Ch. 111..120

Chapter 111

At the same time.

At the Hayes residence in Willowdale.

In the room decorated in black and white, Alistair sat on the side of the bed, his deep eyes staring straight at the person on the bed.

After a moment, he sighed imperceptibly and raised his hand to tuck in the corner of the blanket. Then, he gently stroked away the sweat on the boy's pale face.

Behind him, a hot woman in a business suit was watching him silently.

After witnessing his tenderness, a determined glint flashed across the woman's eyes.

After some silence, she took the initiative to say, "Mr. Hayes, it's already very late. Why don't you go back and rest first? Sunny's condition has stabilized a lot. Nothing will happen tonight."

Hearing this, Alistair frowned fiercely. He turned around and glanced at the woman coldly. "You told me during the day that Sunny's psychological problem is serious and you suggest that he be sent to a special school for treatment."

He clearly did not say anything else, but when his gaze turned cold, it gave off a sharp sense of oppression that made people not dare to look at him directly.

Yvette Marvin hurriedly lowered her eyes. After a moment of panic, she quickly regained her composure and said seriously, "I advised you to send him to school for Sunny's long-term consideration. I've already injected him with a tranquilizer tonight. He'll be fine. You've just traveled a long distance and coaxed the child for so long. I'm afraid you'll be tired="

Alistair coldly interrupted her nagging concern and said expressionlessly, "Ms. Marvin, you can go back now."

Yvette's heart skipped a beat. She gritted her teeth and braced herself to recommend herself. "Mr. Hayes, I'm Sunny's psychiatrist. His condition has been recurring very frequently recently. Only by staying in the Hayes family's residence can I observe Sunny's condition and prevent it from happening."

Alistair lowered his eyes and pondered.

Seeing that Alistair didn't say no immediately, Yvette felt there was a chance.

She immediately said, "Mr. Hayes, you rejected the suggestion to send Sunny to a special school during the day because you didn't want the child to go to a strange place alone and didn't trust the teachers in the school, right?

"Since you're worried about sending the child to a special school, why don't you let me stay here and hand Sunny to me?

"We've worked together for so many years. You know my medical skills. Moreover, I'm wholeheartedly hoping that Sunny will get better. As long as I can move in, I promise I'll cure Sunny quickly."

Yvette's eyes were filled with urgency. When she looked at Alistair, her desire and admiration were about to overflow from her eyes.

Helping Sunny return to normal had never been her goal.

She only wanted to take the opportunity to get close to Alistair and become his wife.

Alistair didn't turn her down directly.

It was not that he believed in Yvette's abilities, but Yvette had been the longest among all the psychiatrists Alistair had hired to treat Sunny. Moreover, Sunny's rejection of her was not as intense as before.

If she moved in, it would be a good idea for Sunny.

Reading Alistair's expression, Yvette immediately struck while the iron was hot and said, "Mr. Hayes, why don't I stay tonight?"

She secretly sent flirtatious glances at Alistair as she spoke, wishing she could immediately sleep on his bed.

She thought, 'It's all my fault for going out in a hurry today and not bringing my best nightdress.

'Otherwise, with that nightdress, I can take Alistair down tonight.

'Won't the position of Mrs. Hayes be mine at that time?

'However, I can't be too hasty. I have to be more reserved and put on airs. I can't let Mr. Hayes think that I'm too casual.'

Beep... The sudden ringing of a phone interrupted Yvette's imagination.

She looked over curiously and saw Alistair get up and answer the call quickly.

When Alistair answered the call, his eyes were so gentle, like people would drown inside. His tone was soft as if he didn't want to disturb the person on the phone. He said "Why aren't you asleep yet? Did you miss me?"

Yvette was stunned.

 

 

Chapter 112

Audrey did not expect that she would accidentally make a call. Moreover, Alistair picked up so quickly.

For a moment, she did not know how to reply. She could only say, "How's Sunny's condition? It's not serious, right?"

The first person she asked was not Alistair, but his son.

Alistair felt a little jealous. He replied, "The psychiatrist just sedated him. He's temporarily in a coma."

"The doctor gave him a sedative?"

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong?" Alistair asked in confusion.

Audrey said solemnly, "Sunny is only six years old. Such a young child is sensitive and fragile when he's sick, to begin with. Forcefully injecting tranquilizers will make him even more afraid and resistant to interacting with others. In severe cases, he might even have psychological trauma.

"It's impossible for a professional psychiatrist not to understand such a simple logic. But she still used a tranquilizer. She doesn't care about the child's condition at all."

Audrey tried her best to suppress her anger.

She had previously volunteered at a special children's education school.

She had seen with her own eyes that when some children were sick, some teachers who found it troublesome would inject them with sedatives and force them to calm down. They would not comfort or guide the children at all.

In the end, the children's situation became more and more serious. One of them almost lost his life...

Audrey had always thought that this kind of thing would only happen in special schools. She did not expect it to happen to Sunny.

'Doesn't Alistair care a lot about his child? How could he let such an irresponsible psychiatrist treat the child?' Audrey thought.

