Chapter 219
“Now she’s finally learned to leave that heartless mother behind. I guess that means she’s truly grown up p>
The two elders let out a long sigh together. Their children had never had it easy.
“Pauline, we need to keep working at this. Let’s help those two get closer, so they can look out for each other in the future p>
Pauline nodded, totally on board.
Just as they were about to head to their rooms for an afternoon rest, someone unexpected showed up outside the villa.
Elise had worked hard to track this place down. She knew Latham wouldn’t pay her any attention. What she hadn’t counted on was finding Pauline here, too.
Pauline might have Alzheimer’s, but she was sharp for at least half the day. She’d just finished venting to Ladd when Elise arrived. Pauline let out a heavy, irritated sound. “Elise, what are you doing here p>
Elise’s face was pale. “Mom, I came to talk to Ladd for a bit p>
“I’m not your mom. When my son died, you stopped being my daughter-in-law p>
Elise didn’t want to argue with Pauline. She turned to Ladd instead. “Ladd, I know there are a lot of misunderstandings between us, but it’s all because Dorothea made things up. She’s always been jealous of Carola. I know she thinks I play favorites, and she used to have a thing for Carola’s fiancé. All that jealousy made her do something extreme, like framing us. Please, can you just see the truth for yourself? I’m not asking for much, just one thing-please let Patrick defend Carola. That’s all I want p>
Pauline threw her cane at Elise’s feet. “Elise, you’re unbelievable! Dorothea is your own daughter, and you’re willing to pin every nasty thing on her? How could you p>
Saying something like that in front of Ladd… Pauline was furious. Elise was practically trying to ruin Dorothea’s life.
“I’m not making anything up. Everyone knows Dorothea used to like Albert. I just don’t want Ladd to be the last to know p>
Pauline started looking around for something to hit her with. Ladd handed her his own cane “Pauline if you’re going to do it, make sure you actually hit her p>
He supported Pauline’s arm and swung the cane himself, landing it hard on Elise’s back.
Elise screamed from the pain.
“That’s it, just like that p>
Ladd gave a cold laugh. “Never thought I’d see a mother try to ruin her own daughter. Who Dorothea liked in the past isn’t my business and it’s not Latham’s either. The point is, now she likes Latham, and that’s because Latham’s got what it takes. Albert? He’s all looks and no substance, not even close to my son. Maybe Layton’s daughter thinks he’s a treasure, but Dorothea doesn’t care one bit. Let me tell you, if you ever try to spread lies about. Dorothea again, Til hit you every time. And you still want me to help you find a lawyer? You must be out of your mind. Butler, get this woman out of here. Remember her face-she’s banned from every Stephens Group property from now on p>
Pauline clapped her hands, delighted. “Exactly. She’s lost her mind p>
Elise was thrown out of the villa, looking completely defeated. Her back ached, but what really crushed her was not knowing how she’d explain any of this to Layton.
Ladd turned to Pauline to comfort her. “Pauline, next time you’re e dealing with someone unreasonable, just use your hands instead of your mouth. Hit them a few times they’II get the message
Pauline felt completely satisfied. “Thank you, Ladd. I mean it p>
“Don’t worry. From now on, we’re both here for Dorothea. She’ll always have us in
her corner p>