Chapter 17
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By the time Lewis returned home from his social engagements, it was already past nine in the evening. The house was dark, quiet enough to feel hollow,
He switched on the lights, the brightness momentarily stark against the stillness. After slipping off his leather shoes, he walked past Doris’s bedroom. Not a sound came from within. He figured she was likely already asleep.
Without disturbing her. Lewis headed straight to his own room.
The next morning, Lewis returned from his usual run, the crisp morning air still clinging to his skin. As he stepped into the living room, the sight on the balcony caught his eye.
Doris was watering the plants near the floor–to–ceiling windows. The morning sunlight bathed her in a golden glow, highlighting her delicate features. Her thick lashes seemed to capture the light, dancing with it, and her clear, luminous skin gave her an almost ethereal beauty.
In that moment, she looked untouched by the troubles of the world–pure, serene, and as radiant as a flower in full bloom.
Lewis approached her, his presence casting a shadow over her sunlit figure. “Why didn’t you tell me you were discharged yesterday? Are you feeling completely better now?”
She straightened up and turned to face him, her tone casual “I didn’t want to interrupt your work. It wasn’t a big deal–I could handle it myself.” She gave a little twirl in front of him. “See? I’m perfectly fine.”
Lewis’s sharp gaze swept over her, assessing her condition. Indeed, she seemed to be doing well.
Doris set the watering can aside and brushed her hands together. “Mr. Hartman, I’m heading to work now.”
Her tone carried a quiet determination, one borne from years of standing on her own. Having grown up without the warmth of her parents‘ affection, Doris had long since learned to rely only on herself. Dependence was not in her nature.
Lewis’s voice brooked no argument as he countered, “I bought some sandwiches. Eat first, and wait for me to change. I’ll drive you to work.”
Doris started. “I-
He shook his head. “Don’t argue with me. Taking the subway isn’t good for you right now.”
And just like that, Lewis became her chauffeur for the next three days.
Soon, the day arrived when the Reed family was set to meet with the Robinson family to discuss Rupert and Claudia’s wedding. The event was hosted at Hampstone Hotel, a venue as grand as it was opulent.
When Doris arrived at the designated waiting area, Laura was already there, juggling her three–year–old daughter, Arianna Webb, while helping her parents entertain Claudia’s relatives.
Doris smiled as she walked over, reaching out to lift the little girl into her arms. “Ari, come here and let me give you a kiss.”
“Aunt Doris,” Arianna chuckled, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on Doris’s check.
Doris turned to Laura, glancing around at the growing crowd. “Laura, this looks like more than just two tables‘ worth of people.
Laura sighed, a weary smile tugging at her lips, “Dad had to call the hotel last night to add three more tables and paid extra
for it.
“Apparently, Claudia’s relatives came out of the woodwork–some of them so distant you’d need a map to trace the
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Chapter 17
connection. But none that they’re here, we can’t poor send them away can wer
Laura had also been taken alark when she walked in today and where many people find de
Doris scanned the mom, her eyes landing on Rupert and Claudia The lettering her d Rupert’s shoulder, their fingers intertwined as they made polite conversation with Clear returns to derly women with silver–streaked hair leaned forward, her voice filled with envy
if
“Claudia is so lucky to marry into such a wonderful family I wonddot horse dressed of seeing this hoses it at weren’t for being Claudia’s grandaunt. He’s the catch of a lifetime
The remark made it clear just how distant this relative truly was
Rupert, clearly basking in the attention, gave Claudia’s cheek a playful pinch. “Did you hear that Your grandaver thinks I’m the catch of a lifetime. You’d better cherish me
“Oh, I definitely will,” Claudia replied sweetly, clinging to harm with a syrupy smile.
“Rupert’s so capable. Do you think he can help Ava find a job here? Once she has a job in the big city, it’ll be easier for her to find a good husband,” Claudia’s uncle Billy Robinson said, his words brimming with self–tied authority
“Uncle Billy, Rupert works at Watsoil Group, one of the biggest companies in Hampstone. You don’t need to worry–if Rupert steps in. Ava will definitely get a position there,” Claudia said with glowing confidence, her eyes sparkling with expectation as she turned to Rupert. “Isn’t that right, Rupert?”
“Yes, of course,” Rupert replied, though a flicker of hesitation flashed in his eyes. Deep down, he felt far from confident, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to back down in front of everyone. He plastered on a smile, hoping to avoid further probing
Standing to the side, Doris observed the charade unfold, her lips curling into a silent, mocking smirk. What a farce, she thought bitterly.
She knew the truth. Rupert’s position at Watson Group wasn’t the result of any exceptional talent or skill. It was nothing more than Jimmy groveling at Ryan’s feet to secure the role for him.
And Rupert’s job was fixing computers in the maintenance department–a role so dispensable that anyone could replace him at a moment’s notice. The gall he had to act like some big–shot executive was almost laughable.
By noon, the waitstaff began ushering the guests into a private dining room, signaling the start of the meal.
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner, Jimmy pulled Laura aside, his face dark with suppressed anger. “Matteo isn’t coming? Fine Then where’s the $100,000 we agreed on? Hand it over now,” he demanded, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.
Jimmy had been counting on Matteo Webb, his son–in–law, to make an impressive appearance and add weight to the gathering. Yet, to his frustration, not a single member of the Webb family had shown up.
