He Gave Her My Eyes A Story of Final Sight novel Chapter 71

Theresia’s brows drew together, her eyes turning icy. “She’s your grandmother, Patti. Try having some respect for once.”

Without waiting for a response, she brushed past Patti and headed inside. She wasn’t here to argue. Her grandmother was the only reason she’d come.

Patti watched her go, a sly, cold smile curling on her lips. Just wait, Theresia. Let’s see how long you can keep acting so superior.

Theresia hurried toward the stairs, ready to go up, but just as she reached the bottom step, Leila appeared, coming down. For once, Leila’s face was softer, missing its usual sharpness.

“Theresia, your grandmother just fell asleep,” she said, sounding strangely gentle. “Don’t wake her yet, okay? Give her some time to rest. You can see her when she wakes up.”

Theresia’s eyes lingered on the upper floor. She hesitated, standing still. Leila took the chance to move closer.

“You hardly ever come home,” Leila went on. “Why don’t you stay for dinner? The kitchen’s already set everything out. Felton and your dad aren’t home, so it’s just me and Patti. It gets so quiet with just the two of us. It’d be nice to have you here, make things feel a bit more lively.”

Theresia didn’t buy it for a second. This sudden warmth felt fake, like there was a catch. She shot another look upstairs, her suspicions growing, then turned her cool stare on Leila, making her squirm.

Leila reached out and grabbed her hand, pasting on a bright, eager smile. “I know you have issues with me, Theresia. But I did raise you for eighteen years. We may not be related by blood, but I always thought of you as my own daughter. Seeing how well you’ve done for yourself, I’m honestly proud of you.”

The words slid right off Theresia. If anything, her guard went up even higher. She’d never believed in sudden changes of heart.

She calmly removed her hand from Leila’s grasp. “Leila, just say whatever you want to say.”

Patti’s eyes widened with rage. “Theresia—”

Theresia turned to Leila, a small, satisfied smile touching her lips. “You say we’re family, right? Well, if Patti’s going to be disrespectful, I think I’m allowed to set her straight.”

Leila’s jaw tightened with anger, but she forced herself to nod. “You’re right, Theresia. Patti went too far.”

Theresia thought, Fine, if they want to play, I’ll play. But I’m not letting them get away with anything.

She stared Patti down, eyes full of challenge.