The Bound Between Us

Chapter 526

Anastasia lingered at the doorstep with Pattie by her side, taking in the scene. She'd only heard snippets from Monica and caught a glimpse of the trending news online, but seeing it in person left her rattled. Gianna was barely recognizable, her face, neck, and arms all wrapped in gauze. The severity of her injuries was glaringly obvious.

Cynthia's eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, Gianna, sweetheart, don't be scared. Mom's going to find you the best doctors. Don't worry, honey."

"There's no doctor who can fix my face now," Gianna said, her voice breaking. "I want Joey dead. It's the only way I'll ever feel peace."

Cynthia nodded, her voice filled with anger. "That no-good Joey. The police will make sure he pays."

Gianna tried to touch her face, but the fear of worsening her wounds held her back. She didn't need a mirror to know that her face was ruined for good.

The more upset she got, the more she tugged at her bandages, which only amplified her pain and frustration, trapping her in a vicious cycle.

Anastasia overheard Gianna's agony but didn't go in. She walked away with Pattie, deciding that whatever happened to Gianna from here on out was none of her business. She wouldn't waste another thought on her. Maybe, Anastasia thought, it was poetic justice.

emotions, bordering on hysteria. She clung to Cynthia, sobbing, "Mom, it's all Anastasia's fault. She cursed me, I know it! She's getting back at me for delaying her rescue and losing

shifted the blame

in with some medication and caught the tail end of her tirade. "Gianna, why do you always blame others when things go wrong? Have you ever considered your own actions? I told you not to take things too far.

"How can you say that about our daughter? She's the victim here! Is Joey cheating somehow

money. How did you expect them to survive? I always told you to show some mercy. But you, Gianna, you're beyond

jaw. "I don't regret a thing. The Edmunds wronged me

He had once thought his daughter was just headstrong and spoiled,

Gianna, "Why are you blaming her? Have you no

you don't wake up, you'll suffer even more. Hatred consumes you. You were merciless to a paralyzed man and harbored murderous thoughts

heavy with guilt and sorrow. Gianna sat

your marriage with Joey or pushed you towards wealthy men. This is all on me." Gianna looked at Cynthia, her voice hollow. "What is right? What is wrong? Is