Bella's POV
My heart skipped a beat as I thought, 'Genevieve is my mother. How can she kneel before me? She'd go so far as to hurt herself just for Ivy?'
My expression turned icy as I grabbed Genevieve's arm. With a firm tug, I hauled Genevieve to her feet, meeting her astonished gaze.
I said, "Lady Genevieve, do you realize that by kneeling to me, you'll not only ruin my reputation but also bring me misfortune? For Ivy's sake, are you really willing to go this far against me?"
My words made Genevieve freeze. Staring into my icy eyes, she stammered anxiously, "I didn't, Bella. How could I ever hurt you? I just..."
I stared at Genevieve, my voice trembling with hurt and anger. "You only ever cared about Ivy, treating her like your real daughter. As for me? I was just the child you threw away."
My words, slow and deliberate, pierced through Genevieve's ears like daggers.
Genevieve gazed at me with red-rimmed eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks.
