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Novel Catalog
Chapter 82
Catherine stood there, her back straight and her expression unyielding as her family continued to try to poke at her with their insults and expectations. The tension in the air was palpable, and it seemed like everyone was walking on eggshells around her, unsure of how far they could push her before she snapped.
Rebecca’s attempt to flatter Catherine by commenting on her beauty only fueled the fire. Catherine wasn’t in the mood for any of it—especially not when it was coming from the woman who had taken so much from her in the past. Catherine wasn’t just physically beautiful; she was also emotionally scarred from all the manipulation and betrayal, and today felt like a boiling point for all those unresolved feelings.
Sally’s attempt to make her feel guilty for not being more supportive of Rebecca’s engagement made Catherine roll her eyes internally. They had never cared about her feelings before, so why should she suddenly play the dutiful daughter? If anything, she was just here for Grandma, and that was all.
“Natural beauty, huh?” Rebecca muttered, looking visibly uncomfortable as she tried to hide her resentment behind a tight smile.
Catherine met her gaze, her voice sharp but calm. “If you’re trying to get under my skin, it’s not working. I didn’t ask to be born like this, so don’t blame me if it bothers you.”
Rebecca opened her mouth, probably to say something spiteful, but Ethan’s voice interrupted before she could. “Alright, enough,” he said, his tone quiet but firm. His gaze flicked between the two women, seemingly frustrated by the tension. “Let’s just focus on the celebration, okay?”
Catherine gave him a small, almost mocking smile. “Of course, Ethan. I’m sure the real star of the night—Rebecca—needs all the attention she can get.”
Sally huffed, glaring at her daughter. “Catherine, just because you refuse to play nice doesn’t mean you have to ruin the night for everyone else.”
Catherine’s lips curled into a wry smile. “I’m not the one making things difficult here, Mom. I’m just here to celebrate Grandma’s birthday. It’s your family drama that’s spilling over.”
She wasn’t going to back down, not today. No matter how much they tried to provoke her, she would stand her ground. They had pushed her too far for too long, and now, it was her turn to be in control.
Turning her attention back to the party, Catherine scanned the room, looking for a way to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere that had settled around her. She wasn’t here for them, not for their games, not for their pretense. She was here for Grandma, and that was the only thing that mattered.