Sylvia's POV
The crushing blow of Mother's words struck Selene like lightning. I watched her face crumple, tears instantly welling in those wide eyes that had always known how to manipulate everyone around her.
"No, please, Mother, I don't need to rest... I just want to stay by your side," Selene pleaded, her voice breaking in that perfect, practiced way that had won her sympathy countless times before.
I maintained my position against the wall, a cold smile playing at my lips as I observed the theater unfolding before me.
Mother turned away, refusing to look at Selene's tear-stained face. A small victory, perhaps? But I knew better. This wasn't punishment—it was protection. By sending Selene away under the guise of "needing rest," Mother was sparing her from further questioning, from