When she heard this, Alistair's eyes suddenly turned cold. He turned around and glared fiercely at the woman behind him.

Yvette's entire body stiffened. She felt like a cold and venomous snake crawling through her body. Her teeth subconsciously trembled slightly, and uneasiness spread in her heart.

'What exactly did the person on the other end say? Why was Mr. Hayes looking at me like that?' Yvette could not figure out what was going on. Uneasiness spread in her heart. After Audrey finished her request, Alistair remained silent for a long time. She could not help but reflect on her tone just now. 'Am I too serious?

'Although I'm Sunny's stepmother, I don't seem to have the right to interfere in other people's matters.'

With that thought in mind, Audrey's heart turned cold again. She said softly, "I said that because I think Sunny is still young and shouldn't suffer like this. You don't have to listen to me..."

"I'll listen to you." Alistair knew that she had misunderstood and quickly expressed his attitude. "It's my fault for not understanding psychology in detail. Don't worry, I won't let such an irresponsible psychiatrist continue to stay by Sunny's side." Hearing that, Yvette's heart sank again. 'An irresponsible psychiatrist? Was he talking about me?'

Audrey heaved a sigh of relief and asked, "You don't think I'm a busybody, do you?"

Alistair immediately said, "Of course not. I'm just afraid that you won't care about us."

His voice was mellow and deep, which sounded even more pleasant than words of love.

The tips of Audrey's ears turned red. She felt warmth spread from her earlobes to her entire body. She quickly found a topic to talk about. "When I picked my mother up from the hospital today, Mr. Fletcher said he would visit every two days. I wanted to reject him, but if he insisted, I couldn't stop him."

Grant was so busy, and he definitely wouldn't visit every patient. Naturally, he did so because of Alistair.

Although Audrey hated that Alistair hid his identity from her, she didn't want to bring trouble to Alistair.

After all, the hardest thing to repay in this world was a debt of gratitude.

Alistair said gently, "It's alright. If Mr. Fletcher wants to come, let him. Let him do a good checkup on your mother. I'll be at ease.

"You don't have to feel like you owe him anything. I helped him a lot more than this.

"If you're afraid of owing me, that's even more unnecessary. Your parents are my father-in-law and mother-in-law. Their things are my business. We're family."

Audrey's ears turned red again. Her tone softened. "Thank you."

"You don't have to stand on ceremony with me. It's getting late. Rest early." Alistair lowered his eyes, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Yvette, who was eavesdropping, was dumbfounded.

She thought, 'Was I hallucinating? Father-in-law and mother-in-law? When did Mr. Hayes get married?'

 

Chapter 113

She then thought, 'No, I must have misheard.

'I come to the Hayes family to check on Sunny every week.

'If Mr. Hayes is married, how can I not have heard anything?"

Yvette heaved a sigh of relief. But the gentleness in Alistair's eyes disappeared after he hung up the phone. The way he looked at her was as cold as ice.

"M-Mr. Hayes, why are you looking at me like that?" Yvette's voice was trembling.

This gaze was too terrifying. It was as if he wanted to skin her alive.

Alistair's face was tense and his aura was cold. He questioned, "How did you inject a tranquilizer into Sunny when his illness acted up?"

Yvette's pupils suddenly constricted when she heard that. She was visibly panicked. "I... I..."

She hesitated for a long time but could not tell him the truth.

Every time Sunny's illness acted up, he was abnormally strong. How could a weak woman like her inject him?

Of course, she would first use the blanket to restrain him and tie his hands and feet to prevent him from exerting strength. Then, she would forcefully inject a tranquilizer to calm him down.

To prevent herself from being discovered, she even used the excuse that she wanted to treat Sunny alone to send everyone away.

She also knew that using tranquilizers was only a temporary measure. It would not be beneficial to Sunny's condition in the long run.

But she really couldn't cure Sunny.

'This child's temper is too bad, and he is stubborn. Every time his illness acted up, no one could appease him. What else could I do?' Yvette thought.

Alistair did not care about these things in the past. She wondered why he suddenly asked this question this time.

Yvette panicked and tried to think of an excuse to convince him.

However, Alistair had already seen through everything before she could think of anything.

'Just as Audrey had said, this irresponsible psychiatrist had ignored Sunny's wishes and forcefully injected him with a tranquilizer,' Alistair thought. Alistair's heart ached when he thought about how Sunny had endured such torture without his knowledge. His expression turned even colder.

He said, "You don't have to come here anymore."

Hearing these cold words and seeing Alistair's unyielding attitude, Yvette's heart sank again.

She could not lose this opportunity to work in the Hayes family's residence. Otherwise, how could she get close to Alistair?

She was indignant and asked, "Why, Mr. Hayes? All these years, I've done my best for Sunny. Hasn't he quietened down every time he received my treatment?"

Alistair was so angry that he laughed.

Every time she treated Sunny, she gave Sunny a tranquilizer. How could he not be quiet?

To think that he used to believe that Sunny would only fall asleep after being professionally comforted.

