Bab 14: Tension and Chaos
Morning sunlight poured through the master suite's floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow. Ryan stirred, stretching across the expansive king-size bed. He opened his eyes to find Amelia already awake, sipping coffee on the balcony.
"Good morning," Ryan whispered, kissing Amelia's cheek.
Their personal butler appeared with a discreet knock. "Breakfast will be served on the patio in 15 minutes."
As they descended to the patio, Ryan excused himself to talk to his father.
"Father, it's Ryan," he called out.
"Let yourself in, Ryan," Charles replied.
Ryan entered to find Charles alone. "Good morning, Father."
"Morning, Ryan. Your mother refused to talk to me all night, so I slept alone."
Ryan's curiosity piqued. "You brought Patricia home knowing Mom was returning?"
Charles whispered, "I needed someone to shake Elizabeth out of her nagging and shouting. Patricia agreed to help."
Ryan's eyes widened. "You're using Patricia to make Mom jealous?"
Charles nodded. "Elizabeth needs to change. She used to be sweet and loving."
Ryan joined his family for breakfast, concern etched on his face. Patricia arrived, her elegance commanding attention.
"Good morning," Patricia said, her voice husky.
Charles's eyes crinkled. "Good morning, dear."
Elizabeth's gaze followed Patricia with disdain. "Who is she?"
"Patricia, a business associate," Charles explained.
Patricia smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's expression turned icy. "How long will you be staying?"
"Indefinitely," Charles replied.
The tension simmered, Elizabeth's anger boiling over.
As they retired to the living room, Elizabeth cornered Patricia. "What's your game?"
Patricia stood firm. "I'm here because Charles invited me. No ulterior motives."
Elizabeth stormed out, leaving Charles and Patricia in uncomfortable silence.
"I apologize," Charles said.
Patricia's expression softened. "No need. I understand."
But Patricia couldn't shake the feeling she was trapped in a precarious game.
Elizabeth stormed out, leaving Charles and Patricia in uncomfortable silence.
"I apologize," Charles said, his eyes apologetic.
Patricia's expression softened. "No need. I understand."
Ryan approached, concern etched on his face. "Dad, maybe this wasn't the best idea."
Charles frowned. "It's necessary, Ryan. Your mother needs to realize—"
"Realize what?" Elizabeth reappeared, her voice icy.
"That she's not the only one who matters," Charles replied.
Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "You're using Patricia to punish me."
Charles shrugged. "Call it whatever you want."
Patricia stood. "I think I should leave."
Charles grasped Patricia's hand. "No, stay. This is your home now."
Elizabeth's face twisted in anger. "You're making a huge mistake, Charles."
Charles' expression remained resolute. "We'll see about that."
Amelia intervened, attempting to diffuse the tension. "Everyone, let's calm down."
But Elizabeth's fury boiled over. "You're all against me."
Ryan stepped forward. "Mom, that's not true."
Elizabeth's gaze locked onto Ryan. "You're defending him? Your own father?"
Ryan's voice remained calm. "I'm defending our family."
Elizabeth's eyes welled with tears. "You're just like him."
The room fell silent, the rift between them growing.
"Elizabeth, please understand," Charles said, his voice softening.
"Understand what?" Elizabeth's voice rose.
"That you've brought another woman into our home? That you're throwing it in my face?"
Charles stood, his eyes locked on Elizabeth.
"I'm trying to make a point. You've been distant, cold. I need someone who cares."
Elizabeth's laughter was laced with bitterness. "Someone who cares? You call Patricia someone who cares?"
Patricia stepped forward. "Elizabeth, I—"
"Don't speak to me," Elizabeth warned, her finger raised.
Charles intervened. "Elizabeth, stop.
"Or what?" Elizabeth challenged. "You'll leave me for her?"
The room fell silent.
Ryan broke the silence. "Mom, Dad, please.
Amelia placed a soothing hand on Ryan's arm. "Let's calm down."
But Elizabeth's anger boiled over. "You're all against me. Fine. I'll leave."
Elizabeth stormed out, slamming the door.
Charles sighed. "I'll go talk to her."
Patricia's expression turned sympathetic. "Charles, maybe give her space."
Charles nodded. "You're right."
As Charles left, Ryan turned to Amelia. "This is getting ugly."
Amelia's eyes filled with concern. "We need to support both of them."
Patricia's voice was barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Ryan offered a reassuring smile. "You're not the problem, Patricia."
But as they parted ways, the tension lingered.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone