**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**
**Chapter 356: The Battle for Malrik**
“Your father is dead! There’s nothing left of him!” Celia’s voice trembled, cracking under the weight of her emotions. The absurdity of Malrik calling Marcus “Daddy” sent a wave of disbelief crashing over her. Was he truly so naïve?
If Marcus is his father, then does that make Emma his mother?
And who exactly am I in this twisted reality?
Celia felt the very fabric of her identity fraying at the edges, unraveling like an old tapestry.
“No, you’re wrong!” Malrik shot back, his scowl deepening as he glared at her.
He loathed this woman, this bitter creature standing before him.
Her sharp features seemed to cut through the air, and every word that spilled from her lips was laced with venom.
With a finger pointed defiantly at Marcus, he declared, “My daddy is standing right here!”
Turning his gaze upward, he sought affirmation from Marcus. “Right, Daddy?”
Marcus, his expression unwavering, nodded slowly. “You’re correct.”
A swell of pride filled Malrik as he turned back to face Celia. “Did you hear that? Daddy said I’m right!”
Then, as if the weight of the world rested on his small shoulders, he issued a warning. “Old female, don’t curse my daddy. If you do, I’ll hit you—even if you’re a female.”
Celia was left utterly dumbfounded. Insanity had taken root in her own son! The fury bubbling within her was so intense, she felt as if she might spew blood.
My own child—my obedient boy—just called me ‘old female’ and dared me with a pointed finger.
The elders stood in stunned silence, their expressions reflecting a collective sense of despair.
Mr. Malrik… his mind is truly unhinged.
One elder, stepping forward with caution, cleared his throat. “Mr. Malrik… do you remember who I am?”
Malrik scrutinized him, his gaze dripping with disdain as if he were examining something vile. “I don’t know who you are, but I know what you are.”
“You know who I am?” The elder’s face lit up, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes, as if he had just caught a glimpse of salvation.
Mr. Malrik may seem foolish, but perhaps he is not beyond redemption.
“Yes.” Malrik nodded gravely.

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