Chapter 53
the shed, and her mean streak had frally caught up with her. The cops haf nabbed her red–handed, and even the
hadi) teen Vera’s are coming, and her burner that nu at sent hem into a tailspén. He worried that things had spirated out of contest and
Tick up the damn phone,” “Austin mutered to himself, reduling Vera’s number core and coer. When she didn’t answer, he clenched his phone in frustration and tried Courney’s number next Sull, ne Austin knew deep down that something was serious
“Where Vera” Why isn’t she picking up?” Marilyn’s voice came through the for, lot it was really James who wanted to know what was going on.
Ausoni sanxiety was palpable. “She went off the rails tostay and went after Conienery. She hain’t come back since. Dcan’t get a hold of her. I hope she hasn’t done anwabing to hurt Courtney serionly”
Acsint’s words were laced with anger, as if daring the Lewis family toctonichi Countory: But
alleen the one too walk away when Vera hari
Manlyn let out a mocking laugh, not calling Austin our but saying lightly. “The Lewis family has its own plate full right now. I can’t help Vera But even if she did commit murder in Henisburg. I’ve got connections to keep her out of prison”
Marilyn was brimming with arrogance, confident in her ability to navigate any situation, especially when it came to Courtney, who had no family or privileges to speak of
“Marilyn. tone it down. Vera is Phoebe’s mom, and I don’t want Vera to face criminal charges, Austin warned, his voice edged with a threat. He knew Vera wasn’t as cunning as Marilyn, who was using Courtney to strike at her own sister.
“Austin, the Lewis family members rise and fall together. You can trust that in all of Henisburg, except for the Reed family, no one else gets my attention. I’m poised to lead the Reed family. it?” Marilyn assured Austin, trying to case his worrict
“Vera will be alright. No need to fret. She was coddled growing up, so it’s no surprise she’s a bit headstrong, Marilyn added.
Once she’s had her fun, she’ll come home. She knows where to draw the line and won’t go so far as to cause a fatal accident, Marilyn said, her voice dripping with false comfort. It was her way of giving Austin an out.
“Courtney is still my wife. Austin insisted, lowering his voice. “I want you to return that old mansion of hers first. It belongs to her”
You need to figure out who your real family is,” Marilyn chided with a laugh. “Austin, that money was entrusted to me, but it’s your investment.”
She continued: “You hold a 20% stake in Lewis Group. How can you ask me to give the house back to Courtney! You and Vera have taken more than your fair share of profits from the company over the year,”
Austin’s fists clenched, his teeth grinding “The person who bought the old mansion is your friend, Marilyn. Could you introduce me to him! I want to buy it back!
Marilyn laughed “Planning to use our shared assets to buy a house for Courtney?”
“That house was Courtney’s, to begin with Austin shouted, shocked that Marilyn had the audacity to say that
“What do I care who the house was originally owned by? My friend bought it and paid you. You invested your money in my company. Now you blame me?” Marilyn asked with a laugh.
After a short pause, Marilyn advised, “Austin, bring a bit selfish is how you get ahead in this world. You get that?“⠀⠀
“You should think about it yourself. There are some things Courtney can’t fight for on her own. She’s alone, but we are family,” Marilyn said, ending The call.
Austin angrily hurled his phone, his frustration spilling over as he kicked the coffee table. He collapsed onto the sofa, tugging at his hair in despair.
Was his pain because he still had a conscience? No, it was because Marilyn had dumped everything on
gon him, and now he was
he was cornered.
He was the one who sold Courtney’s house for investment, took Courtney’s parents‘ demolition money, and pocketed their hefty insurance payout Now, he was out of options and out of moves
“Daddy, why isn’t Mommy coming back yet?” Phorle stood at the door of the room, hugging her teddy bear, her voice choked with tears. “Mommy always tucks me in
Austin wiped his fare, forting a smile. “I called her. She’s working late tonight, so it’s just you and me, Phoebe, okay?
Phoebe nudded. “Okay, then you have to tell me a story, Daddy”
“What story does Phoebe want to hear Austin walked over and lifted Phoebe into his arma
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11:02 AM
Chapter Ja
want to hear the story of the Little Mermaid, Phoebe whispered, hugging Austin. “Daddy, why did the mermaid lo so much for the prince, and In the end, she turned into foam! The prince loved the Little Mermaid; why did he marry someone else?”
Austin’s steps suddenly froze, a sharp pain piercing his heart.
“Daddy Phoebe called out.
“Phoebe, stay in bed and sleep tight. I’ll have the nanny come over to keep you company. Daddy has to go out for a bit. The hospital is very busy, okay?” Austin said.
At that moment, Austin was terrified that something really had happened to Courtney.
