Chapter 422

Chapter 422

“By showing that you are Chase Miller’s daughter. Their grandchile.” Selena’s gaze sharpened. “That you’re not some burden who suddenly disrupted their calm, peaceful lives. That they should accept us because it’s the logical thing to do p>

Eli tightened her grip on her small bag. “I don’t want to force anyone p>

Annoyance flickered across Selena’s face. “This isn’t forcing, Eli. You should have understood that from the beginning. What did I tell you back then? Have you forgotten p>

“N-no, Mom.” Eli lowered her head, restless.

“Then tell me you haven’t forgotten p>

Eli bit her lower lip, nerves showing.

“For heaven’s sake, what are you actually thinking?” Selena rubbed her face in frustration. “Do you know how much I’ve done for you? How much I’ve risked for a single goal, Eli? Fighting for your rights. Do you understand p>

“My rights… as what?” Eli’s voice trembled faintly.

“As their grandchild,” Selena answered without a second thought “As Chase Miller’s blood. Do you still not understand p>

The name made Eli go quiet. Her gaze dropped. Doubt lingered there—and Selena knew exactly where to press.

“You want Daddy to be proud of you, don’t you?” Selena continued softly-too softly. “If he could see you now, he’d want you to live better. More properly. To be accepted by his whole family p>

“B-but, Mom,” Eli tried to speak up, “isn’t what we’ve already received a form of acknowledgment from them p>

Selena stared at her sharply. The warmth was gone, replaced by intimidation as the girl began to stray from the path she had set

“This?” Selena scoffed. “They’ve isolated us, Eli. Kept us at a distance from their family—especially from your grandparents. Don’t you think your father would be sad knowing how they treat you? Don’t you want your father to be proud of you p>

Eli nodded slowly. “I want Daddy to be proud p>

“Then listen to me,” Selena said firmly, her hand gripping Eli’s shoulder hard, ignoring the way the girl winced in pain.

“You have to make Riana feel emotionally bound to you. Talk about how hard our lives have been—but don’t sound like you’re complaining. You must look strong. And show how impressive your achievements are p>

“I don’t want to lie,” Eli whispered.

“This isn’t a lie.” Selena leaned closer, far too close. “You know what your life was like before, don’t you? How things were at school? So what lie would you be telling, hmm? This is simply the version of the story that benefits you the most-one that

draws her attention p>

Eli stared at Selena.

“Make Grandma Riana invite you to live in the main house p>

“And if Grandma doesn’t invite us to move in?” Eli asked hesitantly.

Selena fell silent. Her smile vanished. Her face hardened. “If you fail,” she said quietly, “it means you didn’t try hard enough p>

Eli stepped back half a step. “Mom p>

“Don’t make me repeat everything I just said,” Selena said coldly. I’ve sacrificed far too much for you p>

“I know,” Eli’s voice shrank. “I’m grateful for everything, Mom p>

“Then prove it,” Selena said, leaning closer. “I won’t let you ruin all of my efforts just because you’re satisfied with so little p>

Eli drew a quick breath. “I’m just… afraid of making a mistake p>

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Chapter 422

Selena smiled again. This time, there was no warmth in it at all, “he biggest mistake you could make is not a

she said quietly. “And you know I don’t like repeating myself. You won’t make a mistake, will you p>

Selena’s fingers closed around Eli’s arm-not tight, but firm enough to make the message mistake/w,radually, w grip tightened.

Eli winced. “Mom… it hurts,” she said softly.

Selena released her at once, as if only now noticing. “That doesn’t hurt, Eli. Don’t exaggerate” sw said lightly “j was yo to stay focused p>

Eli lowered her gaze. Her hand trembled slightly as she picked up her small bag. “I’ll try,” she said at last,” Grandma p>

“Not try,” Selena corrected. “You have to succeed p>

Eli nodded. “I’ll persuade her p>

“Good,” Selena replied with satisfaction. “Remember, you’re doing this for us p>

Eli nodded obediently.

“Now come on, let’s have breakfast. Don’t leave the house on an empty stomach p>

Eli walked toward the door, her heart pounding wildly. The excitement of seeing Piana was real-but now it was tangled with fear she couldn’t quite put into words.

Just as the door was about to close, Selena added one last sentence,

“And Eli,” she said coldly. “Don’t forget-everything you have right now could disappear at any time p>

Eli paused for a moment. “Yes, Mom p>

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