Chapter 130 Slanders
Alice, seething with rage, stormed forward and raised her hand to deliver a fierce slap.
Finished
“You unfilial daughter!” she shricked. “You’re out here living a carefree life, while we worried ourselves sick over you!”
The force behind her slap carried a gust of wind, showing no intention of holding back, even in front of such a distinguished audience.
The moment became electrified with tension. The onlookers collectively held their breath, eyes locked onto Lauren, waiting for the inevitable impact.
But just as Alice’s palm was about to land on Lauren’s cheek, Josh’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist in a vice–like hold. With a sharp flick, he forcefully shoved Her hand away.
Alice staggered back several steps, nearly losing her balance. A chorus of shocked gasps erupted from the crowd. Her face burned red–hot as she was embarrassed and humiliated in front of so many people. She stared at Lauren in disbelief, as if the daughter she had always taken for granted had suddenly turned into
a stranger.
That gaze was filled with shock, betrayal, and anger, as if she was betrayed by the people she trusted the most. Lauren’s eyes were cold, indifferent, and utterly detached. She looked at Alice as if she were nothing more than a passing stranger, someone entirely irrelevant.
That cold disregard cut deeper than any harsh words ever could.
Alice had expected Lauren to feel guilty. To tremble with fear. To break down in tears and throw herself into her arms, admitting her wrongdoing. But instead, Lauren was calm.
Alice stood frozen, unable to comprehend this new reality. She may not love Lauren, but she could not accept Lauren not loving her. Not when Lauren had once been so desperate for her attention, once humbled herself just to earn the slightest bit of affection.
Alice’s hand trembled as she pointed at Lauren, her voice choked with emotion. “Laurie, how could you just stand there and let him lay hands on me? I’m your mother!”
A mocking smile curled on Lauren’s lips, devoid of warmth. “So, Madam Alice does remember that you’re my mother. But tell me, what kind of mother greets her daughter with a slap? What is it? Is slapping me supposed to be a reward? If so, let me be very clear. I don’t need this reward. If you insist on using it, I suggest you bestow it generously upon Willow instead.”
Her tone was gentle, but each word carried a sharp edge, mercilessly stripping away Alice’s dignity.
The murmurs among the guests grew louder.
Alice, as a prestigious society lady, valued her reputation above all else. Yet here was Lauren, giving her no room to save face, utterly humiliating her in front of everyone. Her face turned from red to white, her fury barely contained.
“I only wanted to discipline you out of concern!” she sputtered. “A young girl like you, running away from home with no money. How exactly have you been surviving this past month? This gown you’re wearing is worth about 14,000 dollars. Where did you get it?”
“Inlace” Alice’s voice darkened “Vou did something disfraceful to any it Ac your mother it is mu durex
1/2
20:19 Fri, Mar 28 BB
Chapter 130 Slanders
set you straight.”
6、377%@
Finished
The insinuation was clear. Even if she had not spelled it out explicitly, everyone in the room understood the accusation.
A cold, piercing light flashed in Lauren’s eyes.
A mother slandering her own daughter. Utterly disgusting.
“Concern?” Lauren scoffed. “Madam Alice, spare me the hypocrisy. When I was in the Bennett family, I was beaten and scolded at every turn. When I was imprisoned, you couldn’t wait to cut all ties with me. And now, you dare to stand here and say you were worried and concerned?”
She sneered, standing tall in her elegant gown, looking every bit like an untouchable princess. It was a stark contrast to the fragile, bullied girl she once was.
Alice was left speechless. She was unable to refute Lauren’s words.
Seeing his wife at a loss, David’s anger ignited. His voice rose in a sharp, venomous hiss. “If I had known you’d turn out this ungrateful, I never would have taken you from that orphanage! I should have let you rot there! You ran away for a month! Do you really expect us to believe you earned that dress through honest means? Clearly, you sold yourself for it! And now, you’re here at the Brooker family banquet shamelessly trying to seduce men?! Dream on!”
His voice dripped with disgust. “As your father, it is my duty to teach you a lesson, you filthy, disgraceful wretch!”
The moment David’s words landed, the entire banquet hall erupted into chaos.
260
2/2
20:19 Fri,
The Heiress–Revived from the Ashes
Finis
