The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 159

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Winnie rubbed her temples, muttering a curse through clenched teeth.

Just then, the maid hurried back in, empty-handed.

“Ma’am… The kitchen’s making you a fresh bowl of nourishing soup, but it’ll be a while,” she said, looking anxious.

Winnie scowled. “What do you mean? Didn’t I tell you to have it ready before my nap? Are you losing your mind?”

The maid looked stricken. “No, ma’am, I did make it. But Miss Brianna took it and drank it.”

“What?” Winnie stared at her in disbelief, anger flaring instantly. “That was mine! Who does she think she is?”

She shot the maid a withering glare, not waiting for another word before storming downstairs in search of Brianna.

Winnie’s nerves were already frayed, and ever since Brianna had moved in, she hadn’t had a peaceful night’s sleep. But Brianna didn’t seem to care—every day was a whirlwind of noise with the child, or she’d be lounging around, barely bothering with pleasantries.

The only thing keeping Winnie from exploding was the thought that Milo was her grandson and the family business was at a crucial point.

But now, to have Brianna show such blatant disrespect—snatching what belonged to her, acting like she owned the place!

Brianna was in the living room, laughing and playing tag with Milo. At Winnie’s pointed cough, Brianna spotted her and paused, but Milo, caught up in the game, kept darting around his mother.

Winnie shot a look at the maid, who immediately rushed over to corral Milo.

“Young man, that’s enough. Your grandmother’s here,” she said gently.

Milo’s face fell. He darted behind Brianna, peeking out at Winnie with wide, fearful eyes.

He was her own grandson, but seeing him cling to Brianna like that only made Winnie’s heart harden.

“Mom, you’re up from your nap. Did you need something?” Brianna’s tone was calm, a gentle smile curving her lips, though her eyes stayed cold as steel.

Winnie snorted. “Don’t call me that. I’m not about to pretend everything’s fine. What kind of daughter-in-law makes a racket while her mother-in-law is resting, then helps herself to what doesn’t belong to her? Brianna, you’re not even trying to hide your contempt anymore!”

“Oh, I apologize. I tried to keep it down, but Milo’s at home all day—per your rules, I’m not allowed to take him out. So we had to play here.

As for the soup… it was just sitting in the kitchen, and nobody told me it was yours. I didn’t know, so I drank it. Besides, Jotham said this is my home too, and I should feel comfortable. Surely you’re not that petty about a bowl of soup?”