"Mum, please don't show up at family gatherings again, or at my friend's place… just so you don't bring bad luck."
Lili's voice cut through the air like shattered glass. Her tone was harsh, cold, and final.
Docesse felt it deeply. Her heart ached, the pain lingering in her chest for a moment too long. Yet, as always, she forced a gentle smile.
"Lili, please… be reasonable. Don't speak to me like this. I am your mother," she said softly, trying to reach her daughter's heart.
But Lili refused to listen. She turned a deaf ear and stormed out without a second glance.
The Hidden Scheme
This was clearly Stephanie's influence—another carefully woven manipulation.
Stephanie was not ready to stop. Her ambition was clear: she wanted Docesse removed from the Steph household completely, so she could gain full control of her late brother's assets and the family business.
Even after Mr. Steph's death, Stephanie had failed to take control of the business. Her father, Mr. Steph John, had never supported women leading the family enterprise. Because of this, control was passed to Hallie, the third child of the Steph family.
However, Hallie lacked strong leadership. Under his management—and with the silent involvement of Docesse's younger brother, Andrew, who had been recruited earlier by Mr. Steph—the business suffered growing losses.
This arrangement had created resentment within the Steph family. Many began to blame Docesse unfairly, believing she was the source of internal conflict.
Lili: The Family's Reflection
Lili Steph, the only child of Docesse and Mr. Steph, bore a striking resemblance to her late father. She was often described as the "mirror image" of the Steph family's lost son.
Because of this resemblance, she received reluctant acceptance from Mr. Steph John, her grandfather, who had always disapproved of Docesse but allowed her to remain in the house for the sake of the child.
Lili often used this as emotional leverage against her mother.
"You are only still here because of me," she would remind Docesse coldly.
Yet despite everything, Docesse endured. She held onto hope that one day, Lili would understand the truth behind her father's death.
The Unanswered Question
"What is the truth?"
Docesse often whispered this to herself in moments of silence.
Her husband, Mr. Steph, had died in what was officially reported as a fatal car accident involving a truck. But deep in her heart, she could not accept that explanation.
She knew the tensions within the Steph family. She knew not everyone was pleased with her husband's success in the family business.
"It could have just been an accident… as they reported," she thought, though doubt lingered like a shadow.
Her friend Mary had once hinted at hidden schemes within the Steph family before Mr. Steph's death. But even then, Docesse struggled to believe such a terrible truth.
A Visit from Mary
A sudden knock interrupted her thoughts.
Docesse opened the door and her expression immediately softened.
"Oh my world… I missed you, my friend," Mary said warmly.
"I missed you too," Docesse replied with a faint smile.
Mary observed her carefully. "It's been a while, Docesse. Are the Steph family giving you a hard time?"
"No… they are not," Docesse replied quickly, forcing a smile.
Mary sighed. "I can see through your lies. And I wish you could see through theirs. Stephanie is more dangerous than you think. If you are not careful, your daughter might become their next target."
"God forbid," Docesse whispered.
"Then act before it's too late," Mary insisted. "Stephanie is wicked. I believe she may be connected to your husband's death."
"No, Mary… that cannot be true," Docesse replied, though uncertainty flickered in her eyes.
Mary's expression remained firm, leaving Docesse caught between disbelief and suspicion.
The Family Gathering
At the Steph family gathering, a celebration was held to mark a major business contract success.
Docesse was absent.
Stephanie saw this as another opportunity.
She moved closer to Lili, positioning herself carefully beside her niece like a trusted guardian. With calculated softness, she began planting seeds of doubt.
"I still grieve your father deeply," Stephanie said, her voice filled with practiced sorrow.
She embraced Lili gently.
Then she continued, "Your father gave you a bracelet when you were born."
"Really?" Lili asked, her curiosity awakening.
"Yes," Stephanie replied. "But your mother sold it before your father's accident—to pay her brother Andrew's debts. That angered your father… he left that day to buy you another one."
Lili's eyes widened. "So… my mother sold my bracelet?"
"Yes, my dear," Stephanie said softly. "If only your father hadn't left that day… maybe he would still be alive."
Lili's breath trembled. "So it was my mother…?"
Stephanie nodded slowly. "Fate is cruel."
"No… this isn't fate," Lili muttered, her voice shaking with rising anger. "It's her."
She turned away, her heart burning with resentment.
"What happened next?" Lili asked.
"He did buy you another bracelet," Stephanie continued. "But on his way back, he had the accident. The bracelet was recovered and returned to your mother as his final gift. She should have given it to you."
Lili's anger deepened. "My mother never told me about any bracelet…"
Stephanie placed a hand over her chest. "Docesse should have honored his last wish."
Lili lowered her head, tears forming. "I wish I had a responsible mother… a virtuous mother like you."
She embraced Stephanie tightly, as though she had finally found comfort.
Then, without another word, she left the gathering and headed home, her heart filled with hatred and confusion.
Stephanie's Satisfaction
Stephanie watched her go, a subtle smile forming on her lips.
Her plan was working perfectly.
Lili had become her pawn.
And Docesse… was slowly being pushed further into isolation.