Episode 3
1014 Words
The grand Sterling mansion was unusually quiet after the cars carrying Aria and the baby disappeared through the gates.
Margaret Sterling stood by the massive living room window, her face dark with restrained fury.
Across the room, Clara lounged lazily on the sofa, flipping through her phone.
“Mother,” she said casually, “you look like someone just stole your crown jewels.”
Margaret turned slowly. “That girl dared to scream at me in my own house.”
Clara smirked. “You mean Aria?”
Margaret’s expression hardened. “She’s becoming too bold.”
Clara shrugged. “Grandfather always liked her. You know that.”
Margaret’s eyes flashed. “Yes. And that’s exactly the problem.”
She walked back toward the sofa, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. “Did you see how your grandpa protected her?”
Clara sat up slightly. “Of course. He even took her to the east mansion.”
Margaret’s lips thinned. “That woman has already poisoned Grandpa’s mind.”
Clara tilted her head. “But Aria is harmless. She’s weak.”
Margaret let out a cold laugh. “Weak?”
She leaned forward slightly. “That woman has just secured something no one else in this family has.”
Clara frowned. “What?”
Margaret’s voice dropped. “The patriarch’s protection.”
Clara’s expression shifted. That was true.
Old Master Sterling’s support meant power—and power in the Sterling family meant everything.
Margaret continued coldly, “As long as Aria stays in your grandpa’s good graces, Zander will never divorce her.”
Clara crossed her legs. “But Zander doesn’t even like her. He still loves my friend Lena. They’re only together because Lena broke up with him.”
Margaret’s gaze darkened. “Men don’t always choose based on feelings—especially when power is involved.”
She paused, then spoke slowly. “That girl must leave this family.”
Clara raised an eyebrow. “And how do you plan to do that?”
Margaret’s lips curled into a calculating smile. “Simple.” She leaned back. “We bring back the woman Zander truly loved.”
Clara’s eyes lit up immediately. “Really, Mom?”
Margaret nodded slowly. “Yes. Lena Carter.”
Lena was Zander Sterling’s former lover—the woman he had dated for three years before she suddenly broke up with him to pursue her modeling career abroad.
Clara let out a small laugh. “Oh, this is interesting.”
Margaret continued calmly, “Zander’s marriage to Aria was a mistake.”
Clara grinned knowingly. “You mean convenient.”
Margaret didn’t deny it. “But now,” she said softly, “it’s time to fix that mistake.”
Clara leaned forward eagerly. “So you want Lena to come back?”
Margaret’s eyes gleamed. “Exactly.”
She tapped her fingers slowly on the glass table. “Once she returns, Zander will remember who he truly loves.”
Clara chuckled. “And Aria?”
Margaret’s voice turned icy. “That woman will understand her place and leave on her own.”
Clara laughed softly. “Oh, I like this plan.”
Margaret looked at her daughter. “Call her.”
Clara didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her phone and scrolled through her contacts before stopping at one name.
Lena Carter.
The call rang twice. Then someone answered. A smooth female voice came through the speaker.
“Clara?”
Clara leaned back comfortably. “Well, well. Looks like you still remember me.”
Lena laughed softly. “How could I forget the Sterling family?”
Clara twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “So… how’s life overseas?”
‘Busy,” Lena replied. “Why are you calling?”
Clara exchanged a quick glance with Margaret before answering. “I have some… interesting news.”
Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. “Zander still misses you.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Lena spoke slowly, “Really? I miss him too.”
Clara raised an eyebrow as Margaret leaned closer, listening.
Clara continued sweetly, “You know, if you found your way back, my mom and I could help you get back together.”
Lena finally spoke again. “And?”
Clara’s voice lowered slightly. “And Zander will divorce his wife, of course.”
Margaret smirked.
Clara added casually, “It’s not exactly the happiest marriage.”
There was another pause. Then Lena asked quietly, “Why are you telling me this?”
Clara’s smile widened. “Because we think it’s time you came home.”
Silence stretched across the call. Clara waited patiently.
Finally, Lena chuckled softly. “This sounds too good to be true.”
Margaret spoke for the first time, her voice calm and elegant. “Lena, dear.”
Lena immediately recognized the voice. “Aunt Margaret.”
Margaret’s tone was warm but calculating. “You always belonged with Zander.”
Clara added lightly, “And trust me, his current wife isn’t competition.”
A soft, thoughtful hum came from the other end of the call.
Then Lena spoke again. “When do you want me there?”
Clara and Margaret exchanged satisfied looks.
“The sooner, the better,” Clara said.
There was a brief pause. Then Lena replied casually, “Perfect. I’m actually finishing something here today.”
Clara straightened slightly. “You mean—”
“I’ll be back this evening.”
Margaret’s eyes gleamed. “That’s wonderful.”
Lena’s voice carried a faint smile. “Tell Zander I’m coming home.”
The call ended.
Clara slowly lowered her phone. A wicked grin spread across her face.
“Well…”
Margaret lifted her glass calmly. “The game begins.”
Clara leaned back against the sofa. “I almost feel bad for Aria.”
Margaret’s eyes turned cold as ice. “No, you don’t.”
Dark clouds gathered quietly over the east mansion, as Aria gently rocked her newborn daughter to sleep…
Completely unaware of the battle the coming days will bring.
- Writer
