When fate plays its hand

Nelly’s expression twisted when she heard the murmurs from the crowd. Veins bulged on her forehead.

How could this be happening? Did Aren and Fiona find out about the truth?

No… Impossible… It was absolutely impossible…

Yet the sharp, scrutinizing gazes of everyone around her were like shining steel blades, piercing into her body without restraint.

For over 20 years, Nelly had lived in comfort and privilege as the mistress of the Cooper family. She had a prominent husband, and an accomplished son. She was the center of attention wherever she went. Never had she been subjected to such public judgment and ridicule.

Nelly took a deep breath to maintain her composure. Then, she forced a smile and stepped forward to greet Aren as he came off the stage. “Dad, happy birthday! It’s your 80th birthday, and Minnie has also returned to the family. It’s truly a double blessing for our family!”

Aren looked up and met Nelly’s eyes with a cold look. He deliberately avoided touching her outstretched hand and said, “Did I fail to make myself clear just now?”

Nelly’s face turned pale.

Aren didn’t leave her any room to maneuver. “Let me repeat myself. The Garrison family has only one daughter, which is Minnie. So, don’t call me your father.”

“What are you saying? I… I understand. I must have upset you somehow. I’ll change… Please don’t be like this…” Nelly pleaded. She attempted to reframe his earlier statement as a mere quarrel between father and daughter.

Even at such a moment, she still wanted to pretend that all was well.

Sure enough, the guests in attendance heard this and thought that it must be a family dispute. How could a family truly sever ties?

Aren must have spoken it in a moment of anger. It wouldn’t be long before they reconciled.

“So there’s no major scandal after all…”

“It’s just some family drama.”

“Alright, let’s move on, everyone.

11

Just as everyone began to put their curiosity aside and take their seats, Fiona suddenly let

out a cold laugh. “I’ve seen shameless people, but I’ve never seen anyone as shameless as you. The only reason we didn’t expose the truth is for Sam’s sake.

“If you had just kept quiet, we could have maintained a semblance of civility in public. But you just had to push your luck. Do you still want to cling to the Garrison family’s name and flaunt your position as Mrs. Cooper? Well, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

“Mom? You…” Nelly tried to stop her, but she was too late.

Fiona launched into a tirade, unleashing all the resentment and bitterness she had bottled up over the years. “Did you

We wouldn’t know what you did to Minnie? How do you have the nerve to say the things you do, pretending to be oblivious and trying to get away with it?

“We failed to protect Min back then due to our negligence. Now, we will never let you harm her a second time!” Her voice was resolute and forceful.

The guests fell silent, not daring to speak. In fact, they were straining their ears to catch every word Fiona spoke for fear of missing even the smallest detail.

Nelly trembled violently, her teeth chattering.

It was over…

Everything was over.

The final veil of pretense had been ripped away, leaving her disgrace fully exposed to the light of day for all to see. Her reputation, her pride, and her dignity were shattered and

crushed.

Nelly’s eyes reddened with anger. She couldn’t accept this humiliation!

Why could Minnie return to reclaim her position as the cherished princess of the Garrison family after being gone for over 20 years?

What about everything she had done all these years? Was it all for nothing? Was it just wasted effort?

“You all forced me to this point! I-” Nelly shouted,

“Mom!” Sam’s sharp voice interrupted her outburst. novelbin

Stepping forward, he grabbed her arm and said in a low tone, “You’re exhausted. Let me help you upstairs to rest.”

“Sam, let go of me! I have to-

“Mom!” Sam warned in a firm and stern voice, After everything that’s happened, do you want to make the situation even worse?”

Nelly froze. In the end, she reluctantly allowed herself to be helped upstairs by Sam.

Once she was gone, Aren turned to the crowd with a smile. “I apologize for the commotion.

Everyone, take your seats and enjoy the meal. Please make yourselves at home.”