The Ex-Con Queen Strikes Back - Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Skylar's expression remained cool, as if her words were the most natural thing in the world. "But didn't you say I could have anything I wanted? What, were you lying?"
Freya's face flushed red, her words caught in her throat. "You..."
Carlos's gaze flicked between his daughters, his tone gentle but firm. "Freya, did you say that?"
Freya nodded grudgingly, her lips tight. She'd said it, sure, but she never imagined Skylar would demand her room.
Carlos's face grew stern. "A Lambert keeps their word. If you made that promise, you're accountable for it."
His words cut off any chance for Freya to throw a tantrum or dodge the request.
Freya's eyes blazed, bloodshot with rage, as she glared at Skylar, looking ready to tear her apart.
Skylar raised a brow, her smirk barely concealed. She mouthed, "Mine."
Freya nearly choked on her anger, her mind screaming curses at Skylar.
She vowed to herself: 'I'll expose this conniving bitch for who she is. I'll make Mom and Dad hate her and kick her out of the Lambert family.'
Skylar released Freya's hand, her smile bright and teasing. "Thanks for giving me your room, Freya."
Freya forced out a gritted, "You're welcome," through clenched teeth.
Skylar turned to Yana, her tone softening. "Mom, I'm not big on pink. Can I redo the room myself?"
Yana's face lit up, thrilled that Skylar had called her "Mom."
"Of course, sweetheart!" she said, beaming. "It's your room now; do whatever you want."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Do you know interior design? Should I get you a professional?"
Skylar shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "No need. I've got it covered."
Yana clapped her hands, delighted. "Skylar, you're so talented—designing your own room!"
Her affection for Skylar poured out, unfiltered, as she lavished her daughter with praise.
Skylar's heart warmed, a sweetness she hadn't felt in years creeping in. Her smile deepened, genuine this time.
'So this is what real family feels like,' she thought.
Yana, seizing the moment, leaned closer. "Skylar, could you find time to redesign our room too?"
She was so eager to bond.
Skylar nodded, her voice soft. "Sure."
Yana's smile widened. "Here, take this. It's a secondary card to my account. Buy whatever you need."
Skylar hesitated, pushing it back. "I don't need it. I've got my own money."
Yana's eyes softened. "This is from me. It's different from your own money."
She pressed the card into Skylar's hand, holding it there. "No arguing with your mom."
Yana didn't know what Skylar had been through—her past was a blank, hidden from even Yana's best efforts to uncover it.
But something told her Skylar had suffered, and she was determined to make up for it.
"If you keep saying no, I'll get mad," Yana teased, putting on a mock frown.
Skylar opened her mouth to protest, but Yana's eyes narrowed playfully.
She relented, taking the card. "Thanks, Mom."
Yana beamed, her gaze lingering on Skylar as if she couldn't get enough. "That's the least I can do."
She paused, then added, "Oh, your dad and I have something to discuss with you. Come with us to the study."
Yana took Skylar's hand, leading her out, with Carlos trailing behind.
They left without a glance at Freya, still standing in the room.
Freya watched them go, her chest tight with humiliation.
Their dismissal made her feel like a pathetic clown, invisible in her own home.
'Family? What a joke,' she thought, her anger boiling over.
She let out a stifled scream, venting her rage, then steadied herself and headed to the study.
The study door was ajar, a sliver of light spilling out.
Freya crept closer, peering through the gap, her movements silent.
Inside, Yana's voice was cautious but warm. "Skylar, your dad and I were talking. We'd like to change your last name back to Lambert. What do you think?"
Skylar's response was calm, almost deferential. "I'm fine with it. Whatever you and Dad think is best."
Yana nodded, her smile radiant. "Good. We also want to throw you a welcome-home party, introduce you to our circle."