(Not) The Billionaire’s Replacement Bride

All the staff had gathered in the living room. The interviews with the entire family were done, as well as surveys of the employees and Zeroun’s residence.

“I apologize for my grandson’s absence,” Mrs. Rosaline said apologetically. “He’s not feeling well and is resting now. I hope it won’t affect your evaluation.” Her words were directed more towards the middle-aged woman who had conducted the interview in Gerald’s office.

Hearing Mrs. Rosaline’s words, the woman smiled and nodded. “I understand,” she said. “I am a mother too, and I know how it feels to be unwell during pregnancy, like Mrs. Ariana. I had morning sickness all the way until my children were born.” She continued. Mrs. Rosaline looked relieved hearing this. “Such matters won’t change our assessment. But we need to inform you that after this, we will also go to Axel’s school to interview the teachers.” Mrs. Sri, as the woman was called, continued.

Mrs. Rosaline and Gerald just nodded.

“I’m sure the school will also speak highly of my granddaughter,” Mrs. Isidora said. Mrs. Sri just smiled.

“When will this process likely be finished?” Gerald asked impatiently.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Mrs. Sri looked at Gerald with her motherly gaze, always with a smile on her face. “Once this is done, we will prepare the documentation immediately. If there are no other claims from Mrs. Axel’s family, there won’t be a trial. Just confirmation and issuance of the certificate,” Mrs. Sri said. Gerald nodded in understanding. “In that case, we’ll take our leave,” Mrs. Sri said, representing her colleagues.

After the four of them left the living room, Gerald looked at Vivan. “Let’s go,” he said coldly. Mrs. Rosaline frowned. “Where are you going?” she asked.

“Work, Grandma. Where else?” Gerald’s response to Mrs. Rosaline was as cold as it was to Vivan.

“Aren’t you going to check on Ariana’s condition?” she asked, her tone pleading in Gerald’s ears.

“Should I?” Gerald asked back, his tone sharp towards his grandmother, unknowingly causing two women listening to the conversation between grandmother and grandson to smile happily.

“Gerald?”

“She chose to leave this place, so why should Gerald care? Whatever happens to her, as long as she doesn’t do anything harmful to her unborn child, let her do and feel as she pleases,” he continued, still cold. And after that, Gerald indeed left, with Vivan following behind him.

“That’s enough, Grandma,” Shelma spoke up. “You don’t need to try so hard to mend their relationship,” she continued, sneering. “Gerald will never be happy with Ariana. Women like her are not suitable for Gerald.”

Mrs. Rosaline looked at her daughter-in-law with a raised eyebrow. “And do you think Gerald will be happy with you?” she inquired.

With a proud smile, Shelma nodded. “Of course,” she replied firmly. “Grandma should judge correctly. Haven’t you noticed that I am suitable for Gerald? Gerald and I are on the same level. We come from wealthy families, have higher education, and our social circles are the same. Being with me will elevate the Zeroun family’s status. Beyond that, in the business world, I won’t embarrass Gerald. I understand the business world, and Grandma can’t deny that my father has many connections. That means opportunities to advance the Zeroun business.” She said with undisguised arrogance.

“Perhaps, if you look at it from that perspective, you’re right. But from my perspective, if my grandson marries you, it will only bring misery,” Mrs. Rosaline’s reply was equally sharp.

“What do you mean, Mommy?” Now Mrs. Isidora spoke up.

“Gerald has never and will never love you. Because whether you admit it or not, his love has already anchored to Ariana. And my great-grandchild? If Gerald ends up marrying you, then my great-grandchild will suffer the most. Because I don’t see an ounce of affection from you. You will never be willing to clean up after him. Take care of him when he’s sick. Or comfort him when he throws a tantrum. For you, your appearance is number one, and how people perceive you is number two. Family has never been your priority.

Your skincare routine is more valuable. Your expensive bags are what you pay more attention to. And your socialite friends are your main focus. And you want to be a stepmother to my great-grandchild?”

Shelma laughed with a mocking face. “Grandma forgot? Didn’t all of that apply to Karenina too? So why were you willing to marry Gerald to Karenina back then?” In fact, she is no different from me.” Shelma replied, annoyed.

“Are you comparing yourself to someone lower? To Karenina?” Mrs. Rosaline scoffed. “When I arranged Gerald’s marriage to Karenina, it’s because I knew Karenina had a kind heart. At least, she still respects me. She still obeys her mother. And she submits to Gerald. But you?” Mrs. Rosaline looked Shelma up and down. “Do you realize that in my eyes, you’re no better than a beggar?” Mrs. Rosaline’s words made Mrs. Isidora gasp in shock. “At least beggars know what they’re asking for. But you?

You’re not asking anymore, Shelma. You’re demanding.

You want something you shouldn’t want. Does your father know everything you’ve done? And I want to ask you, Isidora.” Mrs. Rosaline turned her gaze to her daughter-in-law. “If Darrel were still alive, would you want to marry your beloved son to her?” Mrs. Rosaline nodded her head towards Shelma. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to do it because you’d want the best for your child. So why don’t you do the same for Gerald?

Even though he’s not your biological son. Even though you don’t love him like you loved Darrel. But marrying my son also means you’re responsible for him. If you can’t give him love, then let him be with the one he loves. Or perhaps, do you want to repeat the past?” Mrs. Rosaline asked sharply.

“If Gerald is with her.” Once again, Mrs. Rosaline nodded her head at Shelma. “Then Axel will go through what Gerald went through. And maybe even worse than what Gerald ever experienced. At least at the beginning of the marriage, I knew you genuinely cared for him, although over time that affection was eroded by your greed.

Take a look in the mirror, Isidora. Maybe you can compare your past self with him and predict what will happen in the future.” Mrs. Rosaline continued in a low tone. Mrs. Isidora was stunned, her eyes wide. Meanwhile, Mrs. Rosaline lifted the corner of her mouth and smiled mockingly. “He is your reflection from your younger days. Or perhaps even worse than that. Do you understand what I mean?” Mrs. Rosaline challenged.

Shelma, standing beside Mrs. Isidora, tightened her fists and didn’t

hide her angry glare.

Mrs. Rosaline chose to ignore her and walked away, leaving the two women of different ages. She let them fight with their own thoughts. She continued walking towards the guest room where Ariana was.

Her chest was pounding harder due to the emotions she felt. Her frustration with her grandson’s stubbornness and Shelma’s and Isidora’s obsession heightened her emotions to the point of anger. She knew her blood pressure would rise right now.

Right in front of the guest room door, Mrs. Rosaline fell silent. She took a deep breath to calm her feelings before knocking on the door. Silence; there was no answer from inside.

Mrs. Rosaline opened the door slowly, afraid of disturbing the people inside. But when she stepped in, her old eyes were surprised because the room appeared empty.