Chapter 7

Marc calmly explained to Corrine that Theodore had left early because of other obligations. After a pause,he added carefully, "Mom, to be honest, I don't think the Brooks family is that invested in this marriage.There are plenty of respectable young men here in Ozreka who'd be a better match for Rissa. Maybe we should consider someone else?"

Corrine's expression shifted, caught between surprise and confusion. "Theodore isn't happy about the marriage?" she asked. "But didn't the Brooks family say he agreed to it himself?"

The Curtis and Brooks families were bound by a marriage alliance.

When Marissa went missing all those years ago, her stepgrandmother had even tried to replace her with another girl, though Corrine and her husband had fiercely opposed the idea. The Brooks family refused the replacement outright, insisting they would wait until the Curtis family head's daughter was found. Only then could the marriage arrangement be resumed.

Before Corrine could continue, a loud commotion

erupted downstairs.

"Where is she? I've never seen someone so shameless!She's barely back home and already causing trouble!|don't recognize her as a Curtis. Who does she think she is? Bring her down here right now!"

Upstairs, inside the cloakroom, Marissa's tone was calm but firm as she spoke into the phone. "I'll treat him on one condition: I choose the venue. Make sure they understand that. That's all. I have something to deal with now, so we'll talk later."

As soon as she hung up, a sharp knock sounded at the door.

"Miss Marissa Curtis! Are you inside? Mrs. Rita CCurtis and Miss Holley Curtis have arrived! They're waiting to see you downstairs. Please come at once."

The butler's voice rang out, slightly too loud and almost eager.

Marissa didn't rush. She picked up a silver-gray suit jacket, slipped it on, and opened the door.

The butler, who had been smirking to himself a moment ago, froze when she appeared. His confident look faltered into awkwardness as he quickly lowered his head and stepped aside to clear her path.

Marissa didn't bother acknowledging him. Her heels

clicked lightly against the floor as she descended the grand staircase.

Just before she could reach the bottom, a disdainful voice rose from below. "So, you're Marissa?"

Marissa's gaze dropped, landing on the older woman lounging confidently on the couch below.

Dressed in lavish jewelry that gleamed under the light,she exuded an air of arrogance and self-importance.It was none other than Rita Curtis.

"Are you deaf?" she sneered. "You see me and can't even say hello?"

Despite all the glittering jewels she was wearing, there wasn't a hint of grace about her, but just pure arrogance.

The warmth Marissa had felt from her mother and brothers only moments ago had started to ease her guard, but Rita's words quickly built those walls back up again.

She remembered the file Theodore had once shown her, the report listing every living member of the Curtis family. She hadn't had time to study it thoroughly, but one name had caught her eye-Rita Curtis, her grandfather Hank Curtis's second wife.

"Raised in such humble surroundings, no wonder you

lack proper manners," Rita remarked, her eyes narrowing as Marissa came closer. The faint resemblance Marissa shared with Corrine seemed to fuel her dislike even more.

Next to Rita sat a young woman leaning affectionately against her shoulder-Holley, Marissa's cousin. She tilted her head and, with an innocence that was more mocking than sweet, asked, "Does she really not speak? That's kind of sad."

The scene brought an unpleasant sense of déjà vu to Marissa. The dynamic between Rita and Holley reminded her far too much of Susanna and Evelina.

"Sad? What's sad about her?" Rita scoffed. "Don't waste your pity on her. She's here to take what rightfully belongs to you."