Chapter 20 : Psycho on the Block They always underestimated me . My skills . My power to turn everything to my will . Arianne thought kicking me out of that house was a victory . Zach thought his pathetic attempts at loyalty would cut me out of his life cleanly . But they don't get to erase a woman like me . No , they couldn't exile a queen and expect her not to reclaim her throne . I sat in my car , a sleek black BMW parked two blocks away from Liam's school . My sunglasses hid the venom in my eyes , but my smile - it was indulgent , playful . The kind you give to a game you've already won . The school bell rang , and there they were - little lambs pouring out of the gates , their faces flushed from playground conquests . And then , like a beacon , I saw him . Liam . Zach's son . My legacy . He had Arianne's wary eyes , but he is mine ! They could dress him in Arianne's suffocating mediocrity , but he was my masterpiece . I slipped out of the car , adjusting my blazer . Timing was everything . " Liam ! " I called , my voice sugar - sweet , rehearsed . He turned , squinting under the afternoon sun . For a moment , confusion flickered across his face . " Aunt Celine ? " My smile widened . Hooked . " Your mommy sent me to pick you up today , sweetheart . She's waiting at the doctor's . Thought we'd grab ice cream first . Just us . " He hesitated , little fingers tightening around his dinosaur plush . " But Miss Jane says I should wait for Mommy or Daddy . " I crouched down , lowering my sunglasses just enough for him to see my ' serious grown - up face ' . " Miss Jane doesn't know about special surprises , does she ? Today's different . Mommy will be so happy if you come with me ." Liam's innocence warred with his instincts , but children are simple . They follow warmth . And I knew how to mimic warmth perfectly . He took my hand . The drive was smooth . I glanced at him through the rearview mirror - his little hands resting on his lap , his eyes watching the world pass by in flickers of sunlight and shadows . " Where are we going , Aunt Celine ? " " Somewhere safe , darling . Somewhere your mommy can't twist your little mind with her lies . " He frowned . Good . Confusion was the seed . It would grow into doubt . I pulled into the underground parking lot of an old luxury apartment near GoldPix studio . The one Zach once bought for me . It had been my sanctuary during his marriage to Arianne , back when he still craved me in secret . Today , it would serve as my war room . I guided Liam up the private elevator , my hand gentle on his back . The suite was already set up - clean , minimalist , with just enough toys scattered to make it look like a child's space . But it wasn't for him . " Are we waiting for Mommy here ? " he asked , blinking at the large cameras subtly placed near the windows . I crouched to his level , brushing his hair aside . " We're going to play a game , Liam . It's called ' Tell the Truth ' . You're going to tell the nice man on the camera how Mommy leaves you alone sometimes . How you feel sad when she forgets to pick you up . Can you do that for me ? " He shifted uncomfortably . " Mommy doesn't leave me alone . She hugs me every night ." I forced a soft laugh , masking the flare of irritation . " I know , sweetie . But remember when you felt sick after the cupcake ? The doctors were so worried , weren't they ? We just want to make sure that doesn't happe n again . " His little brows furrowed . " You gave me the cupcake . " I froze . He remembered . I stood up , smoothing my blazer . " Let's not dwell on that , Liam . You're safe now . And soon , everyone will see the truth about your mommy . " The door buzzed . My contact had arrived . " Showtime ," I whispered . An anonymous email had just been sent to the District Attorney's office , framing Arianne for orchestrating her own son's poisoning for sympathy and financial gain . And to sweeten the chaos - I had attached a doctored audio recording of Arianne discussing ' using Liam's sickness for publicity ' . Al could be such a useful little devil . But just as I savored my imminent victory , the apartment door slammed open . Tiffany - Arianne's journalist friend . She stood there , breathless , camera crew in tow . " You didn't really think you were the only one who could play dirty , did you , Celine ? " she said , flashing me a grin that dripped with malice . Zach was right behind her , fury carved into his face . I didn't panic . Not yet . But then Liam - my Liam - ran straight past me , into Arianne's arms . " You said she was my family , " he whispered to her , loud enough for the cameras . " But she made me lie , Mommy . I don't want to lie ! " Tiffany's camera was already rolling . The stage was set. But I wasn't holding the script anymore . That moment , I felt the world collapse onto my feet . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!