Chapter 253
Chapter 253 When the Tide Turns
Eda let out a deep sigh of relief before speaking again, her voice thick with anguish. “Adeline, how could you set up Lillian like that? We’re classmates; I can’t believe you’d do something so cruel. I’m so disappointed in you-I thought of you as my best friend p>
Then, with tears shimmering in her eyes, she turned to Lillian. “Lillian, I’m so sorry for all the trouble this caused you. Adeline doesn’t really have a bad heart; she was probably just trying to tease you. Please, be the bigger person and forgive her. I know she’ll change after this p>
“Oh, so it was just a joke, huh?” Lillian’s gaze slid to Eda, a dark glint flashing through her icy
eyes.
“Let me break it down for you,”” Lillian said evenly. “If I didn’t have this recorder, I would’ve been branded a thief. Most of the people here are students from Riverdale High School. The moment word got out, everyone at school would’ve heard that Lillian’s a thief. Then what? I’d be dragged through the mud, my reputation ruined, and every time I walked through those halls, this incident would follow me. Maybe for the rest of my life. Tell me, Eda-did I get that right p>
Eda’s face darkened, her expression twisting. Around them, the crowd erupted.
“This is way too vicious-she was trying to completely destroy her p>
“Don’t they say there’s nothing more venomous than a woman’s heart? Looks like it’s true p>
“She’s right, this is disgusting. If Lillian hadn’t been smart, she would’ve been ruined. And she’s a senior this year; she could’ve even missed her SATS because of this p>
Mac, listening to the rising chatter, finally stepped forward and addressed Lillian with a grave tone. “Lillian, I know this happened in my house, and I can’t shirk my responsibility. But you’re all classmates. For my sake, why don’t we let this go? Think of it as me owing you a favor. What do you say p>
His words were smooth, impossible to fault. With just a few sentences, he’d taken control of the situation; if Lillian kept pushing now, she’d come off as petty and ungracious.
Lillian studied Mac, thoughtful. A sly old fox, just as I thought. But she smiled slightly and said, “Alright. Since Mr. Mac is saying this, if I keep holding on, I’ll look like I don’t know when to quit. I just hope Adeline remembers everything that happened today; if it happens again, don’t blame me for being merciless.” With that, she openly slipped the recorder into her bag for everyone to see.
After something like that, there was no way Lillian would stay any longer. She said goodbye to Houston, then grabbed Natalie and walked straight out.
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The others followed suit, excusing themselves in pairs and small
When the last guest was gone, Mac called Eda into his study.
groups.
The quiet room felt heavy. Mac sat behind his desk, inhaled deeply, then fixed his sharp gaze on his daughter. “Talk. What really happened today p>
Eda lowered her head, her hands twisting the hem of her dress as her eyes reddened. “Didn’t everything get cleared up already? It was Adeline who framed Lillian p>
Normally, no matter what she asked for, her father would indulge her-but when he was angry, truly angry, she couldn’t help but tremble. She could feel it now, that he was teetering on the edge of fury.
Mac slammed his palm on the desk, glaring at her. “Do you take me for a fool? You think I couldn’t see that Adeline was acting on your orders? Without you pulling the strings, would she dare do something like that at your birthday party p>
“I…” Eda bit her lip, then snapped, “So what if it was me? I just can’t stand her. Why should some orphan from a tiny town get to outshine me at school? Why should everyone revolve around her? Why p>
Her voice cracked, but there was defiance in it-like if she was going to be scolded anyway, she might as well go all in.
Mac’s face turned stormy. He shot to his feet and slapped her hard across the face. “How did I end up raising such a disgrace of a daughter? You make a mistake and still refuse to admit it, still try to shove the blame on someone else. You’ve disappointed me beyond words p>
He hadn’t expected his daughter to turn out like this-to scheme against a classmate, to feel no remorse. Disappointment was inevitable. But more than that, there was guilt; both he and his wife had been so busy that they’d tried to make up for their absence with material things, never realizing what kind of person they were shaping her into.
The slap stunned Eda. Tears welled up, blurring her vision as she stared at her father in disbelief. In’all her years, this was the first time he’d ever hit her. Without a word, she around and bolted from the room.
spun
Mac sank heavily into his chair, watching the door where she’d disappeared, the weight of helplessness pressing down on him.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.