Chapter 491

At this very moment, Lena was completely in the dark about the drama brewing around her. She was just bewildered. Why on earth was Hattie talking like that?

Garrett, worried he might spill the beans, quickly jumped in, "Lena, here's the thing. Your mom and I-we've always raised our kids to stand on their own by the time they turn eighteen. Since you're a girl, we never really discussed this with you. But think about your three brothers and Josie-they've all been through the same thing."

Hattie, realizing she might have fumbled her words, hurried to smooth things over, "Lena, now that you're turning eighteen on September first, it's time for you to spread your wings and fly. I believe in you, sweetheart."

Josefina chimed in, "Little sis, you're so talented, you'll outshine all of us."

Lena was flabbergasted. Were they seriously cutting her off financially?

Did the family find out something?

Panic began to creep in for Lena.

Sensing Lena's growing anxiety, Josefina added, "Come on, Lena, don't tell me you can't even outdo me?"

As Lena met Josefina's challenging gaze, everything fell into place.

It was all Josefina's doing. She must have manipulated things to get the family to treat Lena this way!

Now, without a dime to her name, Lena forced a strained smile and assured her parents, "I'll work hard to make my own money, just like my brothers and sister have done!"

Josefina crossed her arms smugly, "Well then, I'll be watching. Go get 'em, Lena."

Lena was seething inside, but all she could do was keep up that forced smile.

...

After dinner, Josefina hit the gym for an intense workout.

Leaving the gym, she ran into Lena on her way back.

It looked like Lena had been waiting for her, glaring daggers as she approached.

"Josefina, why are you targeting me?! Did you tell mom and dad to cut me off?"

Josefina hadn't expected Lena to confront her, but if that was the case, she might as well play the role of the wicked heiress.

With her arms still crossed, Josefina looked Lena up and down with an air of superiority.

"Lena, you've had eighteen cushy years with the Harrisons. You still want to milk us? How do you have the nerve? Your skin's thicker than the walls of Harrison Manor!"

Lena was speechless!

"Josefina, I may not be the golden child, but I've been part of the Harrisons for eighteen years! I can be just as devoted to mom and dad as you. Why do you have to be so ruthless?"

"Lena, they're my parents, not yours. The Harrisons have done right by you. And you still want to reach into our pockets? Where's your shame?"

Josefina's flair for the dramatic as the quintessential heiress was in full swing,

cementing the fact that Lena's financial cut-off was all her doing.

Seeing that she had made her point, Josefina waved her hand dismissively, "Mom!"

Lena flinched, her face twisting in fear.

"Mom..."

But where was Hattie?

When Lena realized she'd been tricked, rage consumed her.

Before she could lash out at Josefina, she was already striding away.

Lena was left gasping for air, storming back to the house in fury.

...

After a refreshing shower, Josefina lounged on the couch and video-called Oliver.

Oliver picked up instantly, his eyes full of affection. "Decided to grace me with your presence, I see."

"I had to leave early today. Did you cover for me with Finley?"

"Don't worry, he's not mad. I think he had a row with his girlfriend. They might be done."

Josefina was taken aback, hearing about Finley's girlfriend for the first time, "I thought she was into Shay?"

Oliver looked puzzled, and noticing his expression, Josefina, half laughing, half incredulous, shot back, "What? You didn't know she was into Shay?"