Chapter 8
Olivia was momentarily stunned. Her face turned pale.
“Lindsey, how could you say so I know you didn’t mean to push me, and I won’t hold it against you. But you can’t make up outrageous lies to dodge responsibility,” she said.
Anthony’s glare darkened as he fixed his eyes on Lindsey. Lindsey, you’ve disappointed me. Olivia is being so forgiving, and yet you treat her like
this!”
Lindsey’s
‘s expression grow colder. Without a word, she reached out and yanked something from Olivia’s clothing–a pillow. She tossed it to Anthony “Dad, take a good look. This is your so–called son”
Anthony was stunned, staring at the pillow in disbelief before naming to Olivia. “Olivia, what’s going on?”
Olivia stammered, unable to form a coherent response. Finally, she threw herself into Anthony’s arms and began to sob.
“Anthony, I only did this because I wanted to stay by your side forever. Without marrying you, I’ve always felt insecure. You don’t know how much I’ve suffered over the years,” she said in a sad voice.
Anthony’s heart ached as be gently patted her back. “It’s my fault. I’ve failed you all these years by not marrying you.”
The two seemed on the verge of breaking into a tearful embrace, but Lindsey found the scene utterly nauseating. She interrupted them sharply. “So, dur’s your reason of faking a pregnancy!”
“Lindsey, even if Olivia was faking it, you still shouldn’t have pushed her. She could’ve been seriously hurt falling from that height. How am I supposed to face her if something happened?” Anthony said angrily,
Lindsey was equally furious. “I told you that I didn’t push her. She threw herself down the stairs to frame me
“Lindsey, I’m sorry that I faked a pregnancy. But Claude already agreed to let me marry your father. Why would I do anything to frame you?” Olivia said, wiping her tears and putting on an innocent expression.
Lindsey’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Of course, it’s so your fake son could conveniently disappear while you dragged me down with you. Quite a clever plan. Ms. Jennings
Olivia’s mind was in turmoil. She couldn’t fathom how Lindsey had uncovered the truth. At this point, denial was her only option,
“Lindsey, is there some misunderstanding between us?” Olivia asked. She was convinced that Lindsey had no evidence.
Lindsey tilted her head, as if considering the possibility. “Maybe there is a litle misunderstanding”
Then, with a sharp turn in tone, she added. “After all, I didn’t realize just how scheming you could be.”
Sheila, standing nearby, clenched her fists tightly. If Olivia’s marriage fell through, Sheila would never shake off the stigma of being an illegitimate child
“Lindsey, what has my mom ever done to you? Why are you slandering her like this? Or is it that you simply don’t want her to marry Dad?” Sheil snapped.
“Slander!” Lindsey raised an eyebrow questioning. “Let’s see if I slandered her after this”
She pulled out her phone and played the video, It captured everything–Olivia’s deliberate tumble down the stairs, her staged bloody scene, and every incriminating detail.
Claude’s face grew increasingly grim, Olivia’s grew paler, and Anthony stayed silent, his lips pressed tight.
“In light of this, your wedding is off.” Claude sighed heavily, leaning on his cane as he prepared to leave.
Olivia bit her lip and quickly apologized. “Claude, wait. What I did is wrong. I’m so sorry.”
“Hut Sheila truly is Anthony’s child. Blood ties can’t be denied. Surely, you wouldn’t want your granddaughter to be a bastard child, would you?” she
beat on
Claude glanced at the two paternity test reports on the table. “Whether Sheila is truly Anthony’s daughter will require further testing. If she is, we’ll acknowledge her.”
The results came back quickly under Claude’s strict supervision, leaving no room for tampering
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Chapter 8
He pushed a wooden box toward Sheila “From now on, you are a member of the Riley family. Your every word and action represents our family. Follow the rules”
Anthony was ecstatic about Sheila being recognized by the family. Overjoyed, he invited all of his and Olivia’s friends and relatives, turning the occasion imo a modest but grand family celebration.
Claude had not intended for such a spectacle, but since Anthony had already sent out the invitations, he could only scold him briefly.
As they were leaving, Claude paused again and said, “Anthony, trem Lindbey better in the future. Don’t make her feel neglected.”
Anthony dismissed the comment. “Lindsey has always had the best food, clothing, and everything else from me. How could she feel neglected? Did she say anything to you?”
“No. But a few days ago, when Lindsey was being mistreated, you didn’t stand up for her and even saded with that woman to bully her. Lindsey must be hurt by that, Claude replied, shaking his head and walking away with his cane.
Lindsey was in her mom sketching designs when Donna knocked on the door, saying Anthony wanted to see her in the study.
“Dad, you want to see me?” Lindsey stood politely in front of the desk, her head slightly lowered, looking obedient and docile.
Anthony closed the file in his hands. “Lindsey, about what happened a few days ago, I had no choice. Don’t take it to heart.”
Lindsey looked up in surprise. She couldn’t believe that Anthony had called her here just to explain what he had done.
She nodded and said. “Tunderstand, Dad. You were deceived by Ms. Jennings’s performance. It’s no big deal.”
Anthony frowned. Something about Lindsey’s words felt barbed, making him uncomfortable
“Lindsey. I know you hold a grudge against Olivia, but your mother has passed away. I want someone to spend the rest of my life with. Can you not be so peity!”
Suddenly. Lindsey felt
felt a surge of anger. Anthony, a man who had lived half his life, still lacked the ability to discern people’s characters. He treated a wolf in sheep’s clothing like a treasure and accused his daughter of being perty.
Thus, Lindsey retorted sharply, “Dad, have you ever considered whether there was anything suspicious about Mom’s death Olivia and Sheila aren’t as innocent as you think.”
Standing outside eavesdropping. Olivia froze in shock. She wondered if Lindsey knew something.
Lately, Olivia had felt Lindsey was different, and an inexplicable sense of danger would creep up on her from time to time,
While Olivia was lost in thought. Lindsey suddenly flung the door open. She gave Olivia a cold, piercing look and said icily. “Ms. Jennings, eavesdropping isn’t a very good habit
Olivia quickly regained her composure, her smile flawless. “What are you talking about, Lindsey! I just made some hot chocolate and was coming to invite you both down to try some.”
Lindsey ignored her and returned to her room.
Olivia twisted her handkerchief nervously as she walked into Sheila’s room. “Sheila, don’t you think Lindsey is becoming a bit scary?”
Sheila also found it odd. Overnight, Lindsey seemed like a completely different person. “Mom, do you think Lindsey knows something” she asked.
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