From Substitute To Queen

Chapter 12 Chapter 11 "No." I turned back, and something in my expression made her take a step backward. "You listen to me, Elizabeth. Using her first name instead of the respectful title felt like a small victory. 'I don't care what you think of me. I don't care about your opinions, your threats, or your pathetic attempts to intimidate me." I stepped closer, watching her eyes widen. "But most importantly, I don't need your permission to live my life." "You can't talk to me that way!

Do you know who I am?" "A bitter woman whose son doesn't respect her enough to make his own choices." I tilted my head. "That about cover it?" Elizabeth's face turned purple with rage. "You insolent bitch! How dare you-' "Oh, and Elizabeth?" I smiled sweetly. "You'll be happy to know I'm leaving town soon. Breaking up with Darrell." She blinked, clearly not expecting that. "You... what?" 'I'm done playing second fiddle to your son's mommy issues and his ex-girlfriend's drama." I adjusted my purse strap. "So you can tell Camila she won.

Congratulations." I headed for the door without waiting for her response. Elizabeth's POV I stood frozen in the middle of the store, my hands shaking with rage as I watched that little bitch's retreating figure through the window. How dare she speak to me like that! Other customers were still staring, their faces a mixture of fascination and discomfort. I forced my expression back into its usual mask of superiority, but inside I was seething. A nobody! An orphan! Talking to me like I'm some common pack member! I strode out of the store and to my waiting car.

The leather seat creaked as I settled inside. Where did that little nobody get the nerve? And the money for shopping in places like that? I pulled out my phone, intending to call Darrell immediately. I needed to tell him about Sable's disrespectful behavior, demand that he handle the situation properly. But before I could dial, my phone rang. The name on the screen made my expression soften instantly. 'Camila, darling!" "Elizabeth!" Camila's voice came through sweet and musical. "I missed you so much. How are you?' I smiled. "My precious girl. How are you settling in?

Do you need anything?" 'Oh, you're so sweet to me." Camila's laugh was like tinkling bells. "I'm wonderful now that I'm back with Darrell. Thank you for everything you've done." "Nonsense. You're going to be my daughter-in-law. It's my pleasure. My mood lifted considerably. "Actually, I have good news. I just saw that Sable creature. 1/2 "Oh? Camila's voice carried just the right note of concern. "How did that go?" "She was incredibly rude to me. Absolutely no manners or breeding." My anger reignited as I recounted the encounter.

"But the important thing is, she's finally showing her true colors. And she said she's leaving town soon, breaking up with Darrell." "Really?" Camila sounded delighted. "She's giving up just like that?" "Apparently even someone like her has enough sense to recognize when she's beaten." My voice turned smug. "Though I suppose I made it quite clear that she wasn't welcome in our family." "You're amazing, Elizabeth. I don't know what Darrell and I would do without you." 'Don't worry about anything, darling. I'll make sure that girl doesn't cause any more trouble." "Thank you so much.

You're the mother I never had." My heart swelled. "And you're the daughter I always wanted." After we hung up, I sat back in my seat, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. Soon that troublesome orphan would be gone, and Camila would take her rightful place as the Hawthorne pack's Luna.