Third Person's POV
Her animosity toward Olivia resurfaced, a deep-seated hatred now reignited.
"I'll talk to Sunny myself. If you're uncomfortable getting involved, stay out of it."
Patricia knew Abigail cherished the restored bond with her sons.
She might endure her sorrow for the sake of this mother-son relationship.
"Thank you, Mom." Abigail was grateful Patricia hadn't forced her to take a stance on the matter.
"What's there to thank? Someone in this family has to make decisions!" Patricia bit her lip in anger.
On the third day after moving to her seaside residence, Sunny received a call from Patricia.
She wondered how Patricia had obtained her number but knew she couldn't ignore it. She agreed to meet.
Patricia chose an ornate venue, its opulent surroundings exuding an air of solemnity.
Dressed in a embroidered robe, Patricia radiated elegance and authority—a far cry from her usual attire.
The formal outfit lent an intimidating aura to the meeting.
Sunny entered and, seeing Patricia sipping tea with a stern expression, softly greeted her, "Hi, Patricia."
"Take a seat," Patricia said in a neutral tone, with no visible intent to provoke.
Sunny's heart sank as she sat across from Patricia, her posture rigid.
A waiter brought her a cup of tea, but she hesitated to drink it, instead keeping her eyes downcast and waiting for Patricia to speak.
"I've learned that you were raised by Olivia's younger sister, is that correct?"
Patricia had thoroughly researched Sunny's background before the meeting.
Upon discovering Sunny's true lineage, her initial fury had somewhat subsided.
Indeed, Sunny was innocent, a victim of circumstance.
She couldn't direct her resentment toward someone oblivious to her own origin.
However, the blood tie between Sunny and Olivia remained an unchangeable fact.
"Yes, I only recently found out that my mother is Olivia," Sunny replied in a hushed voice.
"Olivia killed my eldest son, Leo's father. You're aware of this, aren't you?" After taking a sip of tea, Patricia looked at her and asked.
"I am," Sunny answered, her body trembling with unspeakable sorrow.
"Good. Honestly, I rather like you. You're sensible, well-mannered, and pleasant to look at. If your mother were anyone else—even Olivia's sister—I might have been willing to forgive you. But fate is cruel—you are the daughter of my enemy," Patricia said with a self-mocking sneer, her heart equally pained.
Sunny's face drained of color as she clutched her clothing.
"Patricia, I know what you're going to say. I can only apologize... I... I don't know how to atone for my mother's crimes," Sunny said, though she believed her mother was wronged.
Yet, she couldn't argue with Patricia on this matter. All she could do was offer a sincere apology.
"Save your words. We both know the truth. You're a smart girl, and as a stranger, I won't press you. However, if you still covet the wealth and status of the Royal Pack, things will become ugly between us," Patricia spoke without malice, leaving room for negotiation.
Sunny understood Patricia's implication. To claim she wasn't tempted would be hypocritical.
Her heart ached for the warmth of the man she loved, but Patricia's relentless tone left her flustered and speechless.
"Sunny, I know you care deeply for Leo, and asking you to let go of him is cruel. But the feud between our families is too profound. You must choose," Patricia said, her words cutting through Sunny's silence.
Sunny knew she had to make a stand.
"I'll try to avoid him," she said in a low voice.
"I'm giving you a month. After that, if I find you still being with him, I won't be lenient," Patricia warned.
She didn't wish to separate them, but some battles couldn't be compromised— the consequences were too dire.
Cornered, Sunny's breath hitched. After a long moment, her pale face showed a flicker of desperation.
"I understand. I'll leave him," she whispered, closing her eyes briefly.
Patricia retrieved a card from her handbag and placed it on the table. "Money is a cliché, but considering your youth and lack of career, I hope this will secure you a comfortable future."
Sunny glanced at the black card but shook her head. "I can't accept your money, Patricia. I know your intentions are good, and I've made up my mind to leave him."
"If you don't go far enough, leo won't move on. You understand what I'm implying, don't you?" Patricia didn't force the issue, recognizing the blow to Sunny's pride that accepting money would be.
"I do," Sunny replied with a bitter smile. "I know what I must do."