"Mr. Hayes, please give me another chance." Yvette didn't want to leave just like that. She said earnestly, "I've been treating Sunny for three years. No one knows his condition better than me. If you suddenly change a psychiatrist now, it will agitate him." 'For the sake of Sunny, Alistair should compromise, right?' Yvette thought.

Alistair's lips parted slightly, and his tone was mocking. "If you put all your heart into him, how can you not know that forcefully injecting a tranquilizer would leave him with serious psychological trauma?"

Yvette rolled her eyes and defended herself shamelessly. "Every time Sunny's illness flares up, he's very manic. Letting him go crazy will also harm his physical and mental health. How can he not be injected with sedatives?"

Alistair could not be bothered to listen to her explanation. In the end, he said, "I hired you here to treat his illness, not to let you hurt him. Are you leaving yourself, or should I get someone to send you away?"

If Yvette's brother had not saved his life, he would not have let her off so easily...

Yvette was speechless.

There was no room for negotiation.

If others found out that she was forced to leave, she would be the one who made a fool of herself.

After thinking for a moment, Yvette gritted her teeth and said reluctantly, "I'll leave by myself."

Before she left, she turned back to look at Alistair again, only to see a cold back view.

She clenched her fists silently as hatred flashed across her eyes.

Alistair had never discovered the problem with the tranquilizer before. She knew it must have been the phone call just now that made him suspicious.

Her plan was about to succeed. As long as she successfully moved into the Hayes family's residence tonight, she could get close to Alistair quickly and develop a relationship with him. She did not expect to fail at the last step.

She thought it was all the fault of the woman who called Alistair.

'This bitch had better not let me know who she is. Otherwise, I'll teach her a lesson,' Yvette thought.

After leaving the house, Yvette got into the car but was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, she sat in the car and looked at the Hayes family's manor.

From the moment she first stepped into this house and saw Alistair in the colorful corridor, she had secretly decided to take this man down and become the hostess of this manor.

'Temporary departure doesn't mean anything. There is no child psychologist better than me in Willowdale,' Yvette thought, 'Sooner or later, Alistair will take the initiative to beg me to come back.'

 

Chapter 114

Audrey slept soundly in the Harper family's house

When she woke up, it was already past nine in the morning.

company. Audrey stretched and slowly sat up. After sending a message to Emily, asking her to help apply for leave for her at the com

She pulled open the curtains, and the bright sunlight instantly shone in

Today was a good day, and she was

e was in a better mood.

After washing up. Audrey went out and saw Jessica bringing breakfast to the table.

Upon seeing her, Jessica smiled and said. "You're up. Come and have breakfast. Did you sleep well last night?"

"Yes, I slept well she answered obediently

Peter had already gone to work. Audrey, Miles, and Jessica were the only ones having breakfast together.

Thinking Trevor didn't even want to eat breakfast to avoid her, Audrey took the initiative to stand up. She picked up two pieces of bread and carried them on a plate. She told the Harper family people, "Trevor didn't eat anything last night. Why don't I send him some food? Jessica gestured for her to sit down and said. "No need. You can eat by yourself. Trevor isn't home."

To avoid me, he went out so early! Audrey wondered.

Seeing that Audrey was not right. Miles quickly explained. Audrey, don't think much Trevor went to deliver the goods early in the morning, not to avoid you"

Only then did Jessica react. She added, "Yes, that's right. It's my fault for not making myself clear. Trevor's work schedule is rather irregular. Whenever a client wants it he has to send it over on time. Sometimes, he delivers the goods in the middle of the night. Audrey felt relieved to know Trevor was not avoiding her on purpose. After sitting down, she asked curiously. "Delivery! What good?"

Miles did not hide anything and said, "It's some handmade ornaments and handicrafts that Trevor made himself.

"In the beginning, they were all small things. He went out to set up a stall to sell. Later, a boss took a fancy to Trevor's skills and asked him to customize them. They were all big things. Gradually, Trevor's reputation spread and his business was not bad" Audrey was a little surprised. "Trevor k

knows how to do these!"

Miles replied. "Trevor is good at handwork. When the tables and chairs at home were broken when we were young. Trevor would repair them Later, he was busy with his studies, and his skills gradually became rusty.

"After the car accident. Trevor became dispirited and inferior. He often locked himself in the house alone and was unwilling to come out or interact with others. He was very depressed every day. We were afraid that he would suffer from depression. "It wasn't until Mom fell sick that Trevor slowly pulled himself together. He stayed at home and pondered over some handicrafts. However, 1 le was door. I helped him set up a stall at the market after school.

"In the past. Trevor was unwilling to go ou when

out no matter what. He was afraid that others would laugh at him. Until this year, Trevor was slowly willing

Audrey thought about it and felt it made sense. Trevor looked honest and dull, so he was suitable to deal with these handicrafts. He didn't have to communicate with people, and he didn't have to worry about being schemed against. Audrey looked up and saw that the wall opposite her was full of certificates. A few of them had been torn at the bottom, and the ones on top were

They were all Trevor's. There were also many trophies from high school when he participated in the competition.