Laura, flustered and visibly tense, reached into her bag and pulled out a bank card, presenting it with both hands. “Dad, I have $20,000 here. Take it for now,” she said cautiously, her voice trembling.
But Jimmy slapped the card out of her hands with a loud clatter as it hit the floor. His fury erupted like a dam breaking. “Twenty grand? Do you think I’m some beggar you can throw scraps at?
“Laura, you’ve married into the Webb family, living in luxury, and now you don’t care about your brother or your parents anymore? You can’t even get $100,000 out of them? Why did I even bother raising you? You’re just like Doris–useless, ingrateful little wretches.
Laura felt the heat of humiliation crawl up her neck as her father’s words rained down on her like a relentless storm. Her throat tightened, but she swallowed her pain, refusing to talk back.
“Dad, it’s my fault. I’ve let you down, she murmured, lowering her head as tears welled up in her e
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eyes. Her voice was thick
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Chapter 17
with suppressed sobs, a soft tremor betraying her shame and sorrow,
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You’ve more than let me down. Jimmy shot back mercilessly, ignoring the glistening tears pooling in her eyes. His words landed like blows. “You’re dragging your feet because you just don’t want to help Rupert with the money, isn’t that it
Choking back her sobs, Laura forced herself to reply, Dad, I’m not working right now. Matteo only gives me a allowance. I really don’t have that kind of money
Jimmy’s face twisted in disappointment “Laura, if you’d bothered to have more kids, do you think the Webb family would treat you like this? You’re obsessed with that one child, and you’re not even working. No wonder they look down on you”
The Webb family’s stance on Laura was no secret. Ever since she gave birth to a child and failed to conceive again, her mother–in–law, Sofia Webb, had made her disdain painfully clear.
With each passing year. Lauras empty womb became an even sharper point of contention, and Sofia’s words grew more cutting and cruel
Even Laura’s husband, Matteo, had changed. The love and tenderness he once showered on Laura were long gone, leaving her days in the Webb family a relentless uphill battle.
Jimmy’s voice was as sharp as a blade, laced with threat. “If you can’t come up with the $100,000, I’ll go straight to Matteo for the money. I’ll make a scene at your place.”
“Dad, please don’t. Laura clung desperately to Jimmy’s arm, her eyes wide with panic.
Jimmy yanked his arm away with such force that Laura stumbled, falling hard onto the cold, unforgiving tiles. The chill from the ground seeped into her skin, and the sharp pain shot through her limbs as they struck the floor.
“If you don’t want me to make that call, then get me the $100,000, Jimmy demanded. towering over her without a shred of
remorse.
Laura struggled to push herself up, her hands trembling as she whispered, “Dad, please, give me some time. I’ll try my best to figure something out.”
She knew that if Jimmy caused a scene at the Webb family’s, her and Arianna’s lives would become even more difficult. “You have three days, Jimmy barked, his tone final before turning and storming off.
Just as he left, Doris appeared around the corner with Arianna in tow to look for Laura, nearly colliding with him. Doris’s eyes landed on Laura, who was bracing herself against the wall, trying to stand
“Mommy,” Arianna called out, her sweet voice cutting through the tension.
Doris rushed over, her arms wrapping around Laura to steady her.
As she helped Laura to her feet, Doris’s heart ached at the sight of Laura’s frail figure, her once vibrant aura now replaced by exhaustion and despair. They hadn’t seen each other for a long time, and Laura had really changed a lot.
“Let me guess–Matteo didn’t show, and Dad yelled at you again?” Doris asked, her brows knitting together.
“It’s not that,” Laura replied, shaking her head, though the lie was weak.
Doris’s eyes narrowed. “If you won’t tell me the truth, I’ll go ask him myself.”
“No, Doris. Laura grabbed her sister’s arm, stopping her from marching off. “Today’s Rupert’s big day. Don’t stir up trouble. or Dad will lose it again, and you won’t be spared either.”
“I’m not scared of him,” Doris shot back, defiant as ever.
“Fine, then I’m afraid of you. Happy?” Laura forced a smile, swallowing the bitterness lodged in her throat.
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Taking Arianna’s hand, Laura led her and Doris into the private dining room. They had barely taken their seats when an imposing figure caught their attention Ryan stood in the room, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, exuding an air of authority
Flanking him was his assistant, Jeremiah Hussain, and a line of five subordinates, their synchronized movements and formal attire elevating Ryan as the undeniable center of attention.
Doris froze in place, her face instantly hardening. “This is supposed to be our family dinner. Has Dad completely lost his mind? He really invited Ryan just to make himself look good? she wondered.
Jimmy practically leaped out of his seat to greet Ryan, his face lighting up with an obsequious grin. “Ryan. At last, you’re here. I’ve been waiting for this moment,” he chuckled.
Rupert followed suit, eagerly stepping forward with a fawning smile plastered on his face. “Hello, Ryan,” he said, his tone as ingratiating as Jimmy’s,
Doris’s hands curled into tight fists as she watched the shameless display, fury bubbling just beneath her surface.
Peyton, sitting beside her. gently placed her hand over Doris’s, her eyes pleading. “Doris, please don’t start anything right. now. Your dad begged Ryan for ages to even get him to consider coming.
“Mr. Watson’s extremely busy–he won’t stay long. Just think of him as Rupert’s boss and let this dinner go smoothly, okay?”
“Doris, please hold back. Don’t make things harder for Mom, Laura added softly, oblivious to the fact that Doris and Ryan had broken up.
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