By admin Ash Rose Novel by Nova Hawthorne _ Novel Ch 3
I didn’t withdraw the lawsuit. The court hearing went ahead as scheduled.
But with that transfer agreement in hand, there was no doubt Alexander would help Annabelle win.
When the hearing ended, Alexander stopped me.
Seeing my cold expression, he cautiously asked,
“Didn’t you already agree to drop the lawsuit? Are you still angry?”
“It’s not that I’m biased,” he continued. “Annabelle was my junior when I was studying high school abroad. We were close.
Seeing her like this now, I just feel sorry for her. That’s why…”
He trailed off and tried to change the subject.
“I found a housing development in Windshore that’s really nice. Better environment and location than the old estate. I’ll
buy two buildings for you as compensation. I’ll take you to see them sometime. I promise, from now on…”
Before he could finish, Annabelle’s persistent presence rolled up on her electric wheelchair. She cut in,
“I was just about to find you, Vivienne!”
“Alexander said he worried people in the circle would bully me since I just got back. So there’s a party at the family estate
tomorrow to welcome me and back me up.”
“And since you’re moving out tomorrow, why don’t we go together?”
As soon as Annabelle spoke, Alexander was quick to agree,
“Yeah, Annabelle’s position has always been awkward. Having you there will help clear her name.”
I frowned and couldn’t hold back a sarcastic remark,
“Clear her name? How exactly?”
“Her age and family background can’t lie. My parents were married when she was born. She’s not some mistress’s child,
so what else could she be?”
With that, I turned and walked away.
Annabelle’s face flushed red with anger.
She bit back a curse, then twisted her head, putting on a pitiful, helpless look directed at Alexander,
“Alexander, is Vivienne still mad at me?”
“It’s all my fault. I should’ve just stayed abroad as a cripple and died quietly instead of coming back to cause trouble.”
Alexander patted her shoulder soothingly and comforted her,
“What right does she have to be mad? I’ve already compensated her enough.”
“Stop overthinking. I’ll help you tomorrow.”
His ‘help’ was really a threat.
While I was directing workers moving things in the backyard, the party was in full swing out front. Alexander pushed Annabelle through the crowd, patiently introducing her to people.
Even their outfits matched perfectly in color.
From a distance, anyone would think they were the real engaged couple.
I smiled bitterly, pulling my gaze away. I didn’t set foot in the front yard, focusing on urging the workers to finish quickly.
I didn’t even notice when Alexander quietly came up behind me.
His voice was annoyed,
“I sent you so many messages last night. Why didn’t you reply to any of them? Annabelle lost her legs, that’s tragic enough. Why are you forcing her out of the social circle?”
I refused to even glance at him.
Alexander stepped closer and handed me a tablet.
On the live feed, a group of people stood in front of my mother’s grave, holding hoes and chisels. Their intent was
obvious.
“Vivienne, if you’d just cooperate, I wouldn’t have to take it this far.”
I looked at Alexander in front of me.
A numbness so deep it felt like heartbreak.
They were digging up the grave.
It was painfully clever of Alexander to come up with such a scheme.
Sure enough, only someone who loved you the most would know exactly where to cut to hurt you the worst.
I couldn’t even summon anger anymore. I felt utterly disappointed, emptied inside.
And I hated my own helplessness even more.
“Mr. Sinclair, there’s no need to make such a fuss.”
“It’s just a few words. Let my mother rest in peace.”
I handed the tablet back to him.
Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and demanded,
“Why aren’t you wearing the engagement ring I gave you anymore?”