The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 196

Thinking of his father, a flicker of grief crossed Sawyer's eyes. He opened his mouth, but in the end, no words came.

He was a son, after all. The thought that his father might not have much time left hit him like a punch to the chest. The pain was overwhelming.

And yet, not a soul seemed to understand. In that moment, a crushing wave of sorrow washed over him, making it hard to breathe.

Before he could pull himself together, he heard Clifford say, "Dad, Aunt Aline just made a mistake can't you forgive her? Besides, Jeanette's still so little. She really can't lose her mother."

Norton pressed his lips together, glanced at his pitiful little sister, and added, "Dad, I know Aunt Aline did something wrong, but she's still Jeanette's mom. Please, let it go this once. And you have to admit, all these years she's taken great care of this family. Even if she hasn't done everything right, she's worked hard for us."

A mistake? Forgive her?

Since when did attempted murder become just a "mistake" that could be forgiven?

gaze cold and sharp as a knife. He could hardly believe what

on, "Dad, Aunt Aline-" But before he could finish, Sawyer's fist shot

cried

I should never have brought you and your brother into this house. Raised you both, and this is

Jeanette, who was curled up on the sofa. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Jeanette, are you really

spoke, a flicker of hope lingered

it was a long moment before she managed to speak. "Daddy, I don't want to lose Mom. I just want us all to be together. I don't want our family to fall apart." As she spoke, she slipped into her usual

before, time after time. But this time, as soon as he heard the first part of

ignored Jeanette and everyone else in the living room, storming out

disappointment in

let out a long sigh

looking well, she quickly helped her mother back

just