Chapter 22
When Evangeline first arrived in this world, she had lost some of the original Evangeline’s memories. It wasn’t until the moment she fell from the building that everything came rushing
back.
Actually, during the younger days of the original Evangeline, Brandon and Madeleine weren’t as extreme. They treated both Evangeline and Evelyn equally, neither too good nor too bad.
However, something changed after they returned from a trip. From that point on, they began favoring Evelyn while treating the original Evangeline with increasing cruelty.
No matter what the original Evangeline did, they were never satisfied. They would nitpick, criticize, and punish her severely.
After Evelyn went abroad, Brandon and Madeleine, missing their beloved daughter, blamed the original Evangeline for “chasing” Evelyn away from home. They locked her up, denying her food and water for three days.
When the original Evangeline weakly begged them for a sip of water, they became furious. They filled her mouth with bugs, suffocating her to death.
And that was when Evangeline was brought into this world.
It was really a tragedy to be abused and killed by one’s own parents. What kind of hatred or resentment could lead someone to treat their child like that?
They owed the original Evangeline an explanation.
After a brief hesitation, Brandon and Madeleine decided to confess.
“We didn’t have a choice. When you were little, we had your fortune read by a fortune teller. He said you were a short–lived child who would bring misfortune to the family, while Evelyn was destined for good fortune and would bring us prosperity…”
Evangeline was shocked by the absurdity of their reasoning.
“Eva, we really didn’t have a choice. Please forgive us,” Brandon begged.
“We’ll make it up to you. We’ll do better. We promise!” Madeleine added.
But their promises only made Evangeline laugh bitterly. Their real daughter had long been killed by them, and no one had the right to ask for forgiveness on her behalf.
Evangeline had no desire to have anything to do with such selfish and heartless people.
If Joseph were to deal with them, that would be perfect. They owed the original Evangeline so much. Facing punishment would be well–deserved.
After venting his frustration, Joseph ordered that Evelyn, Brandon, Madeleine, and even Antoine be sent to prison. He ensured that they would suffer while locked away.
Antoine initially begged for mercy. “I wasn’t in my right mind, Mr. Cunningham. I’ve worked for you for so long. Please spare me this time!”
But Joseph’s eyes were cold. “I’ve said this before. Those who make mistakes must face the consequences.”
Antoine broke down.
“Those who make mistakes must face the consequences? But, Mr. Cunningham, if it weren’t for you constantly siding with Evelyn and treating your wife with such disdain, would I have ended up on the wrong side?
“You say we made mistakes, but haven’t you made mistakes too? You should face the consequences as well!”
Antoine, out of control, was dragged away by the bodyguards.
Meanwhile, Joseph remained silent for a long time. His heart ached with every painful throb, as if it were about to tear apart.
Indeed, he could not escape responsibility for the pain Evangeline endured. He was the biggest accomplice in it all.
And so, he faced the consequences.
Evangeline had found someone else. She and that man were a perfect match. Their families were far more prestigious than the Cunningham family.
Joseph had tried to stop it, but he was powerless.
Time and again, he had sought Evangeline out, only to be rejected. With each failure, his demeanor grew darker.
He had worked so hard to bring her back to this world. He wasn’t willing to just watch her marry someone else.
If he couldn’t have her, then no one would..
With a cold and determined expression, Joseph made his decision.
