#Chapter 127: Power and Reputation

Ella POV When I reached the end of the hallway, Diana came into view. She noticed me immediately, and a guilty look flickered across her face. “What are you gossiping about?” I asked, my tone sharp as I fixed her with a steady gaze. Diana straightened her posture and gave a tight smile. “Oh, nothing of consequence, dear. Just a little light conversation.” “That’s good to hear,” I said evenly, though my voice carried a warning edge. “I’d hate to think you were still worrying about old rumors. We’ve discussed all of that already.” I could feel my mother’s eyes on me, but I didn’t take my gaze off Diana. My anger simmered beneath the surface, threatening to spill over. Alexander and I had worked so hard to win my mother over. Her hesitancy about him was just starting to fade, and now this. Diana’s smile turned sweeter. “We’re just chatting,” she said, her tone light. “You’ll understand one day when you have children. You never stop worrying about them.”