"Don't want it."
Leonardo's voice cut through the room like a blade, sharp and dismissive. "I need to rest. Everyone out!"
He yanked the blanket over his head, shutting out everything and everyone around him.
Ashley's eyes welled up at his harsh rejection. Hanna quickly ushered her from the room, voice soft and consoling. "Don't let it get to you, Ashley. You know how Leonardo gets—he's in a foul mood right now. Let him settle down, then you can see him again."
"Aunt Hanna, Leonardo's awake now, so we don't need some random 'lucky bride' anymore, right? Why can't you let me stay and look after him instead? That woman has no business being here—just looking at her makes my blood boil!"
Veronica's POV
Ashley shot a venomous look in my direction as I sat in the living room downstairs. Something about me clearly rubbed her the wrong way, though I couldn't care less why.
"Easy, Ashley. Leave it to me," Hanna murmured, trying to calm her down.
They descended the stairs together, stopping at the bottom to stare at me. Hanna drew herself up with all the authority of the Nelson matriarch. "Veronica, we're grateful for what you've done for Leonardo. But he's on the mend now, so perhaps you should discuss things with Cecile and head home."
I arched an eyebrow, a dry smile playing on my lips. These two had no clue that Cecile had already made sure Leonardo and I were legally bound.
"Hanna," I said evenly, "I've barely been here since yesterday. There's an old saying about finishing what you start. I'd hate to walk away before Mr. Nelson is completely well."
Ashley bristled at my refusal to budge. "Listen, Veronica—the Nelson are high society. I see right through you. You're here trying to social climb, aren't you? Hoping to snag Leonardo and become the next Mrs. Nelson?"
My expression turned glacial, my voice like ice. "Trust me, I know exactly who the Nelson family is. But here's the thing—the Bogart family isn't hurting for money. My father runs a major business empire in Aurelia City. What makes you think I need to climb anything?"
I let my gaze sweep over her dismissively. "You, however, seem pretty desperate to glue yourself to Mr. Nelson's side. What's your angle?"
Ashley's cheeks burned red. "I'm here for Joseph! With Leonardo hurt, it's my duty to help!"
I laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "Duty? What duty exactly? You weren't the 'lucky bride,' and Joseph isn't your kid. So where does this supposed duty come from?"
Ashley straightened, voice getting louder. "I'm the Nelson family's childcare expert! Looking after Joseph is my job!"
"Really? Then explain something to me, expert—how did Joseph get bullied so badly on your watch? If you're so committed to this duty of yours, how'd you let that happen?"
She faltered, confidence cracking under my stare. "I... I wasn't even here when it went down! If I'd been around, it never would've happened!"
"Perfect! Then maybe stick to your actual job—watching the kid—and stop butting into Mr. Nelson's business," I shot back.
"I won't! I want to take care of Leonardo!" The words burst out of her, finally showing her true colors. "I love Leonardo! We're meant to be together! Nobody's going to get between us!"
I leaned back with a smirk, like I was watching some entertaining drama unfold. "Ah, there it is. Well, don't sweat it—if Leonardo really loves you back, nobody can break you up. When he gets better and you two tie the knot, make sure to invite me. I'll be the one who nursed him back to health, after all."
Ashley's eyes flashed dangerously. "So you're not leaving?"
I didn't bother answering her.
Joseph, who'd been watching everything quietly, made his choice by toddling over and wrapping his little arms around my leg.
"Joseph!" Ashley called out, arms extended. "Come to me and Grandma!"
Joseph paused for a second, then turned away from her and pressed himself against me. I picked him up, holding him close.
Ashley's face twisted with rage. Despite all the toys and treats she'd bought to win him over, he'd always ignored her. And now he was choosing this stranger over her?
Hanna's patience was wearing thin too. "Veronica, even if Joseph likes you, being a stepmother isn't easy. I hope you understand your position here."
That's when my patience finally snapped. "You're absolutely right, Hanna. But if I ever become a stepmother, it won't be the same way you did."
"Mr. Nelson's father had a wife before you showed up, remember? You pushed her out and became wife number two—a stepmother by definition."
"Me? Mr. Nelson has never been married. If something happened between us, I'd be wife number one—Joseph's mother, period. No stepmother label needed."
Hanna's face went crimson, fury barely contained. "How dare you speak to me like that!"
Ashley jumped in, voice dripping with outrage. "Veronica, Hanna raised Leonardo like her own son. You owe her respect!"
"Respect?" I snorted. "Have I said anything that isn't fact?"
The air crackled with tension as we faced off, an invisible war playing out through locked gazes.
"You're nothing but a crude, classless woman!" Hanna spat. "Didn't your mother teach you any manners?"
A cold smile spread across my face. "You're right about one thing—my mother Ruth is gone. But who the hell do you think you are to insult her memory?"
My voice dropped, turning deadly quiet. "Hanna, maybe hit up a spa—your face is starting to droop. While you're at it, think about whether Clark might want out when he sees what you really look like under all that work you've had done."
I turned to Ashley with equal venom. "And you're always showing off that face of yours, aren't you? Why not scrub off the makeup and let Leonardo see the real you? Actually, with him being blind right now, this is perfect timing—hop on a plane to Seoul and get some work done! Maybe you two can make it a couples' trip and split the bill!"
"You—!"
"How dare you—!"
Both women were shaking with rage, faces flushed with humiliation. Ashley actually rolled up her sleeves, looking ready to charge at me.
I stood my ground, chin tilted up defiantly. "What's wrong? Want to throw down? Be my guest. I'm waiting."