The next morning, the Reed mansion was unusually quiet, the calm before the storm. Aria, as usual, found a way to disrupt the peace. She pouted and whined, pleading with Nathan and Kelvin to skip work and spend the day with her.
"I never see you two anymore! Can't you just take me shopping?" Aria cried, her eyes brimming with exaggerated tears.
Kelvin chuckled at her antics, but Nathan was less amused. "Aria, stop acting like a baby. We have responsibilities," Nathan said, his tone firm.
Aria ignored him, crossing her arms. "Please, Nathan! Just one day. You can't say no to your baby sister!"
After several minutes of pleading, Nathan and Kelvin finally relented. "Fine, but get ready quickly," Nathan said.
Aria grinned and ran upstairs, but an hour later, she still hadn't come down. When Kelvin went to check on her, he found her lounging in a singlet and bum shorts, scrolling on her phone.
"Aria!" Kelvin shouted. "What are you doing? Nathan's about to explode downstairs!"
Hearing this, Nathan stormed upstairs, his frustration evident. "That's it. I'm going to the office."
As Nathan grabbed his car keys and called Thomas to meet him at the office, Aria ran after him, begging him to stay. Nathan ignored her, heading toward the door.
Just as Nathan reached the door, it swung open to reveal Mrs. Reed, her expression unreadable. Nathan froze, his frustration giving way to cold anger.
"Mother," Kelvin greeted politely, stepping forward.
"Mrs. Reed," Nathan muttered coldly, ignoring her outstretched arms.
Mrs. Reed glanced at him, her disappointment evident. "We need to talk, Nathan," she said softly.
"I don't want to talk," Nathan replied, stepping past her.
Kelvin intercepted him. "Nathan, come on. Just listen to her, for once."
Reluctantly, Nathan stopped. Kelvin turned to Aria, motioning for her to leave. "Go upstairs, Aria."
Aria hesitated but obeyed, casting a worried glance at her mother before disappearing.
As soon as the room cleared, Mrs. Reed turned to Nathan, her voice trembling. "Is it true? Is Katrina back?"
Nathan's jaw clenched. "Let me guess. Aria called you, didn't she? This was her plan all along—delaying us so you could show up."
Mrs. Reed tried to calm him. "I just want to know the truth. Is it her?"
Nathan glared at her. "Katrina is gone. She's never coming back. And even if she did, it wouldn't concern you. Or are you planning to hurt Elena the way you hurt Katrina?"
Mrs. Reed's expression turned to shock. "How dare you accuse me of that? I'm your mother, Nathan!"
Nathan stepped closer, his voice low but cutting. "Mother or not, your actions have consequences. If not for your selfishness and need for control, Dad would still be alive today."
Mrs. Reed gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "You think I killed your father?"
Nathan scoffed. "Stop pretending to be shocked. You drove him to his grave with your manipulation and lies. And now you want to interfere in my life again?"
Mrs. Reed slapped him across the face, her voice breaking. "I have only ever tried to protect you! But you… you refuse to see it. You refuse to give me a chance to explain!"
Nathan's voice dropped to a chilling calm. "Your explanations are worthless. I know what kind of person you are. Stay out of my life. I'll love whoever I want, and you have no say in it."
With that, Nathan turned and walked away.
Mrs. Reed collapsed onto the floor, her strength gone. Aria and Kelvin, who had been watching from a hidden corner, rushed to her side.
"Mother, please don't cry," Aria begged, tears streaming down her face.
Kelvin helped her up, his expression torn. "I'll talk to him. He's angry, but he'll come around."
Mrs. Reed shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "He hates me."
Kelvin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He doesn't hate you, Mother. He's just… hurt. Let me handle it."
Aria arranged for one of their drivers to take them to Mrs. Reed's U.S. mansion. As they drove away, Aria silently vowed to protect her family, even if it meant going against Nathan.
Later at the office, Kelvin barged into Nathan's room, slamming the door shut.
"We need to talk," Kelvin said firmly.
"I'm busy," Nathan replied, not looking up from his laptop.
Kelvin marched over and shut the laptop. "You're going to listen to me. I'm leaving for Australia in two days, and I won't let this family fall apart while I'm gone."
Nathan leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Let me guess. You're here to defend her."
Kelvin's eyes narrowed. "You've changed, Nathan. You've become cold and bitter. And it's not all Mother's fault. You're holding onto things that aren't true."
Nathan stood, his voice rising. "Everyone knows the truth, Kelvin! I don't need an investigation to tell me what I already know."
Kelvin sighed, exasperated. "Fine. If you won't do it, I will. But don't expect me to stay quiet when I find out the truth."
Nathan didn't reply, turning away. Kelvin left, slamming the door behind him.
As soon as Mrs. Reed arrived at her mansion, she paced her lavish living room, her mind restless. Picking up her phone, she dialed her trusted secretary, Mr. Gabriel.
"Mr. Gabriel," she began, her tone sharp and commanding.
"Yes, ma'am," Gabriel responded promptly.
"I need you to investigate a woman named Elena," she said, her voice unwavering, Find out everything—her background, her connections, her past, I want every detail."
"Consider it done, ma'am," Gabriel replied confidently.
Mrs. Reed leaned against the back of her chair, her grip on the phone tightening. "And, Gabriel, I need this discreet. Nathan mustn't know about this."
"Understood, Mrs. Reed. I'll get started immediately."
