Chapter 47
Elianna faced Freya, who wore a serious expression. “Is everything you said true?”
“Absolutely. Couldn’t be more true if I tried,” Elianna replied sincerely.
Freya’s mind swirled with doubt. Why would this stranger suddenly tell her about Skylar? There had to be an agenda–either she wanted something, or maybe Skylar had sent her as a trap.
“Why are you telling me all this?” she asked.
“Because Skylar is our common enemy,” replied Elianna.
Freya frowned deeply. “Why?”
Elianna carefully picked through the story—the switched–at–birth mix–up with Skylar, and the events that followed–seasoning it with a little exaggeration for effect.
“She’s been living the life that should’ve been mine. She even stole the man I loved, and my son. I just can’t accept that.”
Freya smiled faintly. “I get it now.”
She stood and extended her hand. “Ms. Stone, here’s to a successful partnership.”
Elianna shook her hand firmly. “Ms. Lambert, likewise.”
They chatted a little longer, shared some food, then went their separate ways.
That night, Freya returned home.
The Luambert family had already finished dinner. Carlos and Yana sat on the couch–one reading the newspaper, the other watching TV.
“Mom, Dad,” she called sweetly, settling beside them. “I want to throw a party at home and invite my friends over.”
Freya often hosted parties, so Carlos and Yana were used to it.
Without looking up from his paper, Carlos said, “Go ahead. Tell the housekeeper what you need and how you want it arranged.”
Freya hugged his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the best.”
Carlos chuckled warmly.
Yana looked at them and stopped fiddling with her hands. “What’s that supposed to mean? Dad’s good, but Mom’s not?”
Freya stood and walked behind her to give her shoulders a playful squeeze. “Mom’s the best, of course.”
She cooed the sweet words, making them both burst out laughing.
When Skylar came back, laughter and chatter filled the living room.
“My dear, working at the company must be tiring, Yana greeted her. “Oh, look–the little one’s asleep? Here, let me hold him. You go eat something- Mom saved you some.”
Her warmth stung Freya’s eyes. To Freya, she worked so hard to please her, just to earn a few kind words. Skylar did nothing and got everything
Freya clenched her fingers, unhappy.
Carlos also came over to help Yana hold Adam.
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Chapter 47
The family chatted as they made their way to the dinner table. Yana sal with Skylar, feeding the just awakened Adam.
Freya stood alone, feeling like an outsider. She stomped back to her room in her heels, fuming.
Early next morning, the household was already bustling.
“Mommy, why are they hanging all these decorations?” Adam asked, his eyes scanning the
“Maybe there’s going to be a party,” replied Skylar.
“Then lots of people will come, right?” Adam’s eyes sparkled.
colorful ornaments around the house.
Adam was fragile. Yosef worried about him and never took him to any gatherings. Even his birthdays were quiet affairs–just him, Yosef, arid Elianna
For a kid, it was cold and dull. Not fun at all.
His eyes filled with longing. “Mommy, can we go to the party?”
Skylar knew Freya was throwing a party today. She hadn’t planned to stay home–intending to come back only after the event was over.
“Uh…” she hesitated.
From the stairs, Freya’s lips curved into a knowing smile.
She had just been wondering how to get Skylar to join the party. Looks like this little guy just gave her a hand.
She walked downstairs and smiled warmly. “Skylar, I’d like to invite you and Adam to the party tonight.”
Feigning casualness, Freya added, “There’ll be lots of friends there–kids of Dad and Mom’s business partners. It’ll be good for you to meet them.”
“Mommy,” Adam looked up at her hopefully.
Skylar narrowed her eyes, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “Sure, I’ll come.”
“Don’t be late–seven o’clock sharp.”
At seven, Skylar arrived at the Lambert family villa with Adam.
There were already many guests inside. Though less formal than last time, everyone
dressed neatly and stylishly.
Adam looked around curiously. “Mommy, is this a party?”
Skylar smiled softly. “Hungry?”
Adam nodded. Skylar let out a soft chuckle. “Come on, I’ll get you something to eat.”
She led him to the long table lined with food and picked out some light dishes suitable for kids. They sat on the sofa, eating.
As soon as Skylar walked in, Freya heard from the servants.
Holding a wine glass, she called out with a teasing/tone, “Skylar, why didn’t you say anything when you came back?”
“If I hadn’t said anything, you still would’ve known, right?” Skylar replied while feeding Adam. “Why are you looking for me?”
“I wanted to introduce you around. More connections mean more benefits for your company later,” replied Freya.
Skylar didn’t believe Freya’s goodwill. She knew Freya wanted those people to never know there was a second Ms. Lambert. That way, Freya stayed the only lady of the family.
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Chapter 47
Besides, Freya couldn’t outplay her. She didn’t mind humoring her a little.
Skylar instructed Yosef’s bodyguard to take Adam upstairs for protection. Adam grabbed her hand. “Mommy, why don’t you bring me alongry
He shot Freya a sharp look. He knew when Mommy was alone with her, she’d surely get bullied. He wanted to protect Skylar–not let her get Burts
“I’m a little man,” he puffed out his chest and flexed. “I’ll stay with you.”
Skylar smiled faintly. “Then you’ll stay with me.”
Behind them, Freya rolled her eyes so hard they nearly hurt.
Let them enjoy their little victory for now. Soon enough, they wouldn’t be laughing. She thought.
Freya put on a generous front as she explained to her friends, introducing Skylar. “Everyone, this is Skylar–my sister.”
“I’d heard your family found another daughter recently, but never got to meet her. Now that I have, she’s like a goddess,” one praised.
Their group masked their true feelings behind polite smiles–cordial to the face, venomous behind the back.
Skylar’s expression was calm and reserved. “You flatto
- me.
“Skylar, who’s this?” someone asked, eyeing the child by her side with curiosity.
“A friend’s kid,” replied Skylar.
“He’s adorable… looks familiar, but I can’t quite place who he reminds me of.”
Laughter and chatter flowed easily among the group–all smiles and friendly tones on the surface.
Then, cutting sharply through the calm, came a piercing voice, “What are you doing here?”
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