The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 361

She hoped that Clive was right, that once this blew over, Milford would reconcile with her.

Seeing that Tamara was no longer sulking, Clive smiled and ruffled her hair. "That's better. Stop looking so gloomy all day."

Tamara forced a smile, but her heart felt hollow. Even though Clive hadn't said it explicitly, she knew the truth. Everything had changed.

Josiah's coldness, Zeus's dismissiveness, Clive's indifference... The three Sloan brothers no longer seemed to spoil her unconditionally like they used to.

But even knowing this, what could she do? Her only support system left was the Sloan family. If she burned bridges with them...how could she survive in the Sherwood household?

Tamara clenched her fingers, her nails digging deep into her palms. Was she really going to be trapped like this?

...

After dinner, Zadie personally drove Tamara back to the Sherwood estate.

Tamara had quieted down after failing to elicit the response she was hoping for. She followed Zadie into the car in a daze and returned to the Sherwoods'.

The night was heavy outside the villa. Zadie held Tamara's hand as they stood in the shadows of the garden, speaking in hushed tones.

"Tamara, don't take your father's words to heart. Mom knows you're feeling wronged."

She leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper against Tamara's ear. "It's colorless and odorless. Just one drop of this mixed into a drink. Once he drinks it, even the coldest man will turn into a beast in bed."

Zadie's implication was crystal clear. Tamara instantly understood its purpose. Her heart skipped a beat, and her fingers instinctively tightened around the vial. "Mom, what if Mrs. Sherwood or Milford finds out..."

"What are you afraid of?" Zadie interrupted her, her tone certain. "Milford is ignoring you right now simply because of his pride. But men are all the same. Once you're in bed together and intimate, his attitude will soften."

She patted her daughter's hand, her eyes sharp with calculation. "Once you're pregnant, no matter how much the Sherwoods dislike you, they won't let you and Milford divorce for the sake of the child!"

Tamara bit her lip. A trace of struggle flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resentment. She took a deep breath, hid the vial in her pocket, and nodded heavily. "Mom, I understand."