Lara lifted her chin ever so slightly before turning toward the side door that opened into the garden. Sunlight spilled through the glass panes, draping her figure in a warm golden glow as she walked away with calm, unhurried steps. Every movement carried an effortless elegance, as though she had been born to command attention.

She looked less like a guest in the mansion and more like a queen returning to her palace.

Scarlet watched her leave with a gaze sharp enough to draw blood.

The moment the door closed behind Lara, Scarlet’s expression twisted violently. Jealousy clawed through her chest like a beast trying to tear its way out.

That woman...

Who gave her the right to act so superior? So composed. So untouchable.

Who did that woman think she was?

How dare she act so lofty? So untouchable?

Scarlet bit the inside of her cheek hard enough to taste blood.

Ever since Lara arrived, everything had begun changing. Shay adored her. The old master favored her. Even the men in the family—men who rarely paid attention to women—seemed to revolve around her existence.

And Ares...

Scarlet’s fingers curled tightly.

She could still remember the way Ares looked at Lara earlier. Calm. Patient. Indulgent.

It made her sick.

Scarlet stormed back into the living room where Summer and Layla were seated and enjoying a cup of tea. Her face was flushed crimson with fury, her brows knitted so tightly that she looked ready to explode at any second.

Layla raised a brow. "What happened to you?" she asked lazily. "You look ready to murder someone."

Scarlet dropped heavily onto the sofa beside Summer without the slightest care. The leather cushions sank deeply beneath her weight, early throwing Summer sideways.

Summer frowned faintly and discreetly scooted farther away. At Scarlet’s current state, she looked like she might start throwing things at any moment.

"It’s that shameless bitch, Larissa Reyes," Scarlet spat venomously. Her chest rose and fell sharply with anger.

Layla instantly straightened with interest.

"What did she do this time?"

Scarlet laughed coldly. "Acted like she owned the entire mansion." Her eyes burned. "The way she walked around just now... if people didn’t know better, they’d think she was Madam Zuvel already."

Then her lips curled in disgust. "I really don’t know where all that confidence is coming from."

Layla’s face darkened immediately.

That title should belong to someone from the Norse circle.

Not an outsider.

Not some orphan Ares picked up out of pity.

"Well," Layla said sharply, "isn’t it because Shay follows her around like a lost duckling? Children are stupidly easy to manipulate."

Scarlet sneered. "And apparently grown men are too."

Summer lowered her teacup carefully, hiding the smile tugging at her lips.

The tension was delicious.

"You can’t deny it," Summer said softly. "Lara does seem... special to them."

Layla scoffed. "Special? Please. She’s just pretending to be innocent."

But even as she said it, she felt uncomfortable.

"Layla..." Summer spoke softly, her voice smooth as silk. "Haven’t you noticed? Even Liam, the cold and disciplined brother of yours treat her differently now."

Her eyes flickered subtly, calculating. Summer was fanning the flames again.

"He was indulgent toward her," she continued after a deliberate pause, just enough for the words to sink deep.

Irritation gnawed viciously inside Layla’s chest. Because Summer was right. She had noticed it too.

Her grip on the teacup tightened.

Liam had always been distant from women. Polite, yes—but never warm, except for her and Summer.

Even Amelia could not receive his warmth.

Yet earlier, around Lara, he smiled more.

He spoke more.

And worst of all...

He allowed her close.

"Of course I noticed." Jealousy seeped into her tone.

Layla still remembered how naturally Lara called him "Brother."

As though she truly belonged among them.

The memory made Layla’s stomach churn.

Summer’s eyes flickered knowingly.

She leaned forward slightly. "Didn’t Liam even help serve her breakfast earlier?"

Layla’s face instantly stiffened.

Scarlet caught the reaction immediately.

Interesting! She thought.

"So you noticed too," Scarlet drawled.

Layla quickly masked her expression. "Anyone with eyes would notice."

But inwardly, humiliation burned through her.

She had spent years trying to get closer to Liam. She succeeded with Lucas and even Logan.

But Liam... there was always that bridge that she could never cross.

Yet Lara had appeared and effortlessly stepped into spaces Layla could never reach.

Why?

What was so special about her?

Summer sighed lightly. "Honestly, if this continues, people might misunderstand Lara’s position in the Norse family. Not just the Norse, but even the Zuvels."

Scarlet’s eyes flashed maliciously.

"That’s exactly what she wants. People misunderstanding."

Layla nodded immediately. "Obviously."

Scarlet turned toward her slowly.

Their eyes met.

And for the first time, both women clearly saw the hostility hidden beneath the other’s mask.

Layla disliked Lara. She felt that Lara would take her place in her parents and siblings hearts.

But Scarlet...

Scarlet viewed Lara as a genuine threat.

"How funny," Scarlet said with a faint smile. "You seem awfully bothered by this too."

Layla’s expression cooled instantly. "Shouldn’t I be? She’s taking over my family."

Scarlet almost laughed. It was obvious. Layla was jealous.

Suddenly, she recalled the way Layla always found excuses to stay close to Ares during gatherings. The way her eyes unconsciously followed him around the room.

She was also a rival, but the greater threat was Lara. She could use Layla to eliminate her greatest threat.

Scarlet leaned back slowly, her smile growing sharper.

"You like Ares."

Layla froze.

Summer’s eyes widened slightly before she quickly hid her amusement behind her cup.

Layla’s face flushed crimson. "W-What nonsense are you saying?!"

Scarlet tilted her head mockingly. "Was I wrong?"

Layla’s heartbeat pounded violently.

Deny it. Deny it immediately.

But somehow, under Scarlet’s piercing gaze, the words refused to come out smoothly.

Scarlet smirked. Layla’s silence was a confirmation.

A dangerous chill settled inside her chest.

Another rival.

Her fingers dug into the armrest.

First Moira, then Lara and now Layla too?

Scarlet suddenly felt suffocated.

Why were all these women circling around Ares?

Layla glared at Scarlet defensively. "And what if I do?" she snapped. "At least I’ve known him for years unlike some people."

The atmosphere instantly turned icy. Summer’s brows lifted slightly.

That sentence had not only targeted Lara. It targeted Scarlet too.

Scarlet’s smile disappeared.

"You should watch your words carefully."

Layla laughed coldly. "Why? Did I hit a nerve?"

The two women stared at each other like predators seconds away from tearing into flesh.