Chapter 2196

The Rainsworth household had never truly fractured. With Robert frequently away and his wife long gone, Elena oversaw every moving part of the old estate. Servants, drivers, even the gardeners took their cues from her quiet nod.

So when Miranda realized she would be riding second, anger simmered—hot and silent—behind her polite façade.

She forced a laugh that sounded unmistakably brittle. “Aunt Elena does play favorites, doesn’t she? Felix and I are family too. Surely one of the other cars could take us first.”

The chauffeur dipped his head. “All other drivers are already assigned this morning. I’m the only one on shift. Madam Elena’s instructions were clear: Jon and Elliot first, then I return for you and Mr. Felix—no disrespect intended, ma’am.”

Miranda’s expression tightened. She was seething, but she couldn’t afford a scene with the driver. “Fine. Then hurry, or Felix might be late.”

Cecilia stood a good ten paces away, her sons flanking her like solemn little sentries, quietly observing Miranda’s performance.

She knew her own driver would arrive any moment, more than capable of taking Elliot and Jonathan to school.