Chapter 281
Chapter 281:
“Carman, just drop it,” Delilah replied, forcing a smile. “Janice isn’t the same person anymore. She’s got Aiden and JE supporting her now. We’re powerless against her. Remember how she also tarnished your reputation? Recently, Edwards Group was nearly crippled financially trying to cover the massive fines because of you.” At this, Carman’s eyes blazed with renewed animosity toward Janice.
Laurie’s brow furrowed, sensing something off. Delilah had spoken little, yet her words sharply fueled Carman’s anger against Janice.
She felt a wave of realization wash over her. It dawned on her that Delilah often played the victim, subtly steering their frustration toward Janice whenever conflicts arose.
Could it be…?
“Mom!”
At that instant, another man entered.
He wore black-rimmed glasses, presenting a scholarly demeanor that contrasted sharply with Lowell’s and Carman’s more rugged appeal. He appeared gentle, almost intellectual.
“Dotson, you’re here!” As soon as Delilah spotted Dotson, she jumped up and embraced him tightly. “I have missed you so much!”
A blush tinged Dotson’s cheeks, and amidst the crowd, he hesitated to hug her back. “I have missed you too. But what happened with Mom? Why did she collapse all of a sudden?”
“It was Janice,” Carman replied, coaxing Delilah to step away from Dotson.
Dotson’s expression soured. “That bitch! Didn’t we already expel her from our family? And she’s still causing problems?”
“Dotson, mind your language,” Laurie’s voice carried a note of annoyance. She couldn’t pinpoint why, but she felt uncomfortable hearing Janice spoken of in such terms.
𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕦𝕡𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕘𝕒𝕝𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕤.𝕔𝕠𝕞
“Mom, I’m only human, and I can get angry too,” Dotson said sharply. “In the past, people like her would have been excluded and made into examples!”
Laurie suddenly felt overwhelmed. She had no desire to continue this conversation. “I’m exhausted. I need to rest. Everyone, please leave.”
“Mom…”
“I said leave.”
Dotson, Carman, and Delilah shared a look before silently exiting the room.
“Carman, Dotson, it seems like Janice has really hurt Mom this time.” Delilah’s eyes filled with tears as she bit her lip. “Maybe it’s time for me to leave this family. Janice is causing all of this because of me, isn’t she? If I go, maybe she’ll stop.”
“Delilah, don’t talk nonsense!” Carman exclaimed sharply. “The more she causes us trouble, the more important it is that we stand our ground. We can’t appear weak!”
“But—”
“Listen to Carman,” Dotson added, his voice firm and decisive as he adjusted his glasses. “We need to create a strategy against Janice. So what if she’s supported by the Green family and has JE’s influence? That power isn’t hers to keep; it won’t last.”
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