Chapter 158 Mr. Ford Almost Died

Patricia stared at Celeste, her normally sharp eyes flickering with a hint of confusion. That soft, innocent face—those wide, pleading eyes—it was almost enough to make her hesitate. Almost. “See what I mean, Mrs. Ford?” Vivian’s voice cut in smoothly, breaking the moment. “She’s an expert at these little tricks—looking helpless, playing the victim…” Patricia blinked, snapping out of her brief daze. “Yes, yes,” she muttered, suddenly recalling everything Vivian had warned her about. She wasn’t some naïve old woman who could be fooled by a few tears and a pretty face. Straightening her back, Patricia seated herself on the sofa, her posture regal and commanding. The air in the room seemed to shift, heavy with her authority. “I didn’t come here just to check on you and the baby,” she began, her voice cold and firm. “I’m here to make sure Vivian is back at Nathaniel’s side.” “Absolutely not!” Nathaniel’s voice cut through the air, sharp and unyielding. His face darkened at the very