Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 138 Why wouldn’t I be here?

Victoria’s POV

"Victoria! You dare show your face in public!"

The moment Marcia Cross spotted me, her face contorted with rage. After the humiliation she’d suffered recently, which had even affected Northstream Pack’s stock prices, she’d clearly been having a rough time. I supposed bringing Mona shopping was her attempt at finding some happiness—a small expense for someone of her status, even with their company’s current financial troubles.

"Why wouldn’t I be here?" I replied coolly. "Do you own this mall? If you do, feel free to have security escort me out. If not, I suggest you zip it before you embarrass yourself further."

"You—!" Marcia sputtered, looking like she wanted to tear my throat out.

I could see the realization dawning in her eyes. She hadn’t known what she was dealing with before. The quiet, accommodating woman who had dated her son for years was gone, replaced by someone who wouldn’t back down. I could almost taste the regret darkening her eyes for not making my life more difficult when I was with Ethan.

Unable to counter my logic, Marcia resorted to curses: "Victoria, you evil woman! Karma will come for you. You’ll all pay eventually!"

Grace stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "Who are you cursing, you old hag? If anyone’s due for karma, it’s you. At your age, you should be worried about your own time running out instead of wishing ill on others. Actually, I get it now—Ethan turned out the way he did because of you. Your bad deeds probably came back to bite your son!"

"How dare you curse my son! You’ll be the one dying soon!" Marcia snarled.

"I’ll outlive you by decades, how’s that?" Grace shot back with a smirk. She had never been one to back down, especially from someone like Marcia.

Marcia looked like she might collapse from rage. Mona quickly grabbed her arm. "Ma’am, please don’t get upset. These people aren’t worth damaging your health over."

I couldn’t help but laugh. "’Ma’am’? What century are we in? I thought after being Ethan’s mistress for so long, you’d at least have earned the right to call her ’Mom.’ But I see that despite all those expensive gifts, she’s still treating you like the hired help. No matter how hard you try, Ethan already has a wife. At best, you’re the side piece."

Grace joined in my laughter, clearly enjoying watching me put these women in their place.

Mona’s face darkened. "Victoria, you’re going too far. Our business has nothing to do with you, yet you keep interfering!"

"Let’s get something straight," I said, my voice dropping dangerously low as Nora stirred within me. "I’m shopping with my friend. You approached me. I was perfectly content ignoring you both, but some people just can’t help seeking attention."

"Come on, Victoria," Grace tugged at my arm. "Let’s not waste any more time with these people. We might catch their bad energy."

"You’re right," I nodded, ready to walk away.

"Not so fast," Marcia blocked our path. "Victoria, you get my son released first. I won’t let you leave otherwise."

"Your son isn’t in my custody," I replied, exasperated. "If you want him released, talk to the police, not me."

"You’re the one who got him arrested!" Marcia’s eyes bulged with fury. "I’m telling you, if you don’t get my son released today, I won’t let you leave!"

Grace looked at me. "Victoria, they’re clearly causing a scene. Should we call security?"

"Scene? What scene?" Marcia challenged. "I don’t see one. Go ahead, call security. I’m not afraid!"

She was being deliberately obstinate, determined to prevent me from leaving. I could feel my wolf growing restless at the confrontation, but instead of getting angry, I felt a smile spreading across my face.

"Fine, we’ll stay. But standing around with just the four of us isn’t much fun, is it? How about I invite someone else to join our little gathering?"

"Go ahead," Marcia sneered. "I want to see what you’re planning. Calling for backup? Let me tell you, unless you get my son released today, no one can save you."

Grace looked confused, not understanding who I might be calling.

"Victoria, you’re not calling Damien to get his father to deal with them, are you?" she whispered.

"Of course not," I replied with a sly smile. "That would be boring. Since Marcia is so intent on keeping me here, I might as well make it entertaining for all of us."

I quickly sent a text message. Grace didn’t know what I was planning, but she trusted me enough to wait for the show to begin.

Marcia continued her tirade, using her age as a shield. When Grace stepped forward, Marcia threatened to fall down and claim assault if touched, knowing the police would likely believe her over us.

Grace was seething. "This old witch is impossible!"

I remained perfectly calm. "It seems congratulations are in order," I said to Mona. "You’ll be marrying into the Sterling family soon, won’t you? You two are a perfect match—especially when you stand together. Your personalities and moral character are practically identical."

With Marcia present, Mona couldn’t say much. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ms. Lancaster."

"It’s better if you don’t," I smiled knowingly.

Mona wasn’t fooling anyone—she understood perfectly that I was calling her out as the other woman. Her knuckles went white as she clenched her fists. I could practically read her thoughts: once she became Mrs. Sterling, she’d make me pay.

We remained at this impasse until a familiar figure hurried toward us.

"Victoria, why did you call me here?" Scarlett Sutton arrived, breathless and impatient.

I had texted her saying I had important information about Ethan that she needed to know immediately. Of course she’d rushed over—anything concerning her husband was top priority for Scarlett.

Her eyes widened when she saw not just me, but Marcia and Mona standing together.

"There’s no big issue," I said casually. "I just thought you might be interested to see your mother-in-law shopping with Ethan’s new girlfriend. She’s bought her quite a lot of jewelry—several hundred thousand dollars’ worth, I’d estimate. I wonder if she’s ever been that generous with you."