Chapter 76
Chapter 76:
Connor bristled with unease. “What has gotten into you, Laurie? Did Janice say something to you to make you act like this? I already told you, you shouldn’t listen to her.”
“I told you to leave!” Laurie screamed, pushing Connor toward the door.
“Return to your senses, Laurie! Don’t believe a single word Janice says! And don’t forget why we took her back in the first place!” Connor’s words pierced Laurie’s heart.
They had taken Janice back mainly to keep Delilah from marrying a disabled man. Essentially, they had made Janice a substitute.
Meanwhile, Delilah overheard the muffled commotion and came out of her room to see what was going on. She poked her head out just in time to see Connor being shoved through the door by Laurie. Needless to say, Delilah was utterly bewildered.
What on earth was happening today? Laurie had been behaving strangely since she came home, and now, she was arguing with Connor as well.
Delilah left her room and approached Connor. “Dad, what’s going on? Is Mom upset because of me?” Of course, she made sure to put her signature pitiful expression on. “Well, it’s true that I’m not good enough. I suppose it’s only natural for Mom to be angry.”
Just like the old song and dance, Connor melted at Delilah’s sorrowful face. “It’s not your fault at all. It’s that useless wench, Janice. Even when she’s no longer here, she still manages to cause chaos in this household.”
“Did Janice tell Mom about those things?” As soon as she said this, Delilah immediately covered her mouth, as if she had spoken by accident.
“What things?” Connor asked in a stern tone. “Tell me.”
Delilah shook her head, looking timid and contrite. “I’m sorry, Dad, I’m afraid I can’t say it.”
“What? Are you disobeying me now?” Connor demanded. “Don’t be scared. Whatever it is, you will always have my support.”
ᗰσ𝓇𝑒 υ𝐩𝓭𝑎𝓉𝑒𝓈 ι𝐧 ɢ𝒶𝐥𝓷𝑜𝐯𝑒𝓁𝓈.𝒸𝑜𝓂
Delilah let out a few more sniffles and choked sobs before recounting an exaggerated version of the interview.
Lowell had mentioned the incident to Connor, but not in so much detail. Now that he heard it from Delilah, Connor was incensed.
“Just great! That ingrate is really trying to tear this family apart!” Connor seethed, his eyes narrowed as he spoke. “So she dared to say you didn’t know how to hold a paintbrush, that you were nothing without your mom? It’s no wonder your mom is so mad. That brat must have provoked her!”
“I can’t seem to do anything right, Dad. Maybe I should just tender my resignation tomorrow,” Delilah sobbed again.
“No!” Connor placed his hands on Delilah’s shoulders, his voice reassuring. “Even if you’re a talented designer, you still need ample time to adapt to your surroundings, especially when your previous focus is different from your current one. I’m certain that once you get the hang of things, you will soar to the top.”
“But—”
“I’ll find a way to secure your position as a designer at Delgado Jewelry,” Connor declared firmly. “And as long as you hold that position, nothing that Janice says will ever sway your mom.”
“Dad, you’re the best,” Delilah said, sinking into Connor’s comforting embrace.
The next day, Janice arrived at Delgado Jewelry in Aiden’s car. “I should go to work by myself next time,” she said, glancing at Aiden’s legs. “It’s not convenient for you to move around as it is, and it will only be a hassle to bring me to work every morning.”
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