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.

chilly, with gusts

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

”

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

Malcolm’s expression darkened.

deny it. I have proof,” Lizzie said, pulling out the photos she had

for words, caught in an affair by his own daughter, a feeling perhaps

is the reason. No wonder Lizzie has been acting weird

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

tears to Lizzie’s

Malcolm panicked, his eyes welling up:

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

Lizzie looked up at him, searching his face

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

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09:59

Chapter 271

of relief. Malcolm still 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. She’s

done her wrong.”

changed man. No more late nights, and he even

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

flew by swiftly.

It was Saturday.

weather was splendid, the temperature had climbed from