Arioch's Return (1)

"People call you "The Mad Duchess" behind your back, Lady Zoros," Alexandra added seeing the unimpressed look on her face.

Her heart was filled with hatred, jealousy, and bitterness. Her eyes have lost their luster and the crow's feet were more pronounced although she is younger than Theodora.

Hate ages people, so she understood.

"Do I look like I care?" Lady Zoros retorted, her lips curved mockingly.  But her failure to meet Alexandra in the eyes revealed her heart.

She does not want to live like this.

"Theodora acted very brashly with me today," Alexandra said, leaning on the chair casually. 

She wanted to convince Lady Zoros to accept Marcus as her son. That boy is yearning for mother's love and for the devotion he shows to her, she wanted to give him what he wants. Just like she gave Flavia what she wanted, she wanted to give Marcus what he wants.