Audrey could not help bun sagh

ar accident. Torver's life would love soared

However, the culprit

ed all this calmly began to enjoy li

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. It's all the past. Now that Trevor can move fo

can move forward and walk out, it's our greatest comfort," said Jessica

Jessica wa afraid that the past would affert Audrey's mood, so she quickly changed the topic and looked at the table full of dishes.

She said. "You didn't cat much just now is this not to your liking? Let me know what you like, and I'll make it for you. Or you can buy it outside.

Cher lis

It would only take them half an hour to cycle to town to buy breakfast. It wouldn't take too long.

Audrey waved her hands and refused. Not wanting to trouble them too much, she quickly said. "These are already very sumptuous. It's just that my appetite in the morning isn't good." Today's breakfast.

was sumptuous. There were pancakes, sandwiches, bread, oatmeal, chocolate cake, and others. There were more than ten types. It was simply everything.

She had never been treated like this in the Rhodes family before.

Jessica was a little worried when she heard this. She quickly picked up another piece of cake for Audrey and said. "You don't have an appetite! That's not okay. You have to eat well for breakfast. Try another piece of this cake. There's lemon juice in it. It's appetizing. It's just right for breakfast"

Audrey could only pick it up and eat it.

The cake was yummy. It was indeed appetizing

Seeing that she had eaten, Jessica was even happier and immediately pushed something else to her. Miles was not to be left behind. He also placed something delicious in front of her.

At this moment, Audrey truly felt the feeling of being cared for.

She was like a little princess who was dated on by her family. She didn't have in

to worry about anything and just had to wait for someon

someone to give her

The family was enjoying themselves when suddenly...

Clang!

The iron gate in the courtyard let out an r-piercing sound.

Immediately after, a familiar voice sounded. "Jessica, you damn bitch, get out here?"

 

Chapter 115

Audrey immediately recognized the voice. It was Layla who made things difficult for Trevor yesterday.

Miles's expression changed when he heard Layla scold Jessica before entering the house. He threw down the fork and stormed out to settle the

score.

Jessica stopped him and said, "What are you doing? Come back. That's your grandmother."

Miles was unconvinced. "But she scolded you."

Layla barged into the house with her eldest son, third son, and her most beloved grandson.

Seeing Jessica eat so sumptuously early in the morning, Layla was even more furious.

She had not eaten anything from yesterday until this morning and was almost full of anger.

Jessica surely knows how to enjoy herself, Layla thought.

Layla's entire body trembled. She stepped forward and raised the table, wanting to flip it over. She said sternly, "Jessica, you black-hearted person. You deliberately tricked me. How can you still be in the mood to eat?" Miles quickly pressed down on the table to prevent the delicacies from being ruined.

Layla was so angry that she raised her hand to hit Miles again, but he avoided her.

Jessica said unhurriedly, "Layla, it's so early in the morning. Why are you so angry? If you're always angry, it'll hurt your body. Calm down."

"Pfft, stop pretending. If you cared about my health, you wouldn't have deliberately caused the Harper family to raise a bastard for more than twenty years.

but you

"You heartless thing. You know Eliza isn't the Harper family's child, but you still let me make a fool of myself. The Harper family is unlucky to let a woman like you marry into the family."

Miles couldn't take it anymore and defended Jessica, "You're not allowed to insult my mother. All these years, my mother has never disrespected you. You're the one who keeps pushing your luck."

"Shut up when adults are talking." Layla was so angry that her face turned red. She said furiously, "Jessica, look, this is the son you raised. How dare he shout at the elders? He has no manners at all." Miles clenched his fists and wanted to continue arguing, but Jessica grabbed his wrist and pulled him behind her.

Jessica stood before him and retorted coldly, "Layla, you vented your anger on me after being wronged outside. It's not the right thing to do. Don't you think so?"

Layla pretended to cry. "If you hadn't mistaken your child back then, would I have suffered this? You deliberately asked me to look for Eliza, causing me to be humiliated by her...

"Oh my god, this is my good daughter-in-law. She's scheming against me. Why am I so miserable?"

As she spoke, Layla pounded her thigh repeatedly, as if she was about to collapse and roll on the ground to make a scene in the next second.

Audrey had never seen such a scoundrel before and was stunned.

Jessica, who was used to such scenes, didn't react.

Layla could easily make a scene. She was good at these tricks.

Jessica did not deny that she had deliberately caused Layla to make a fool of herself.

People said that evil people would have other evil people torturing them. Only someone as ruthless as Eliza could deal with a person like Layla, Layla looked at Jessica's indifferent attitude and felt even afgrier.

After getting Eliza's address from Jessica yesterday, she couldn't wait to enter the city overnight to look for Eliza.

When she arrived, she realized that the address was a big villa. She could not enter at all.

She didn't want to give up and went to ask the guard. In the end, the guard said that he had never heard of the name Eliza.

She was furious. She thought Jessica had lied to her, but she was unwilling to go home just like that, so she called Eliza,

Layla still remembered Eliza's sneer when she heard this. With disdain, Eliza mocked openly, "Stupid old woman, what kind of dream are you having? I'm not your granddaughter at all. It's not my turn even if you want someone to marry that man. It's easy if you have accepted the engagement gift. Get your biological granddaughter, Audrey, to marry that man."

