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Chapter_67
Sadie stared at the Rolls-Royce Phantom, her mind briefly clouded with a mix of surprise and unease. The lavish car, a symbol of wealth and power, was not something she was accustomed to. She hadn’t allowed herself to indulge in luxuries in years—life had been too focused on survival, keeping her children safe, and avoiding the pressures of a world that once seemed too far out of reach.
“Mr. Clemens is very generous,” she murmured, though the words tasted strange on her tongue. She couldn’t help but wonder just how far his generosity extended. Was it truly kindness, or was there an underlying expectation?
Dahlia, noticing her hesitation, quickly added, “Mr. Clemens only wants what’s best for you, Miss Roth. You don’t need to feel uneasy.”
Sadie gave a slight nod, not entirely convinced but choosing to keep her thoughts to herself. The ride to the White family’s estate felt oddly long, as her mind buzzed with memories and the upcoming confrontation with her aunt. There was something unnerving about the situation, about being thrust back into a world she had tried to distance herself from—one of opulence, manipulation, and hidden agendas.
As they neared the estate, the sprawling property came into view, bathed in the soft golden light of the evening. The mansion looked both grand and imposing, a reminder of how much had changed since the Roth family’s downfall. The old Roth estate was no longer a symbol of wealth or legacy—it had become a prize for those like the Whites, who were all too willing to use it for their own benefit.
Dahlia parked the car smoothly in front of the mansion, and Sadie’s gaze lingered on the building. Her pulse quickened, but she forced herself to steady her breathing. She couldn’t afford to be shaken. Tonight was about keeping control, making it through without giving anything away.
“Shall we go inside?” Dahlia asked gently.
Sadie nodded, taking one last look at the car before stepping out, her heels clicking against the stone walkway. She felt a chill despite the warmth of the evening, a sense of foreboding settling over her.
Inside, the White family mansion was everything Sadie had expected—extravagant, decorated with the finest furnishings, and filled with an air of self-assuredness. The space felt cold, despite the warmth of the lighting, as if it were more for show than comfort.
She was led into a spacious dining room, where her aunt Kathleen was already waiting, her smile as wide as ever. “Sadie, you made it,” she said, her voice dripping with insincerity. “Please, come sit. Felipe and Leah are excited to see you.”
Sadie greeted her aunt politely, but her mind was elsewhere. Her eyes scanned the room, taking note of every detail. There was something about the way Kathleen and Felipe were seated, so poised and in control. As if they had orchestrated this meeting long before Sadie had even agreed to show up.
“Miss Roth, dinner will be served shortly,” the butler said, his tone impassive.
“Thank you,” Sadie replied, keeping her composure. She had no intentions of making this evening easy for them.
As she took her seat, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the room shift. The casual conversation that filled the space was a stark contrast to the tension that had taken root in her chest. Kathleen’s smile widened as she placed a hand on the back of Sadie’s chair, her touch too deliberate.
“Sadie,” Kathleen began, her voice sweet but with a hidden edge, “I trust you’ve been well? And your children? I’m sure they’re growing up so fast.”
Sadie turned toward her aunt, her eyes cool but guarded. “They’re doing well,” she said simply, unwilling to engage in anything more personal.
Kathleen’s eyes gleamed. “I’m sure they’re lucky to have such a dedicated mother,” she said with a faint chuckle. “And with all the attention the Roth name still gets, I bet there are many people eager to know what’s become of the last heiress.”
Sadie’s grip on her glass tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “I’m sure the media will have plenty to speculate about. But I’m not here to entertain their curiosity. I’m here for the dinner.”
The words hung in the air, sharp and pointed, and for a moment, the room fell silent. Felipe cleared his throat, breaking the tension.
“We’ll discuss business later, I’m sure,” he said, his tone smooth. “For now, let’s enjoy the evening.”
But Sadie knew this dinner wasn’t just about eating. It was about asserting control. They were watching her, waiting for her to slip, to reveal something they could use. And she wasn’t about to give them that satisfaction.
