Chapter 35 The Price of Forgiveness
And with all that kneeling and bowing at each step, her pampered body would surely suffer, her knees and forehead were bound to end up bruised and bloodied.
She was the esteemed wife of the Bennett Group’s chairman; being seen humbling herself like that would be utterly humiliating. If someone recorded it and posted it online, how could she ever face the elite social circles of Hoverdale again?
On top of that, Reverend Matthew wasn’t someone you could just walk in and meet, he only granted audiences to those he deemed worthy.
If he refused to see her, all her effort would be for nothing
Weighing the pros and cons, Alice’s face twisted with hesitation.
“Laurie, can we maybe… talk about a different request?”
Lauren couldn’t help but let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Madam Alice, you claim you want my forgiveness, yet you keep trying to negotiate with me like this is some kind of flea market.”
Alice’s face flushed crimson. She lowered her head, guilt gnawing at her, her voice barely above a whisper. “Laurie… it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just… I’m getting older. I really can’t manage a climb like that.”
Lauren’s face hardened with disappointment, her eyes glinting with an icy detachment. Clearly unwilling to make an effort. yet too proud to admit it.
“This won’t work, that won’t work… What exactly can you do? Are you even serious about making this right? Or did you just come here to enjoy the show?”
Alice was heartbroken by Lauren’s sharp words, her eyes brimming with tears. Her voice trembled as she choked out, “No, Laurie… Please believe me. Just give me one more chance.”
Lauren stared at her coldly, her gaze piercing straight through her. “I already gave you a chance and you just didn’t value it. All that so–called motherly love of yours? It’s nothing but empty words.”
“No… it’s not like that.
Alice shook her head desperately, her emotions on the verge of breaking down.
“Laurie… one last time. I promise, this is the last chance. Just tell me what you want. Whatever it is, I’ll do it, I swear
Lauren closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady the storm brewing inside her.
When she opened them again, the cold determination in her gaze made Alice’s heart tighten.
“Alright, Madam Alice. Since you’re so persistent, I’ll give you one more chance. But this is it. If you fail me again, from that moment on, we go o our separate ways. No more ties, no more chances.”
Alice, feeling as if she’d been granted a pardon, nodded repeatedly. But the flicker of panic in her eyes betrayed her unease.
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She stared at Lauren, her body tense and rigid, like she was bracing for impact.
“Tell me,” she urged.
Lauren met her gaze directly. “The Bennett family has supported Willow for twenty–three years. You’ve spent well over 14 million dollars on her, haven’t you?”
Alice froze. “Laurie… are you asking for money!”
Lauren didn’t bother to beat around the bush. What I want from you isn’t something you can give, except money. I don’t need 14 million dollars. I just want 1.4 million dollars. If you can manage that, we’ll call it even for everything that’s happened.”
1.4 million dollars wasn’t a fortune for Alice, but it wasn’t pocket change either.
Chapter 35 The Price of Forgiveness
Compared to the previous two conditions, this demand of these million dollars was the easiest for her to fulfil
Afraid that Lauren might change her mind, Alice hurriedly agreed, “Alright, I promise you.”
Seeing her agree. Lauren had nothing more to say. “You should go now. I’m tired.”
“Okay, okay… I’ll go now…”
Watching Alice’s retreating figure, a mocking smile tugged at the corner of Lauren’s lips.
From the very beginning, her goal had been crystal clear, she just wanted the money.
But she also knew that if she had asked for a million dollars outright, Alice would never have agreed.
+8 Pearls
Alier wasn’t even willing to give her 70.000 dollars‘ pocket money monthly, so how could she possibly expect her to agree to a million?
So, she deliberately put forward we demands that Alice would find outrageous and impossible to fulfil
That way, when she finally brought up the money. Alice would agree without hesitation.
The next day. Marilyn showed up as usual to bring her food.
This time, Alice didn’t come along. Instead, Mia showed up with Marilyn.
A twenty–year–old college student, Mia’s eyes were clear and innocent, her whole being radiating youthful energy-
Lauren, only three years older than Mia, felt worlds apart. She was like a withered flower, long stripped of her innocence, left with nothing but weariness.
The moment Mia saw Lauren, her eyes welled up with tears.
She gently took Lauren’s injured left hand in hers. Lauren’s wounds weren’t just limited to her fingers, her hand and armi were covered in angry welts from where David had lashed her with a belt.
The once–fresh cuts had turned purple and bruised, a painful sight to behold.
Heartbroken. Mia said. “The Bennett family is unbelievable. How could they hurt you like this? Laurie, you need to leave that place. Don’t stay with those devils any longer
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