating Eden. After changing her clothes, she left her room and headed straight for her grandmother's room. However, before she could reach the door, a tall figure blocked her path—Gavin. His hands were in his suit pockets, and his sharply cut features carried a piercing severity. He looked Adeline up and down, then frowned, "You're dressed like that to see grandma?" Adeline glanced down at her simple long dress, noting a tiny tear at the hem. She scoffed, "Since when did Mr. Gavin become so picky?" "Grandma's not well, your appearance will worry her," Gavin stated firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Oh?" Adeline raised an eyebrow. "And what do you suggest? That I put on something bright and shiny so everyone can pretend I've been just fine these past three years?" Gavin was taken aback, momentarily lost for words. He stared at Adeline, his deep, ink-like eyes flashing with complexity before returning to a cold detachment. "Either way, you're not going in." "Why not?" Adeline stepped closer, each word chilling, "Because I'm a criminal? Or because I'm an imposter, a fake noble?" Gavin clenched his teeth and remained silent. Whatever he said couldn't cover up his choices—years ago, to protect Michelle, he had sent Adeline to prison. As they stood in deadlock, a frail yet authoritative voice called from the room, "Who's making all that noise outside?" Hearing this, Gavin's expression shifted. He quickly pushed the door open and entered, but Adeline stepped through the threshold first. "Grandma," Adeline called out, her voice low and husky, trembling with barely concealed emotion. The elderly woman on the bed slowly opened her eyes and paused when she saw who stood beside her. "Addie..." Teresa's voice shook slightly, a murky tear rolling down her cheek. That call hit a soft spot in Adeline's heart; she sat beside the bed, taking Teresa's hand in hers. "Grandma, I'm back." Gavin stood aside, watching the scene with a complex expression. He wanted to intervene but was at a loss for words. He suddenly realized, regardless of the past, he owed Adeline an apology. But this belated guilt could not mend the years of pain inflicted on her. At dinner, the family gathered in the brightly lit living room, each face displaying a mix of emotions—hypocrisy, indifference, anxiety... all silently clashing in a fierce contest. "I heard you just got back; we prepared a lavish dinner especially for you," Diana raised her glass, seemingly warm, "I hope you like it." Adeline didn't touch her fork; instead, she rolled up her sleeve, revealing a mottled array of scars to everyone. "Over the years, I've eaten well, lived well, thanks to your 'care.'" The room fell silent instantly, everyone stunned, including Michelle, who always sat gracefully with a smile. The shocking scars were like a loud slap, tearing apart all pretense. "My God!" Diana exclaimed, grabbing Adeline's arm to look. "What... what happened?" "Just the rules of prison," Adeline's voice was calm yet eerie. "You all knew, didn't you?" That statement was like a sharp knife, striking at the hidden corners of everyone's hearts. Michelle, standing among them, teared up, taking out a tissue to dab at her eyes, her voice choked with guilt, "Adeline, I'm sorry... It's all my fault; if only back then..." "Enough!" Adeline slammed the table, staring down Michelle's pitiful face, word by word, "Don't disgust me with your fake pity." The room fell deathly silent, no one daring to speak. Gavin, who had been silently observing, finally couldn't hold back, "Enough! Today is a family dinner; let's not make it worse!" "Family dinner?" Adeline sneered. "Three years ago, when you drove me out of this house, you never treated me as family!"