Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 294: Two Mistress of the House (2)
Meanwhile, the Han family had an unusual guest for the day. Old Madam Han smiled broadly as she held Ayla Jiang’s hand as the latter accompanied her to their vast garden for afternoon tea.
Behind them stood Stella, Alistair’s stepmother. She had a complicated expression on her face as she looked at Ayla. This young woman suddenly arrived unannounced, wanting to see Alistair.
Stella knew that her stepson was obsessed with Adrienne already and found Ayla’s claim to be Alistair’s lover suspicious. It also didn’t help that the Jiang family had left a bad impression on Stella because of how they had treated Adrienne.
Alas, Stella could only keep her suspicion to herself, not wanting to sour the mood of the matriarch of their family. Old Madam Han was already dissatisfied with her and didn’t want to worsen the situation by questioning Ayla’s motives.
Stella understood the delicate dynamics within the family and knew that confronting Ayla could potentially cause more harm than good. She decided to bide her time and gather more evidence before bringing her concerns to light, hoping to protect Adrienne from any potential harm.
"Alistair never told me he already had someone in his heart. He must have found it too early to reveal your relationship in public, given your status in the showbiz industry." Old Madam Han said to Ayla gently, "Do you tell if someone is causing you grievances at work? Our Han family would surely protect you."
Ayla smiled shyly and bit her lower lips, giving a slight nod of gratitude. "Thank you, Grandma. I appreciate your concern and support. I will definitely come to you if I face any difficulties or need assistance in the future." Ayla’s words reassured Old Madam Han, who felt relieved knowing that Ayla had someone she could trust within the family.
Stella served tea when Old Madam Zhao and Ayla took a seat, admiring the scenery in the garden. They didn’t pay her any attention, as if she were nothing but another piece of furniture in the room. Ayla and Old Madam Zhao engaged in a lively conversation, discussing family matters and sharing stories from their past.
Despite feeling invisible amid their connection, Stella observed quietly and didn’t find their cold treatment bothersome. Her mother-in-law never liked her because of her commoner status and upbringing. At the same time, Ayla didn’t bother to seek her approval because Stella was nothing but a stepmother to Alistair. It wasn’t a secret that she and Alistair had a strained relationship.
As they chatted over tea and snacks, Stella couldn’t help but notice how Ayla leaned in a little too close to Old Madam Han. Her body language was intimate, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. Stella narrowed her eyes, thinking Ayla was trying too hard to win the matriarch’s favor.
"It would be better if you could focus on your pregnancy and take an indefinite leave from your acting career." The old woman suggested it to Ayla. "It’s not like our Han family couldn’t provide luxury for you and your child. Besides, being a mother is a noble role that should be cherished."
Ayla’s smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure and nodded politely, but Stella couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to this conversation than met the eye.
Then, Old Madam Han excused herself to attend to other matters, leaving Stella and Ayla alone in the garden. Stella took the opportunity to confront Ayla and ask her about her relationship with Alistair.
"Ayla, we both know you’re lying about being Alistair’s lover. What’s your real motive for being here?" Stella asked, her voice laced with suspicion and hostility.
Stella’s abrupt question didn’t bother Ayla, who grinned. "I don’t have to explain myself to you, Stella. But since you’re so curious, I’ll tell you this: It doesn’t matter if Alistair doesn’t like me because, in the end, he would have to marry me. He can never be with Adrienne anymore.
"What are you talking about?" Stella demanded.
Ayla leaned closer, her breath hot against Stella’s ear, as she whispered, "I’m pregnant with Alistair’s child, Stella. And I’m here to make him marry me, no matter what it takes."
Stella shivered, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. Ayla’s words were alarming, and she couldn’t help but think the young woman was up to no good. Though she and her stepson never see each other eye to eye, Stella never wished anything terrible toward Alistair and chose not to obstruct his way, knowing his temper. Even her husband wouldn’t foolishly antagonize Alistair.
Before Stella could say anything else, Ayla stood up and brushed off her dress. "Thank you for the lovely tea," Ayla said with a saccharine smile. "I’ll be on my way now, but don’t worry, Stella. I always get what I want."
With a final smirk, Ayla walked out of the garden, leaving Stella with a sinking feeling in her gut. She couldn’t shake off the ominous aura surrounding Ayla’s words and wondered what lengths she would go to to achieve her goal.
However, before Ayla could leave the Han mansion, Alistair arrived quickly and in a soured mood.
"What the hell are you doing here, Ayla Jiang?" Alistair bellowed as he approached her. The tension between them was palpable, and Stella watched silently from a distance.
Ayla smiled sweetly, trying to calm Alistair down. "I wanted to see you, Alistair. I miss you."
"You miss me? You’re lying. What do you really want?" Alistair asked, his voice stern and accusatory.
"I came to see you, Alistair," Ayla said with a smile as she walked closer to him. "I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming wedding."
"What wedding?" Alistair asked, confused by her words.
"Miss Jiang claims that she’s pregnant with your child, Alistair," Stella said, interrupting their conversation. "She wants you to marry her."
Alistair’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Ayla.
"Impossible!" He exclaimed.
He only slept with her once, but Ayla quickly got pregnant. His eyes narrowed dangerously at her. Ayla must have planned it and didn’t take any contraception after spending a night with him.
