Chapter 512

Lena looked at Hattie with eyes full of desperation, like a puppy left behind on a busy street corner.

In the past, Hattie would have never imagined kicking Lena out. But now, thinking about what Lena had done sent shivers down her spine; bringing her back home was the last thing she wanted.

"Lena, have I ever treated you badly? Our whole family has showered you with love. I never thought you'd hurt your grandmother!"

"It wasn't me, it really wasn't, Mom, please believe me."

"Not you? Your grandmother said it herself. If not you, then who? Why would she accuse anyone else? She's loved you for eighteen years! Does the love we've shown you mean less than the word of an outsider? Lena, just tell me who it was, and I'll forgive you."

Hattie gave her a way out, but Lena felt cornered by the Harrisons.

"Mom, Grandma must be confused. How could I ever harm her? It wasn't me. Ever since Josefina came back, you all adore her. All eyes are on her. Grandma must be siding with Josefina because she's Harrison's own flesh and blood, just to frame me!"

Josefina scoffed, "I've been back for just a few days, and you've lived with the Harrisons for how long, Lena? Don't you find it laughable to say such things? I even asked Mom-Grandma cherished you too. Hearing you talk like this just breaks my heart."

Hattie couldn't believe the words coming out of Lena's mouth.

With anger, Hattie snapped, "Are we struggling for money? Is raising one more person too much for us? Besides, Josie is so capable, she makes enough to support herself. And you? You've been with the Harrisons for years and what have you accomplished? It wasn't until Josie showed up that I realized-blood is thicker than water. Josie is truly the best of the best in our family!"

Lena was left speechless.

She had been humiliated by Hattie!

Lena's heart ached, and she shouted, "So you've always thought I'm inferior to Josefina!"

Hattie shook her head, seeing that Lena was still in denial.

"We think you don't match Josie's work ethic, but we never put you down. If Grandma hadn't remembered what happened, you'd still be Miss Josefina of the Harrison estate, entitled to your share of the legacy."

Hattie added bitterly, "We never thought we'd end up nurturing an ungrateful person in the Harrison family!"

Josefina chimed in, "Mom, let's go inside."

The things Lena had done were truly heartbreaking.

Hattie felt a deep sadness as she turned to leave.

She was afraid that looking at Lena any longer would remind her of years of devotion—and how they now seemed like a joke.

Josefina cast one last glance at Lena and said coldly, "Leave our home, Lena. The properties in your name-did you really think Mom and Dad didn't know about them?"

Lena stood there, heartbroken, as her world fell apart.

Josefina walked home with Hattie, who was visibly crushed.

"I just can't believe Lena would do this to us. She's been my beloved child for eighteen years, how could she commit such acts?"

Josefina consoled her, "Mom, looks can be deceiving, and one never knows where the enemy lies. It's a blessing we found out early, or we could have been ruined."

Hattie suddenly remembered something and asked anxiously, "Lena didn't reveal her accomplice. Are we really doing the right thing by exposing all this?"