 

Chapter 116

Layla only asked after she finished scolding, "Tell me, where is that bitch called Audrey?" No one answered her.

The atmosphere in the living room became tense.

Eliot Harper gently nudged Layla and pointed at Audrey. "Grandma, is it her..."

Layla focused and looked at Audrey, who had been silent the whole time.

She thought, "This little girl is not bad. She is even prettier than Eliza and has a better figure. I'll give her to the Wright family. They should be able to accept it.

In this way, she did not have to return the engagement gift.

With this thought in mind, Layla said, "You're Audrey, right? Since you're my granddaughter, you should naturally bear this marriage. Go and marry the youngest son of the Wright family." Audrey was speechless.

She had seen shameless people but had never seen someone so shameless.

"I don't agree

Before Audrey could speak, a cold and tough voice came from the door.

Everyone turned around and saw Peter rushing back.

Peter ignored Layla and the others and walked straight to Audrey's side, protecting her behind him.

He said, "Audrey is my daughter. As long as I'm alive, no one can have any ideas about her."

Looking at the imposing figure in front of her, Audrey felt a lump in her throat. "Dad, why are you back?"

*Business isn't good today. I wanted to rush back to have breakfast with you." Peter turned around and looked at Audrey. His eyes were gentle as he comforted her. "Audrey, don't be afraid. With me around, no one can bully you." "Yeah!" Audrey nodded heavily. Her lips were pursed into a line as she resisted the urge to cry.

So this is how it feels to be protected by my father. How nice,' Audrey thought.

Looking at her second son blocking her way, Layla frowned and said, "Peter, I'm your mother. Do you dare to disobey my words? You unfilial son, I should have strangled you to death when you were born."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed across Audrey's eyes.

Last night, after sending Layla off, Jessica briefly told her about the Harper family's situation.

Layla lost her husband in her middle age and raised three sons alone. She had three grandsons and a granddaughter.

Audrey's father, Peter, was the second son and was also the least liked by Layla.

Layla's eldest son, William Harper, ate, drank, whored, gambled, and had done everything bad. He had been married before, but because of domestic violence, his wife had divorced him. He had no children and was in debt. At his age, he lived off his mother. Her third son, Liam Harper, was an accountant. He was cunning and petty and always liked to take advantage of Layla.

Liam also had a 16-year-old son, Eliot. He was ignorant and incompetent. Every year, Liam spent thousands of dollars to send him to a good high school in Riverdale. However, Eliot failed in his studies and made many bad friends.

Logically speaking, now that Layla's second son, Peter, had à prosperous family and his two sons were successful, Layla should value their family

more.

However, though Peter was the most considerate and sensible of the three brothers, Layla still didn't like him.

After getting married, Peter and Jessica couldn't stand Layla's bias and suggested that they live separately from Layla.

All these years, Layla had never entered their house.

However, after Eliza became an adult, she would come over every few days to greet her. At first, Peter and Jessica thought she was concerned about her granddaughter.

They knew now that Layla did so because she wanted to choose a husband for her only granddaughter and sell her granddaughter for a perfect price.

Now that Eliza had returned to the Rhodes family, Layla failed to take advantage of Eliza. So, she had designs on Audrey.

How shameless!

 

Chapter 117

"Peter, I'll say this today. I've already accepted the 100 thousand dollars as an engagement gift. If you know what's good for you, marry your daughter to the Wright family immediately. Otherwise, I'll die in front of you," said Layla. Seeing that Peter and Jessica were unmoved, Layla pretended to hit the wall.

Liam grabbed her and said hoarsely, "Mom, you can't die. Peter has been disobedient for a long time. If he says no, we'll leave it to the Wright family to handle."

Upon hearing this, Peter's expression changed again as he thought, 'Liam is smart. He war

Everyone knew the Wright family was like local hooligans who did things without rules.

If the Wright family got involved, they would be in endless trouble.

with our family without bloodshed.'

And William, on the other hand, pointed at Peter's nose and scolded, "Look at how angry you've made Mom. Peter, if you still have a conscience, do as Mom say's and marry her over. Otherwise, the Wright family won't be easy to deal with." Peter snorted and was determined not to compromise. "I didn't see a cent of the 100 thousand dollars as the engagement gift. Even if the Wright family wants to fight a lawsuit, it won't be my turn."

William's expression changed. He sighed and pretended to be helpless. "Why are you so stubborn? Anyway, your daughter has just been found. You haven't raised her before and don't have any feelings for her. Isn't it good to marry her off for 100 thousand dollars?" Liam also chimed in, "That's 100 thousand dollars. Not everyone can afford this price. Peter, you won't have another chance if you miss this opportunity. The older a woman gets, the less valuable she is..." "Shut up!" Peter was furious. He flipped over a chair and glared at William and Liam.

He said, "You're Audrey's elders after all. How can you say such things?"

Liam said, "I'm doing this for your good. Why won't you listen..."

Peter sneered and said with an extremely unyielding attitude, "I don't need this kind of treatment. Leave my house now and don't harass my daughter in the future. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude." William and Liam were frightened and did not dare to speak for a moment.

