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.

spring evening was chilly, with gusts of

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

”

up at him, not beating around the bush, “It’s about you,

Malcolm’s expression darkened.

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

loss for words, caught in an affair by his own daughter, a feeling perhaps no one could

the reason. No wonder Lizzie

be apologizing to 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 about

Gina brought tears to Lizzie’s

Lizzie’s accusations, Malcolm panicked, his eyes

wronged Gina, and I’ve wronged our family. Please don’t tell your mom,

looked up at him, searching his face for the truth.

solemn vow, “I swear. If I’m

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Chapter 271

Gina. “I’ll give you this one chance. I hope you remember what you said

Lizzie.” Malcolm hugged her, “I’ll make it up to your mom,

I’ve done her wrong.”

seemed like a changed man. No more late

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

flew

It was Saturday.

weather was splendid, the temperature had climbed from a chilly zero degrees to a balmy