Chapter 31: 31. The Transformation Maria returned home later that day, only to be greeted by the emptiness of the house. The only person present was the maid.
She had been eager to recount the harrowing experience from college to Bernard and his parents, but her disappointment was immediate—none of them were home.
Exhausted from the chaotic day, hunger gnawed at her stomach, yet the urge to wash away the day’s stress took priority. She headed straight to her room, undressed, and stepped into the cold embrace of the shower.
The water was refreshing, soothing every muscle, washing away not just dirt, but anxiety. When she stepped out, she felt renewed.
She dressed up quickly, intending to head to the kitchen. Just as she was about to leave her room, she heard the familiar sound of Bernard’s car pulling into the compound. Her heart lifted a little. At last, she could speak to him.
The moment he walked in, his face revealed it all—Bernard was in a foul mood. His expression was enough to put Maria’s enthusiasm on hold. She sat quietly on the couch facing the entrance to the living room, greeting him as he stepped in.
"Welcome, Bernard," she said gently.
"Thanks. How are you, Maria?" Bernard replied, barely glancing at her.
His distant demeanor stung. She chose not to respond further. Bernard noticed the silence.
"Why aren’t you talking anymore? You seem like you’ve got something to say," he asked, finally giving her his attention.
Maria hesitated. The concern in his voice pushed her to open up. "I didn’t want to burden you... but I feel like you should know what happened to me earlier today." Bernard didn’t even look interested. "Hmm... So are you going to say it or not?"
noveldrama That sentence cut deep. Maria’s eyes widened. She clenched her fists, anger bubbling inside her.
"What’s that supposed to mean?" she asked, her voice sharp.
"I’ve got too much on my mind, and I don’t have time for whatever game you’re playing. I’ve got more important things to do," Bernard replied coldly and stood up to walk away.
Maria couldn’t hold back anymore.
"You don’t even care about me! You and your family only got close to my parents because of their properties. Now you’ve taken them in a wicked way. And now that I think of it... those men who attacked me at school—what if they were sent by you?!"
Bernard froze. He turned slowly and exploded. "You’re foolish for saying that! You’re an ungrateful b***h! My family took you in to help you, and this is how you repay us?!"
"Oh, shut up, Bernard! If your family hadn’t stolen my inheritance, I wouldn’t be here. Don’t you dare act like you did me a favor!" Maria fired back, furious.
"You wouldn’t even be in college if not for us! You’d be in the gutters! Your parents knew you were a disappointment. That’s why they didn’t trust you with anything—even after death!"
His final words hit like a dagger. Tears welled up in Maria’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
"Bernard, I promise you... I will get everything that belongs to me back. From you. From your family. All of it!" she vowed with a shaky voice.
Bernard stared at her for a moment, then turned and walked away in silence.