Chapter 9

Verity’s teeth were clenched so tight they could’ve cracked. Her head was filled with one thing only—

Lilah had to go.

“Take care of yourself? Please,” she scoffed, tone gradually regaining its usual arrogance. “Aiden’s depended on me since he was a baby. For his sake, Gabriel won’t just throw me out like that.”

Instead of getting mad, Lilah’s expression was laced with a cold, almost pitying sneer.

“Depended on you? Do you actually think you’re irreplaceable?” she said slowly. “This house doesn’t need someone scheming behind fake smiles. Aiden deserves better than a pretender playing nanny.”

“You—” Verity’s face darkened, anger rising.

But Lilah didn’t give her a chance to hit back. Her voice turned sharp, no room left for pretense. “Whatever dirty tricks you’re cooking up—save it. As long as Gabriel and I aren’t divorced, you’ll never step into this family.”

“You should pack up while you can. Otherwise, don’t blame me when there’s no exit l