Layla sneered. "Alright, you won't let her marry that boy, right? Then there's no need for the Harper family to acknowledge this granddaughter."

Jessica frowned and asked coldly, "What do you mean?"

Layla said smugly, "Isn't it obvious enough? Since you don't want this wretched girl to do as I say, I won't let her return to this family. She can forget about being in the Harper family's family tree for the rest of her life. "Her adoptive parents probably don't want her anymore. She's a money-losing good-for-nothing who gets kicked out like a ball. Even if she dies in the future, she can only be a lonely ghost."

These words were too much. Jessica's eyes immediately turned red.

Peter wanted to curse, but he heard Audrey suddenly laugh.

He looked at Audrey in confusion, wondering, 'What is my precious daughter doing? Could it be that she had gone crazy from anger?'

When Audrey laughed, everyone's eyes were on her.

Layla did not take Audrey seriously just now. She felt that a little girl was nothing to be afraid of.

However, at this moment, when Audrey's faint smile and slightly mocking gaze swept past her, she subconsciously felt a little guilty and did not dare to look Audrey in the eye.

Audrey snorted and said expressionlessly, "The Harper family tree is not made of gold. What era is it now? Who will still be proud of a thin piece of paper?"

The corners of Audrey's mouth curled up slightly as she continued in an indifferent tone, "Moreover, I'm already married. You should know bigamy is illegal."

 

Chapter 118

Layla's aged face stiffened, and her eyes instantly froze.

Eliot rolled his eyes and said, "That's impossible. Who would be in such a hurry to get married these days? You don't want to go to the Wright family. So you deliberately lied to my grandmother." He thought he was clever by saying that. When he said this, Layla also came back to her senses. She pointed at Audrey's nose and scolded, "What bigamy crime? I don't believe your

nonsense."

Audrey said unhurriedly, "If you don't believe me, you can search online. The news of any marriage is everywhere."

Layla hesitated again. 'Could it be that Audrey is a famous person in Riverdale? Her man

he news?'

Just as she was thinking, her grandson had already taken out his phone and started to check.

After searching, he indeed saw the news of Audrey's wedding day.

Seeing this news, Layla felt her vision go dark. 'Oh, no! The wedding with the Wright family will probably not happen!

Layla was so angry that she cursed, "Little bitch, you married a stranger in the blink of an eye. You can even do such an immoral thing. How shameless!"

Audrey could not be bothered with her.

Eliot was still looking at his phone. He said excitedly, "Grandma, people on the Internet say she married a gigolo who lives off women. This kind of man can't compare to Mr. Wright."

When she heard that Audrey had married a man who lived off women, Layla was instantly revived and said excitedly, "Although the youngest son of the Wright family doesn't have a job, his father is capable. He's doing a big business in Riverdale." She looked at Audrey and said, "Mr. Wright is a rich second-generation heir. He is tens of thousands of times better than your current husband. If you divorce him and marry Mr. Wright, you'll only enjoy endless wealth..." Layla's eyes were filled with confidence.

She knew that no one could resist the temptation of wealth.

'A gigolo is nothing compared to a rich second-generation heir,' Layla thought.

Looking at Layla's expression, Audrey's red lips curled up slightly. She said, "Since Mr. Wright is so good, why don't you marry him?"

Pfft!

Miles could not help but laugh out loud. When he regained his senses, he quickly covered his mouth and dodged to the side. His eyes were filled with admiration for Audrey. Layla was stunned.

Her eyes widened and her breathing quickened. She raised her hand to slap Audrey's face. "You little bitch, what nonsense are you talking about?"

The calloused slap was about to land on Audrey's face.

"Stop it!" Peter shouted angrily. He grabbed Layla's arm and shook her off forcefully.

He said, "Audrey is my daughter. You have no right to interfere in my daughter's marriage, let alone hit her."

Layla was so angry that she almost had a heart attack.

Jessica and Miles also stepped forward to protect Audrey. They told Layla to get out with William and the others.

Miles did not know how to hide his emotions and said in disgust, "Grandma, I still call you Grandma because I respect you, but what you're doing is inhumane.

"In the past, you were biased and never remembered the three of us. I didn't blame you. You can give your things to whoever you want.

"But my sister doesn't owe you anything. What right do you have to make arrangements for her?"

These words were like tearing off Layla's cover in public.

Her face turned pale and livid. She was so angry that she scolded Miles again.

Miles did not care at all.

Layla changed the topic and scolded Jessica for not teaching her son well.

Peter's heart ached for his wife and child, but he could not say anything nasty. His tone was still polite. "M raise us for so many years. I won't miss out on the retirement money I should give you. "But it's impossible for me to sell my daughter."

He had already shown Layla enough respect.

However, Layla only cared about the 100 thousand dollars she got. She would not listen no matter what.

nderstand it's not easy for you to

She pointed at Peter while trembling. Her chest heaved up and down as she said hysterically, "You unfilial son. Alright. Now that you've grown up, you dare to talk to me like this, right? "Good, very good. You can't stay in my house since your family is so unyielding. Get out.

