Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren) novel Chapter 281

The moment Shirley heard Martha's voice, her first instinct was guilt, so she quickly released her grip on Carlisle's hand. She feared that if Martha was displeased, she might once again threaten to throw her and Ivy out, and no one would be left to protect her.

Shirley forced down the bitterness in her heart and put on a flattering smile as she looked up at Martha. "Mrs. Zachman Senior, why are you still awake at this hour? Did I disturb you?"

Afraid of being misunderstood, she quickly explained, "I just saw that Carlisle was hurt… I only wanted to check on him—"

She was interrupted by Martha's sarcastic, almost mocking expression.

Shirley's face turned pale, and the look in Martha's eyes made it feel as though she saw through all of Shirley's actions, leaving her uncomfortable and unable to continue speaking.

Martha adjusted her shawl and sneered. "I've known exactly what kind of person you are. Allowing you to stay at the Zachman residence was already showing mercy.

"You'd better know your place! You'd better remember your place! Just because Katrina isn't around doesn't mean you can seduce my son and try to take her place!"

She walked toward Shirley and continued, "Let me tell you—keep dreaming. As long as I'm alive, you and that bastard daughter of yours will never step foot into the Zachman family! Even if Carlisle really does get divorced one day, it won't be you he marries. You're not worthy!"

She paused and added, "If I catch you doing this again, no one will be able to save you. The Zachman family doesn't tolerate women with dirty intentions. You may shamelessly try to be the other woman, but we won't be made a joke of!"

Shirley's face turned pale. Her body trembled like a fragile flower in the storm, as if she were about to collapse at any moment.

She bit down on her lip as tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks. She looked as if she had suffered the greatest injustice, yet she didn't dare to utter a word in protest.

"Mom!" Carlisle barked, cutting Martha off. Seeing Shirley's pitiful state, he reached out to support her.

He frowned and looked at Martha with disapproval. "Don't you think you've gone too far? Shirley isn't—"