Chapter 49

Sweat began to bead on my forehead, and my heart thumped wildly. I forced a smile and said, "How could that be? Everyone always says I'm the opposite of her." Yelena shook her head. Her tone was calm and emotionless as she elaborated, "In the past, you were always so respectful and composed. You would never have spoken to Juliette like that. "No matter how vile her words, she's still your elder. Amber was different, though. She wouldn't tolerate even the slightest slights. She would always retaliate and was relentless." I swallowed hard and gave a dry laugh. "Is that so? I have never noticed." My mind raced—why was she saying this? Had she already figured it out? As I scrambled for an excuse, Yelena said, "But that's not necessarily bad. You're a daughter-in-law of the Afflecks and the future matriarch. How would our family maintain authority if you tolerated every insult?" At that, the weight in my chest finally lifted. "I understand. I'll remember your words." Yelena smiled a