"Let's see how her gigolo husband can help when you're on the streets with this money-losing good-for-nothing."

Peter was stunned for a moment. When he regained his senses, he was so angry that he almost lost his voice. "This... This house is mine to begin with. What do you mean by living in your house?"

William, who had been watching the commotion for a long time, said sarcastically, "If you hadn't forced Mom too hard back then, she wouldn't have let you live in the house for so many years for nothing. Mom's name is on the property ownership certificate. Of course, it's hers." When Peter heard such shameless words, he was angry and wanted to laugh.

He said, "William, don't you feel guilty saying such things? You know best why this house was given to me back then."

A hint of guilt flashed across William's eyes. In the blink of an eye, he said fiercely, "What do I know? What does this have to do with me?"

He paused and sneered before continuing, "All these years, your family has been living the easiest outside. Mom has always lived with me, and I've always looked after her."

"Bah, shameless!" Jessica couldn't take it anymore and shouted angrily.

She said, "If Layla hadn't paid off your gambling debt with her salary, would she have compensated us for this house?

"You even said that you're taking care of Layla. You do nothing and let her serve you. Even the crown prince isn't as comfortable as you. How dare you say that you're taking care of her?"

With a cold expression, she rolled her sleeves and threatened bluntly, "Everyone here has the right to speak, but you don't. You better shut your mouth, or don't blame me for being rude." William was rendered speechless.

He had seen Jessica show her might before, so he did not dare to act rashly.

 

Chapter 119

Layla saw Jessica retort to William until he was speechless. She widened her eyes and said shamelessly, "I worked hard to raise my son and only spent a little of his money. Isn't that justified? "Besides, you've lived in this house for so many years. The rent over the years is enough to repay the money I owe you. I won't let you live here anymore. All of you have to get lost." Peter did not speak for a long time. He just looked straight at Layla.

He had been neglected since he was young. The clothes he wore were leftovers from William, and the food he ate was what William did not like to

cat.

He had not studied for many years.

But after work, he had to support Liam's schooling.

After Liam graduated, he did not mention anything about Peter's support.

Peter had once thought that they were a family and that everything would be fine if he compromised.

However, he did not expect them to push their luck when he stepped back and tolerated them.

He couldn't help but think, 'Since that's the case, I might as well cut ties with these so-called family members...

With this thought in mind, Peter clenched his fists and raised his head slightly. He said firmly, "So be it. Even if our family lives on the streets, I won't sell my daughter."

It was just starting from scratch. It was no big deal.

He felt as long as their family worked together, they would not starve.

Audrey looked up in surprise. She wanted to say something. But she realized her throat was sore, and she couldn't speak.

Layla was dumbfounded.

She had assumed Peter's family would compromise and agree to marry their daughter to the Wright family after she threatened to chase them out.

She did not expect them to be so stubborn. They would rather be homeless than compromise.

Jessica glanced at her husband and knew he was not impulsive. She knew he would do what he said.

She did not stop him. Instead, she added, "We can move out, but I'll say this first. Since you've chased us out, don't expect us to come back in the

future."

Jessica's tone was filled with unyielding indifference. "From now on, we won't suck up to you if you get rich. But don't expect us to help you when you have a hard time. We have nothing to do with each other."

'So ruthless? Are they trying to sever ties?' For a moment, Layla and her other two sons' expressions changed.

Liam could not help but whisper to Layla, "Mother, we can't cut ties. We've already accepted the engagement money. How should we explain it to the Wright family if we let them leave?" Layla was a little hesitant.

Peter was the most useful among her sons. She couldn't bear to let him leave.

After some hesitation, Layla looked at Peter and asked, "Peter, do you think so, too? So, you don't want me as your mother after you move out? You don't want this family anymore?" How could Peter not understand their thoughts?

He lowered his eyes to hide the ridicule in them. Then, he said coldly, "You're the one who didn't want me first. I'll still say the same thing. I'll still pay you alimony. But I don't have much to give you. After all, as you can see, this family is poor. Our family has to live outside."

Hearing this, Layla immediately looked like she was about to cry. She choked and said, "Are you blaming me?

I'm not the one who forced you to move out. As the saying goes, a grown woman can't be kept. Can't you marry this money-losing good-for- nothing? That way, everyone will be happy."

"Shut up. Peter felt annoyed, and his attitude became even more unyielding. "My daughter has the right to choose her happiness. No one has the

right to force her.

"I've already decided to return the house to you. From now on, you can let whoever you want to stay at this place. We'll pack our luggage now."

With that, Peter pulled Jessica into the room and started tidying up.

Miles snorted and went in to help.

Seeing that she could not change their decision, Layla let out a dry cry and scolded Peter for being unfilial.

She saw Audrey standing at the side from the corner of her eye. Hatred rose in her eyes again. She take you out, it won't change anything. Ethan isn't as easy to talk to as me. He won't let it go until he Audrey sneered in disdain. "I'd like to see what he can do to me."

Even if she was not confident, she had to pretend to be imposing.