She ended the call and exhaled slowly, her mind swirling with questions. Her gaze shifted to Aria, who was seated on the couch, anxiously watching her mother's every move.
"Mother, what are you going to do?" Aria asked cautiously.
Mrs. Reed's expression hardened. "If this Elena is who she says she is, fine. But if she poses any threat to Nathan… I won't stand by and watch."
Aria nodded silently, understanding the gravity of her mother's determination. The mansion fell silent, tension lingering in the air as Mrs. Reed plotted her next move.
At Nathan's office, the air was thick with tension. His usual charm was replaced by a cold, stony expression, making everyone cautious. Employees moved quietly, careful not to draw his attention. Even Sharon and Jessie, usually playful and chatty, worked in complete silence.
Nathan sat at his desk, staring blankly at a report. His mind wasn't on work but on the confrontation with his mother earlier that morning.
Meanwhile, at her mansion, Mrs. Reed sat on the edge of her couch, her tablet in hand. Mr. Gabriel had sent the results of his investigation into Elena, complete with photos and background details.
As she scrolled through the information, she froze. A photo of Elena filled the screen, and her resemblance to Katrina was undeniable. Her hands trembled as she covered her mouth.
"Katrina!" she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.
She quickly composed herself and called out to her driver. "Prepare the car. I'm going out."
"Ma'am, should I inform Aria?" the driver asked.
"No, leave her," Mrs. Reed replied.
But Aria, suspicious of her mother's sudden departure, peeked from the upstairs railing. She saw her mother's tablet on the table, the photo of Elena still displayed. Her curiosity turned into determination.
As soon as her mother left, Aria dressed quickly and got into her own car. "I have to make sure she doesn't do anything crazy," Aria muttered, following her mother.
It was nearing dusk when Mrs. Reed arrived at Elena's café. She entered the cozy establishment, scanning the room until her eyes landed on Elena. She sat at a corner table and ordered a coffee.
Elena approached with her usual warm smile, holding a tray. "Good evening, ma'am. Here's your coffee."
But as soon as Elena placed the cup on the table, Mrs. Reed grabbed her hand. Her eyes widened as she blurted out, "Katrina!"
Elena froze, her heart racing. "Ma'am, you're mistaken," she said gently, pulling her hand away. "I'm not Katrina. My name is Elena."
Mrs. Reed blinked rapidly, coming back to her senses. "Oh… I'm sorry," she said, quickly recovering. "You just look so much like someone I used to know."
"I understand," Elena replied politely, though she felt a strange unease.
Mrs. Reed forced a smile and introduced herself. "I'm Nathan's mother. I wanted to meet the woman my son speaks so highly of."
Elena's face lit up with surprise and joy. "Oh! It's wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Reed."
They exchanged pleasantries, the conversation flowing easily. Outside, Aria sat in her car, observing. Her hands gripped the steering wheel nervously, but when she saw her mother smiling and chatting with Elena, she felt a wave of relief.
"Maybe she's not here to cause trouble after all," Aria whispered to herself.
As the café closed for the night, Elena walked out with Mrs. Reed. They stood by the entrance, talking warmly under the streetlights.
Mrs. Reed asked about Elena's life, her work at the café, and her relationship with Nathan. Elena answered honestly, mentioning how Nathan had been kind and supportive since they met.
"He's been through a lot," Mrs. Reed said, her voice tinged with regret.
"I can tell," Elena replied, her voice soft. "But he's also an incredible person."
They spoke for nearly 20 minutes, their conversation filled with moments of understanding.
Suddenly, the rumble of a car engine broke the calm. A sleek black car pulled up, and Nathan stepped out.
Elena's face lit up as she called out, "Nathan!"
Nathan smiled at Elena but froze when he noticed his mother standing beside her. His expression darkened for a moment before he quickly masked it.
"Mother," he said curtly, his tone tight.
Mrs. Reed turned to him, her smile faltering as she sensed his simmering anger.
Nathan walked over to Elena, his eyes softening. "I didn't know you were still here," he said to her.
"We were just talking," Elena replied. "Your mother stopped by to see me."
Nathan clenched his jaw but managed to keep his tone steady. "Is that so?"
Mrs. Reed, sensing the tension, spoke up. "Nathan, I didn't mean to interfere. I only wanted to meet Elena."
Elena glanced between them, sensing the unspoken animosity. She touched Nathan's arm lightly. "Nathan, it's okay. Your mother's been very kind."
Nathan's expression softened at her touch, but his eyes remained on his mother. "I'm glad to hear that."
From her car, Aria watched the interaction, her stomach churning. She saw the way Nathan's posture stiffened around their mother and the way his eyes softened for Elena.
"This is going to get complicated," she murmured, gripping the steering wheel.
After a few more pleasantries, Elena decided to leave. "It's getting late. I should head home," she said.
"I'll take you," Nathan offered, his voice gentle.
Elena smiled. "Thank you."
As Nathan and Elena drove off, Mrs. Reed stood by the café, her expression unreadable. She glanced at the spot where their car had disappeared, her mind swirling with thoughts.
Back in the car, Nathan turned to Elena. "I'm sorry if my mother made you uncomfortable."
"She didn't," Elena reassured him. "To be honest, I enjoyed talking to her."
Nathan didn't reply, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened.
At the café, Mrs. Reed got into her car. "Take me home," she instructed her driver.
Aria watched her mother's car leave before following behind. She knew this wasn't over.