Veronica received Ashton’s message that he’d be right there.


    Just then, the elevator’s indicator light for the tenth floor lit up. However, as the elevator doors opened, her smile froze.


    “Regina?” Veronica looked surprised at the group led by Regina.


    Since returning to Shalton, she hadn’t seen Regina for many days. She knew her mother–inw never liked her, always looking down on her for noting from a powerful enough family to be useful to Heath’s


    career.


    After their marriage, when Veronica visited the Tate residence, Regina had made her kneel in the small family chapel all night. Later, whenever Regina was slightly displeased, she’d make her kneel, even when Veronica was eight months pregnant.


    Heath never stopped it. Instead, when her knees were too painful to stand, he made her endure it further.” Just listen to her. Mom wouldn’t punish you without reason.”


    At that time, he personally applied medicine to Veronica’s legs. His rare tenderness had blinded Veronica,


    causing her to swallow all her bitterness. Only after Samuel and Miriam were born did Regina’s attitude soften slightly, and she rarely made her kneel in the family chapel anymore.


    Veronica thought she might have a chance to earn Regina’s approval.


    When Heath took the two children to Shalton, she stayed in Jouver to care for her inws. While everyone was gossiping behind her back about Heath and Eleanor being a perfect match, she was the only one left looking like some clueless, discarded wife.


    Veronica lowered her gaze, pulling herself out of those cold, bitter memories.


    Regina stormed up with fury written all over her face. Her brows arched sharply as she shouted, ”


    Veronica, get on your knees!”


    Veronica didn’t move. She stared at Regina calmly and asked, “Regina, what’s going on?”


    There was no panic or guilt in her tone. Herposure only made Regina angrier, and thetter jabbed a finger toward her face<b>. </b>


    “What’s going on? Samuel’s been burning up with a fever, and where the hell have you been? What kind of mother abandons her child<b>? </b>Get over here and get on your knees right now! If you <b>don’t </b>exin yourself properly today, I swear I won’t let this <i>go</i>!”


    She thought she must have been too kind <b>to </b>this bitch from a broken–down family these past two years, making her forget what lowly status she came from and daring to abandon Samuel and talk back.


    Veronica remained unmoved by her threats, a faint smile ying at her lips. “Regina, why is it always kneeling with you? Who do <i>you </i>think you are, the Queen? Samuel has so many people watching over him.


    1


    Do you think I can perform miracles, and that he’ll recover just by looking at me?”


    She nced at Samuel, who’d been waiting eagerly for the drama. His eyes were still red and puffy, but he


    started to look a little guilty under her gaze.


    Samuel thought it was weird. Veronica was usually the one who feared Regina the most, and she was


    always following her orders. What was happening?


    “Veronica, what kind of attitude is that?” Regina was shaking with rage at her sarcasm. If she didn’t shut


    her down now, this bitch would think she could take over the entire Tate family one day.


    “As long as you’re still married into the Tate family, I’m your mother–inw! I even considered treating you


    like my own daughter! And this is how you repay me? You ingrate!


    “Samuel’s been in that hospital room for three whole days with a high fever. Even if you’re useless,


    couldn’t you at leaste to visit him once?”


    Veronica was unfazed by the emotional ckmail. Instead, her smile deepened as she replied, “Regina, please, spare me the ‘loving mother, perfect son‘ routine. Maybe you should take a good look in the mirror first. If this gets out, the entire Jouver is going to have a goodugh at your expense.”


    A loud smack suddenly rang out. Regina used all her strength to strike Veronica across the face. Her head snapped to the side, and five bright red finger marks instantly appeared on her pale cheek.


    It all happened too suddenly. Heath stepped forward and grabbed Regina’s hand. “Mom, what are you


    doing?”


    Samuel and Miriam were scared and speechless, but a sh of satisfaction crossed Eleanor’s eyes.


    Veronica slowly turned her face back, using her fingertips to wipe away the blood seeping from the corner


    of her mouth.


    The icy sharpness in her eyes cut straight through everyone like a de. “Regina, you’re an elder and my mother–inw, so I’ll show you respect for thest time. If you want someone you can p around as you please, tell Heath to finalize the divorce fast.”