"Don’t worry," Grace said, her tone filled with a sinister sweetness. "We’ll do something. I won’t let my sweet little Levi feel inferior to that bastard son." Her lips curled into a disgusted sneer as she spat the words.
"Huh? Bastard son?" Levi asked, blinking in confusion.
Grace’s expression darkened further, her eyes narrowing as her venomous tone deepened. "His parents," she hissed. "They were always so arrogant, walking around like they were better than everyone else just because they earned good money. Do you know what they used to do?" She leaned closer, her face twisted with bitterness.
"They used to look down on me," she continued, her voice sharp."Always acting like they were better, like I should feel grateful for their scraps. And do you know what’s worse? They gave me their leftovers! Old clothes, broken trinkets, things they didn’t want anymore, as if I was some kind of charity case." Her fists clenched, and her voice grew sharper. "I hated it! I hated them. I still do."
Levi’s confusion turned into understanding, and then anger, as he listened to his mother’s words. He clenched his fists, his lips pressing into a thin line. "So that’s why you hate Julian so much?"
Grace nodded sharply. "He’s their son. No matter how much time passes, I can’t forget the way they treated me. And now, he dares to act better than us? Better than you?" She scoffed, her tone dripping with malice. "I won’t let it happen, Levi. Not while I’m here."
Levi nodded slowly. "What’s the plan, Mother?" he asked.
Grace’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Just wait and see, my sweet Levi," she said, patting his shoulder. "We’ll remind them exactly where they belong."
"Mom, tell me what you’re planning..." Levi asked eagerly, his eyes bright with curiosity. The idea of getting one over on Julian and his family had begun to consume him, and he couldn’t wait to know what his mother had in mind.
Grace smirked, the corners of her lips curling as she looked at her son. Her dark eyes gleamed with satisfaction, knowing she had a plan ready. "Patience, Levi," she said smoothly, her voice filled with excitement. "Good things come to those who wait."
Levi’s excitement grew as he leaned in closer. "Come on, Mom! You’ve got me curious. What’s the plan?"
Grace looked at him for a moment, enjoying his eager expression.
"Miss Ruby, was the process complete?" The familiar voices of the two witches rang out as they entered Ruby’s house in the afternoon.
Ruby, who had been sitting in the living room waiting for Adrian’s return, glanced up. She hadn’t confronted Karl about the where was money yet. In her heart, she believed Karl didn’t have the courage to steal, it just wasn’t in him. If anyone had the nerve to do it, it was Adrian. Karl was all bark and no bite, a crybaby pretending to be a fierce tiger, but in reality, he was a harmless kitten.
She shifted her focus back to the witches, her expression calm and neutral as she stood up to meet them.
"Miss Ruby, was the process complete?" one of the witches asked nervously as they stepped inside the house, their faces showing a mix of hope and hesitation.
Julian, who had opened the door for them, quietly stood behind, observing everything curiously. His mossy-green eyes darted between Ruby and the witches, trying to understand what was going on.
Ruby tilted her head slightly, letting the silence linger for a moment. She watched them, her expression neutral. "Of course," she said finally, her voice steady and polite, though her tone carried little emotion.
Hearing her response, both witches visibly relaxed. A smile bloomed on their faces as they exchanged relieved glances.
"All the data is recovered, and you can take your computer back," Ruby added. Her crystal-like red eyes looked at them, but there was no trace of excitement or eagerness in her expression.
"Oh, Miss Ruby, thank you so much!" one of the witches exclaimed, clasping her hands together in gratitude. "We even brought a new PC for the office so we can transfer all the recovered data!"
Ruby simply nodded, stepping back slightly as they started packing up the computer parts. The two witches worked quickly, carefully placing everything into their boxes.
Julian, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up. "You’re taking everything now?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
The taller witch nodded, adjusting the box in her hands as she looked at him. "Yes, we have everything we need now," she replied cheerfully. "Miss Ruby has been such a great help."
Julian glanced at Ruby, and for a brief moment, a faint look of admiration crossed his face. He admired the way she handled things so calmly after she changed, without ever seeming overwhelmed. Ruby, however, didn’t seem to notice—or care. Her arms remained folded loosely as she watched the witches pack up.
When the witches had finished, Ruby followed them to the door. As they passed the living room, one of them caught sight of the "Thank You" frame hanging on the wall. She nudged her companion and smiled brightly.
"Looks like Miss Ruby really appreciated our sincerity!" the taller witch said happily, her tone filled with pride.
Ruby’s face didn’t change, but inside, her patience was wearing thin. Hearing those words touched a sore point, reminding her of the gift that had annoyed her so much.
"Of course," she replied, her voice calm and controlled, though there was a slight sharpness in her tone that they didn’t seem to notice.
The witches carried the last of the computer parts out, but just as they were about to leave, they turned back to Ruby, looking slightly confused.
"Miss Ruby, aren’t you coming with us?" one of them asked hesitantly.
Ruby raised an eyebrow, her red eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at them. "Why would I need to come with you?" she asked, her voice calm but with a hint of sharpness.
—To be continued...🪄