Her parents were willing to move out for her, and she couldn't show weakness.

er teeth and said fiercely, "Even if they you."

Layla did not expect Audrey to be so stubborn. She couldn't do anything to them. She could only leave with her sons and grandson.

Outside, William thought they could not leave just like that.

He was afraid that the engagement money he had obtained would be gone.

Layla, on the other hand, was not so flustered. She even said, "What are you afraid of? What can Peter's family do when they are so weak?

"Ethan is so powerful in Riverdale. Since Peter and the others don't know how to appreciate favors, I'll let them go out and suffer a little. When the time comes, they'll come back and beg me."

 

Chapter 120

Two hours later.

Peter and his wife packed their luggage. With a few big bags containing all their belongings, they moved out of Layla's house.

But where to go next became a real problem...

"Dad, Mom, my car is still parked at the village entrance. Why don't you come back with me to Riverdale to stay for a while?" Audrey said. She knew Peter and Jessica had fallen out with Layla for her sake.

She did not have enough funds on hand now. Otherwise, she should have bought a house for her parents in Riverdale. Fortunately, her and Alistair's wedding room was spacious enough to accommodate her parents and brothers for a while.

'Going to live with our daughter?' Jessica and Peter hesitated and stood rooted to the ground, unwilling to move.

Peter was the first to express his attitude. "Audrey, there's no need to go through so much trouble. We can just rent a house outside." Jessica nodded in agreement.

Audrey-had already guessed that they would refuse.

Peter and Jessica were the kind of parents who would leave all good things to their children but were afraid of causing trouble for their children.

Her heart felt warmed. She took the initiative to hold Peter and Jessica's arms on both sides and said coquettishly, "Dad, Mom, come back to Riverdale with me. If you continue to live in this small county, I won't be able to come to see you every day when I go to work. What if I miss you in the future?"

Peter and Jessica's hearts melted when their daughter hugged them and wheedled.

Jessica immediately made the decision. "Alright, we'll go to Riverdale. But we won't be staying with you. Audrey, you're already married. It's inappropriate to bring your families to live with you."

They still hoped that Audrey would get a divorce as soon as possible.

If they moved in together now, they would have a deep bond.

It would not be easy to get a divorce in the future.

For Audrey's long-term happiness, they would rather spend some money to rent a house outside.

"That's right, Audrey. Your mother is right. We'd better rent a room in Riverdale," said Peter.

"Then I'll get my friend to help you contact the house agent." Audrey knew she could not persuade them, so she could only compromise. "You guys have never stayed in Riverdale for a long time before, so you don't know the market. I'll get someone to help you keep an eye out so you can directly move in."

Peter and Jessica looked at each other and nodded. "Sure."

Jessica added, "But you should tell your friend there's no need to find a perfect house. It's fine as long as it's enough for our family to live in. It doesn't matter if the house is small. But the rent shouldn't be too high."

They were still thinking about saving money to buy a house for Audrey.

This way, Audrey would have more confidence in getting a divorce if she felt unhappy in her marriage.

"Alright, I understand." Audrey agreed on the surface. But she could not bear to let them live in a dilapidated house.

She turned around and secretly called Emily, avoiding her parents.

"Audrey?" Emily was a little surprised to receive her call.

Audrey did not stand on ceremony with her and said, "It's me. Emily. I remember that you have a friend who is a real estate agent. Can you help me find a big house?"

"Audrey, are you moving?"

"It's not me. My parents are going to live there. It's okay that the rent is high as long as it's good, but there's a request. Tell your friend at the agency to tell my parents the price at half the original price. I'll privately pay for the rest."

On the other end of the line, Emily hesitated for a moment. She lo

stagram and replied, "I just saw a post on my Instagram. My friend is in a hurry to rent out a big house. It's more than 1.5 thousand square ice though it's not in the city center, it's also in a prosperous area. Moreover, it's on a low floor and is more suitable for the elderly." Audrey was overjoyed. "Alright, then help me contact your friend and tell him I want this house. We'll move over in the afternoon and let him prepare."

"Okay, no problem."

"Also, there's one more thing I want to trouble you with."

"Audrey. What is it?"

Audrey's eyes turned cold as she said sternly, "There's a person called Mr. Wright in Riverdale. His other name is Ethan. He should be in the underworld. Help me find out who this person is."

Emily replied, "Ethan? Alright, Audrey. I'll help you investigate."

"Thank you, then."

"You're welcome, Audrey. You've helped me a lot over the years. These are all trivial matters."

After ending the call with Emily, Audrey immediately told her parents the good news.

"Dad, Mom, my friend happens to have a house that he's in a hurry to rent out. Because the landlord is going overseas to settle down, he wants to find a tenant who cherishes the house. The rent is very cheap." She showed Peter and Jessica the pictures of the house Emily sent her.

The house was exquisitely renovated. It was obvious that no one had lived there long before, and was no different from a new one.

Peter and Jessica were overjoyed. They even said that after they recognized Audrey, their family's luck had been getting better. They could even rent such a good house.

Seeing how happy they were, Audrey immediately decided to earn money and buy them a big house so they could enjoy their retired life.