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Krystal gave a slow shrug, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Took you long enough.”

Esther crossed her arms, regaining her arrogance. “You already signed the divorce papers. It’s final, whether it’s today or tomorrow. You’re just dragging this out, clinging to a man who doesn’t love you.”

Krystal laughed softly, the sound sharp and taunting. “Yeah, I’m stalling. Want to know why?” She stepped closer. “Because I’m waiting for him to come to me.”

Esther’s face turned ghost-white.

Krystal tilted her head and added with a sweet, mocking tone, “He’s rich. He’s handsome. Why would I divorce a man like that so easily?”

Esther’s anger exploded, her voice rising. “Stay in your lane, you peasant bitch. He only married you to please his grandpa, nothing more!”

Krystal tilted her head, her smirk deepened. “And he loves you?”

She didn’t wait for an answer.

“He’s only with you because you keep pestering him with your illness. If not for that, why would any man even look at you? Honestly, have you even looked in the mirror lately?”

“You goddamn—!” Esther lunged, hand raised to slap her.

But before her palm could connect, Krystal’s entire demeanor changed. Her eyes turned soft, her voice small and trembling, and she sank back down in the same position that Esther had found her in next to the broken bottle.

“I’m sorry, Esther,” she whispered. “If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave. I won’t step into this house again.”

Esther froze mid-swing, completely thrown off by the sudden shift. Her expression twisted with confusion and more fury.

“Who the hell are you acting like this for?!” she snapped, taking a step forward again.

Krystal flinched as Esther raised her hand to slap her. But before the strike could land, a firm hand gripped Esther’s wrist mid-air.

Lorenzo stood beside her, his eyes blazing. Without a word, he shoved Esther’s wrist away and immediately turned to Krystal. He crouched in front of her, gently helping her up.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and controlled, his gaze scanning her hands. Then his eyes dropped to the shards of broken glass on the floor. “Did you hurt yourself? Show me.” His brows furrowed, worry etched across his sharp features as he inspected her hands closely.

“Lorenzo…” Esther’s voice suddenly softened, her expression switching into one of pitiful innocence. She let out a sob. “I was just scared. I thought she was stealing something from your room. You let her stay in our house for two years before you divorced her. And now look. She’s sneaking around your house.”

A flicker of a smug smile curved Esther’s lips.

‘What are you compared to me?’ she thought to herself. ‘I’ve got him wrapped around my finger, day and night. What can a poor orphan like you ever do? He always picks me.’

Krystal’s eyes lifted slowly to Lorenzo’s face, filled with hesitation and anxiety. Then she looked at Esther and whispered, “I’m sorry, Esther. You’re right. I shouldn’t have come into this house without permission.”

Esther’s smirk widened, now too satisfied to hide.

“That’s right,” she barked. “Apologize properly! You’re the one—”

“You’re right, I’m not worthy of Lorenzo,” Krystal interrupted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m poor, and he’s a CEO. I could never be good enough.”

Lorenzo’s jaw clenched. His head snapped toward Esther, his voice like steel. “You called her poor? Unworthy of me?”

His anger was barely contained. “Why the hell would you say that to her? We’ve already divorced—wasn’t that enough for you? You still felt the need to insult her?”

Esther’s face froze. “No, Lorenzo, that’s not what I—she’s acting! You should’ve seen her before you walked in—so arrogant—”

Krystal gently touched his arm. “Please… don’t get involved,” she whispered. “I only came to get a few of my clothes. I didn’t have anything left to wear. I was cleaning up a little before leaving, and I broke…” She glanced at the shattered remains of the expensive perfume bottle, swallowing hard. “I’ll pay for it. Don’t worry. And I’ll leave now. I don’t want to be in your way. Just let me clean this so you don’t step on glass.”

Esther stood frozen in disbelief, staring at Krystal in shock.

Krystal bent down to pick up the broken glass.