The moment Sylvia turned away and walked back toward the staff area, Ingrid's gaze burned into her back. She couldn't make sense of it. Rome's mother, Rosanna, had sided with Sylvia. Just like that.
Only after Sylvia disappeared from view did Ingrid finally turn to Mrs. Hariston.
"How can you believe her so easily?" Ingrid demanded, her voice tight, trembling with disbelief. "Mother… you didn't even hesitate."
Mrs. Hariston calmly lifted her glass of water, took a small sip, her expression composed, almost unreadable.
Ingrid stared at her, incredulous.
"Did you forget your reaction the other day?" she continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. "You were furious! Furious when you found out Rome was spending time with her again. You blamed her for everything! You called her a disaster—a walking disaster in Rome's life!"
