Chapter 69 A Plan Unspoken
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# Finished
Alice thought to herself, Lauren’s longing for the Bennett Jamily had vanished, her hope for a home stripped away. Memories flashed, Lauren’s tentative attempts to connect, brushed off by the Now, those moments pierced my heart.
At this moment, she even forgot to cry.
She knew, Lauren truly didn’t care about them anymore.
No fights, no fuss, they meant nothing to her.
Panic gripped Alice. She grabbed Lauren’s thin hand. Turic. I’m still your mother, no matter what.”
Lauren shoved her away. “Legally, I’m not tied to the Bennett family.”
The words hit like a sledgehammer. Alice’s eyes widened, staggering back.
Elliot bristled. “Lauren, what’s the point of saying useless things?”
“Useless? Mr. Elliot, don’t you know your household registry never listed me?”
“No way.” Elliot stunned.
“Ask your mother if it’s true.” Lauren said.
Elliot spun to Alice. “Mom, she’s lying, right?”
Elliot thought, Lauren had been back eight years, living with us for three, her name should’ve been added long ago.
He expected a firm denial, but Alice faltered, visibly shaken.
His heart tightened. “Is there really no…”
Alice covered her face, sobbing. “Laurie, I’m so sorry…
“Heh!” Lauren sneered. “No wonder the servants look down on me, calling Willow ‘Ms. Willow Bennett‘ and me “Ms. Lauren. They’re right, Mr. David and Madam Alice never meant to claim me. I’m just a guest living under the same roof. I’m not a Bennett. Can both of you leave now?”
Alice’s head snapped up, her eyes resolute, sorrow replaced by steel. “Like it or not, I carried you for ten months. Your blood ties to the Bennett family can’t be cut. As a Bennett, you owe this family your contribution. Don’t forget your promise to your father and me. Break it, ignore the Bennett legacy, and you’ll never get what you want. Her tone was unyielding, each word a hammer blow.
Lauren wasn’t shocked, she’d seen it coming. When love failed, they’d dangle the 1.4 million dollars over
her head.
Even if she resisted, they’d use Marilyn and Mia to force her.
Marrying the Brooker family’s Bossman wasn’t optional
Her heart was shattered, their threats no longer stung or surprised her.
She knew this visit wasn’t concern, it was to lock her into the Brooker family’s Bossman marriage for the
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Chapter 69 A Plan Unspoken
Finished? Then go.” Her voice was flat, emotionless.
She turned away, refusing to face their loathsome presence.
Alice’s heart twisted.
She wished Lauren still craved her love, even just a tear
But there was nothing.
Finished
The more it hurt, the harsher her parting shot. “You look fine. Discharge soon. Your father and I will set up a meeting with Mr. Felix.” She turned and fled the room
Elliot gave Lauren a long look, as if to speak, but sighed and followed.
The room fell silent, Lauren’s shaky breaths the only sound.
Her hands gripped the blanket, clenching and unclenching, her heart aching.
She willed herself not to cry, they weren’t worth it.
Her tension eased as Marilyn’s gentle “Ms. Bennett, hungry?” broke the silence. Marilyn opened the thermos, and the rich scent of chicken soup filled the air.
Sipping it, Lauren murmured, ‘I envy Mia for having a mom like
you.
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