(Flashback) “If you spit out another poison about her, I swear to God, Mother, I won’t ever step into this place again!” Ivan’s voice boomed, reverberating against the walls of the room. Ana stood just outside the room, her heart pounding as she strained to make out the words being exchanged within. Ivan’s voice, laced with anger, cut through the air like a sharp blade, and her curiosity combined with the right share of concern pushed her to listen closely. Her brows furrowed, confusion gnawing at her. What could be the reason for this heated clash between her husband and his mother? She had felt the tension building in the household lately, but the exact cause remained a mystery. The matriarch’s retort was more subdued, but laced with a venomous undercurrent. Ana strained to hear her

