Chapter 490

They never saw it coming, Paula leaving the Harrison family, all because of Lena.

In the cozy familiarity of their living room, Josefina finally broke the silence. "This recording won't hold up as evidence. I dug into it. Paula's son, a gambling addict, owed three million dollars he couldn't repay. Then, out of nowhere, the debt vanished. He bragged about having a golden goose, a way to cover his losses no matter what. I'd bet that goose is Lena."

Garrett's face darkened as a grim realization dawned on him. "Paula must have found out Lena's secret, used it to clear her son's debt."

Hattie's heart sank, each word feeling like a dagger. "The more I hear, the colder I feel. I've loved Lena for eighteen years. What does that love amount to now? How could she betray us like this?"

The weight of her emotions was almost unbearable.

Garrett gently patted Hattie's hand, his voice a soothing whisper. "Honey, don't be so down. It's a blessing we found out in time. Otherwise, we could've been six feet under without knowing who did us in. I never imagined raising a child capable of this."

Josefina nodded, understanding the heartache all too well. "Maybe it's not Lena. We need solid proof before we can know the truth."

But Hattie shook her head, burdened by sorrow. "The clearer the evidence gets, the harder it is to deny."

Garrett tried to keep things steady. "Honey, stay calm, we don't want to worry Josie."

Realizing she might frighten her beloved daughter, Hattie quickly composed herself. "Josie, I'm stronger than I look. Don't be scared."

Josefina couldn't help but smile, touched by her mother's concern. Hattie was putting her own grief aside to offer comfort.

Garrett glanced at the clock. "Jingting should be back soon; I'll discuss this with him then."

The three of them trudged downstairs, heavy with thoughts.

...

They had barely settled when Lena waltzed in, arms laden with a cake and a variety of sweet treats.

"I heard rave reviews about this bakery, so I grabbed a few things for us to try," Lena announced cheerfully.

Hattie found herself unable to look at Lena with the same affection as before.

Garrett, however, managed a nonchalant demeanor. "What's got you in the mood for sweets?"

Taking a seat, Lena beamed. "Dad, I've been thinking about opening my own dessert shop. I did some scouting today, and I think I can make it work."

Garrett nodded. "Sure, go ahead, open your shop."

Lena's eyes sparkled before a hint of embarrassment crept in. "Dad, I did the math. I need a million. If I open two locations and stock up, it might run up to three million."

"Go ahead, manage your shops," Garrett said casually.

Lena was puzzled. Garrett had changed. Before, he would have handed over the money without hesitation. Why not now?

Taking the initiative, Lena asked, "Dad, could you lend me some money to start with? I'll pay you back once I'm earning."

Hattie's frustration boiled over. Even now, Lena was thinking of fleecing the family?

Holding back her anger, Hattie managed to say, "Lena, can't you come up with the money? We've given you plenty over the years. Enough to open not just one, but ten dessert shops!"

Why couldn't Lena produce a few million?

The more Hattie thought about it, the more convinced she became of Josefina's words. Lena was the culprit!