From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 271

Malcolm loved her so much, loved their home to the core, and he had to come around.

As soon as school let out, Lizzie bolted home, determined to have a heart–to–heart with Malcolm.

But after a thorough search of the grocery store, Malcolm was nowhere to be seen. Reluctantly, Lizzie approached Gina, “Mom, where’s Dad?”

Gina, covering for a cashier who had called in sick, was ringing up customers at the front, “Your father’s gone on a supply run.” *

Supply run.

Always the supply runs.

A cold smirk flickered across Lizzie’s eyes.

“What do you need your father for?” Gina asked casually.

“It’s nothing,” Lizzie replied, shouldering her backpack and heading upstairs.

It was well past ten when Malcolm finally made it home.

Lizzie could instantly smell the perfume on him, “Dad, -need to talk to you. Can we go downstairs?”

Peeling off his coat with a chuckle, Malcolm said, “What’s so important that we have to talk downstairs?”

Though he played it cool, Malcolm followed Lizzie downstairs all the same.

early spring evening was chilly, with gusts of

so secretive that your mom can’t hear?” Malcolm

”

beating around the bush, “It’s about you, Dad. Are

Malcolm’s expression darkened.

I have proof,” Lizzie said, pulling out the photos she had taken before.

words, caught in an affair by his own daughter, a

wonder Lizzie

me. You should be apologizing to Mom. She works her fingers to the bone every day for this family. She’s like a maid, always waiting on you. Do you think what you’re doing is fair to her? Don’t you care

of Gina brought tears to Lizzie’s eyes again.

Lizzie’s accusations, Malcolm panicked, his eyes welling up:

Gina, and I’ve wronged our family. Please don’t tell your mom, okay? I’ll cut ties with that

Lizzie looked up at him, searching

swear. If I’m lying, may lightning strike me

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Chapter 271

cared about her and Gina. “I’ll give you this one chance. I hope you remember what

make it up to your mom, I promise.

I’ve done her wrong.”

man. No more late nights, and he even

noticeably brighter than usual. Lizzie too, returned to her usual cheerful self.

week flew by

It was Saturday.

temperature had climbed from a chilly zero degrees to a balmy eighteen.