Chapter 235
Elise never imagined Layton would toss her aside just like that.
Her father, Aiken, sat across from her with a deep frown. “So, you left with nothing at all p>
She nodded, her voice flat. “Yeah p>
There was no way she could win against Layton. She didn’t even want to waste her energy fighting over money that barely existed anymore. The Brown family was already running on empty. If she fought for less, it only meant Alonzo would get more in the end.
Carola’s coldness made sense to Elise, but what stung was how Alonzo wouldn’t even stick up for her. His silence hurt more than she wanted to admit.
But she had already told Dorothea she was done with her. Alonzo was her only son. She couldn’t risk pushing him away completely, so she gritted her teeth and swallowed every bit of bitterness.
Aiken’s face stayed stern. “Elise, the Brown family had all that property. You spent years tiptoeing around Layton, only to walk away empty-handed. You’re nearly fifty. Are you planning to rely on us for the rest of your life p>
Elise stared at her father, disbelief written all over her face. “Dad, I’ve done so much for this family. Remember Walton’s job? I made that happen. Alfonso’s company? I helped there too. When have I ever not helped you? And now you’re saying this to me p>
Her younger brother Walton had done well running the hotel, all thanks to Elise pulling strings.
But now that she was out, all that gratitude had turned into nothing but blame.
“Elise, you couldn’t even keep Dorothea in check. Because of you, I lost my job in the middle of my life. Not just that, my wife took off with my money, and my son won’t talk to me. It’s all Dorothea’s fault. She’s nothing but bad luck p>
Elise tried to hold her tongue, but she just couldn’t. “Your wife ran off and your son ignores you because you cheated. Isn’t that the real reason p>
Walton’s face flushed red. He straightened up and practically shouted, “What man doesn’t have a little something on the side? If it wasn’t for Dorothea, my wife would never have found out. She’d still be here p>
Aiken didn’t even hesitate before siding with Walton. “Elise, just because things went wrong with your husband’s family doesn’t mean you can come back here and take it out on us p>
Elise took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Dad, I’m not here to ask you for anything. I still have my own place. It just needs some work. I honestly didn’t think you’d all p>
Abandon her the moment she needed help.
The only one who hadn’t said a word was Alfonso. He finally gave a little smile and tried to ease the tension. “Elise, don’t get upset. Dad, maybe let’s just drop it p>
He turned to her. “Elise, Dad’s just worried about you. Didn’t you mention your place needs to be renovated? I have an empty apartment you can use for now p>
Some of the tension left her shoulders. “Thanks, Alfonso. You’re the only one talking like a real person today p>
The message was clear. Walton didn’t count.
Walton just scoffed and stormed off.
Alfonso kept his voice calm. “Come on, Elise. My apartment is in the same complex
as mine. If you ever feel lonely, just come over. Bertha misses you p>
Elise had no reason to refuse. After all, Alfonso’s company had gotten plenty of business thanks to her introductions. Honestly, she figured he owed her at least a place to stay.
“Thank you, Alfonso p>
Later that evening, Alfonso brought it up at home.
His wife stared at him. “Are you out of your mind p>
He shot her a look. “Do you even know who Dorothea married? Latham, the president of the
Stephens Group. Even the crumbs from his table would be enough to keep us comfortable for years.
“But I thought you said Elise and Dorothea aren’t speaking anymore p>
“They aren’t. But they’re still mother and daughter. Who knows if they’ll make up one day?” Alfonso gave a sly smile. “It’s not like our family has any issues with Dorothea. Maybe Bertha should visit Lathan’s place a little more often. What do you think p>
His wife nodded, catching on right away. “Looks like I have to talk to Bertha p>