Chapter 100 Fractured Ties and Desperate Truths
Finished
Elliot’s eyes were bloodshot, his chest rising and falling violently as he glared at David. Gritting his teeth, he said, “You ignored Laurie’s life and let her take the blame for a crime she didn’t commit. You let her endure unimaginable torment in prison. Aren’t you afraid of facing retribution?”
David trembled with rage, pointing a shaking finger at Elliot. His voice quivered as he barked, “You… How dare you speak to me like this? Everything I did was for the sake of the Bennett family’s reputation! Lauren? She’s a worthless girl, what does it matter if she had to sacrifice herself?”
“Sacrifice?” Elliot let out a bitter laugh. “Laurie was beaten in prison, her leg was broken, and she had one of her kidneys removed. Doesn’t that make you feel even a shred of guilt? Doesn’t your conscience bother you?”
For a brief moment, David’s face stiffened at the mention of Lauren losing a kidney, but he quickly regained his composure. “She was always a troublemaker. If she got beaten in prison, she probably brought it on herself. As for losing a kidney, well, maybe she got hurt in a fight, and they had to remove it. Serves her right.”
“Stop making a scene,” David snapped. “The most important thing right now is securing the Bennett family’s business deals. Didn’t I tell you to get Mr. Brooker’s number? Have you found it yet? If you have, call him and set up a dinner meeting.”
Elliot slowly stood up, his eyes filled with disappointment. “Dad, I’ve always respected you and followed your lead. But on this matter, I can’t agree with you and I won’t obey. I’m going to find out what really happened back then and clear Laurie’s name.”
With that, he turned and walked away, his steps firm and resolute.
“Stop right there!” David bellowed from behind him, furious. “If you dare to investigate, then don’t bother calling me your father anymore and forget about having any say in the Bennett family’s affairs!”
Elliot ignored him. His mind was focused on one thing finding Lauren, making things right, and clearing her name.
Just as Elliot was about to leave, Willow walked in carrying a thermos.
Her face lit up with a sweet smile as she spoke softly, “Dad, I made you some chicken soup myself.”
Only then did she notice Elliot standing there, his face grim with anger.
Recalling yesterday’s events, a wave of anxiety washed over her. But then she remembered how Elliot had defended her, and her nerves eased. She smiled warmly at him. “Oh, you’re here too, Elliot. Would you like to join Dad for some soup?”
Elliot said nothing. His face remained dark as he stepped closer to Willow, grabbed her shoulders tightly, and stared at her with eyes full of accusation. “Laurie’s missing, are you happy now?”
Willow’s face turned pale with fright at his sudden outburst. Her voice trembled as she stammered, “Elliot, I didn’t…”
“You still dare say you didn’t?” Elliot’s voice was low and strained, as if he was forcing the words through clenched teeth. “Laurie was missing, and now you’re the only daughter of the Bennett family. Isn’t that exactly what you wanted?”
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Chapter 100 Fractured Ties and Desperate Truths
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Finished
Willow looked as though she’d just suffered a huge injustice. Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out her defense.
“David, how can you think that about me? We’ve been siblings for over twenty years. Don’t you know what kind of person I am?”
In Elliot’s mind, Willow had always been a sweet, gentle and harmless little sister, kind–hearted and pure.
It was because of that belief that he’d always favored her.
When Elaine fell down the stairs and ended up in a coma, he hadn’t doubted Willow for a second. Instead, he’d immediately pinned the blame on Lauren.
But everything that had happened yesterday was screaming at him, he’d been wrong.
Although he had managed to stop Elaine from accusing Willow, anyone with half a brain could tell something was off.
With a sudden burst of anger, Elliot grabbed Elaine and shoved her hard against the wall. The impact made her back throb with pain, and she let out a pained grunt.
Her tears streamed down in large droplets, and her eyes were filled with fear and helplessness.
“Brother, you’re hurting me,” she whimpered.
Seeing his precious daughter being mistreated, David’s heart ached with rage.
Ignoring his own injuries, he struggled out of bed. The sudden movement tugged at his wounds, making him hiss in pain, but he gritted his teeth and endured it
With fury, he slapped Elliot hard across the face.
“You little punk! Let go of Willow right now!”
Elliot’s head snapped to the side from the force of the slap.
Just then, Jeffrey walked in and saw the heated confrontation between the three of them.
He’d returned to the hospital after hearing that David and Alice had been injured, intending to check on David’s condition. But instead, this chaotic scene greeted him.
Quick
“Ellio
stepping in, Jeffrey grabbed Elliot and pulled him out of the ward, his tone firm with reproach.
your dad’s still hurt. Why are you causing a scene here?”
Elliot’s eyes were red as he fought to keep his emotions from boiling over. With a strained voice, he briefly explained what had happened the day before.
Then, he added, “Jeffrey, you know how weak Laurie is her leg isn’t fully healed, she’s already lost a kidney, and her health’s been deteriorating. I’m really worried about her…”
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