Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 294

This was the first time.

Bella's legs went weak with fear, but she refused to back down. "Am I wrong? Serena caused her father's death, and you've been helping her keep it a secret. If I hadn't overheard by accident, I'd still be in the dark."

"You-!" Penelope, trembling with rage, raised her hand as if to slap Bella.

Tyler rushed over and caught Penelope's arm, then shot Bella a hard look. "Why are you still standing there? Are you trying to give your mother a heart attack? Will that finally make you happy?"

Bella glanced at Penelope, whose chest heaved with anger-she was truly furious. Worried Penelope might actually hit her, Bella pulled a face, then stormed upstairs.

She slammed her bedroom door shut with a bang.

The noise only stoked Penelope's fury. "I swear, she's getting more and more out of control. She needs to be taught a lesson today."

"Enough, Penelope," Tyler soothed, his voice gentle. "She's your only daughter. If you really hit her and something happens, you'd never forgive yourself. What matters now is the trial-we lost. How are we going to explain that to them?"

body trembled, and

antique- an old tri-glazed pottery vase. At first, she thought it was a gift from a friend or relative. But

Her own voice filled the

when the patriarch found out he had a daughter, he

memories

center to try his luck

Mr. Grayson had suffered a heart attack out on the

vel

one dared to help-except Xander. Without hesitation, he'd carried Mr. Grayson to a nearby pharmacy, buying him precious time

had showered Xander with business opportunities, and soon he'd established himself in Northspire. By

Mr.

was already

between

though, refused. He believed Serena should have the right to choose her