Chapter 188
Chapter 188
But they both averted their eyes.
Just as despair threatened to swallow me whole, William stepped
forward.
“Ethan,” he began, his expression somber.
“Daisy did wrong, I won’t dispute that. But sending her to Europe
alone? For a young lady who’s been sheltered and pampered her
entire life? That seems unnecessarily cruel p>
Gratitude flooded through me as I looked at William with hope
blossoming in my chest.
Perhaps there was still a chance I could-
William paused, then continued, “I can accompany Daisy to Europe p>
“What?” I stared at him in disbelief.
Ethan considered this, then nodded.
“That’s fair. I appreciate your willingness to step up, William p>
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Chapter 188
No, no, no. I couldn’t leave. I wouldn’t.
I dropped to my knees in front of Ethan, grasping his hands.
“Please,” I sobbed, my pride completely forgotten.
“I’ll do anything. I’ll apologize to Audrey. I’ll make it right. Just don’t
send me away p>
Ethan looked down at me, his expression unmoved by my tears.
“You need time away to really reflect on your actions, Daisy. I want
you to understand the gravity of what you’ve done. With William
there, at least I know you’ll be looked after properly p>
The finality in his voice made something break inside me.
This time, there would be no reprieve, no last–second pardon.
The room grew uncomfortable with my continued sobbing.
Clara whispered something to Finley, and they both made polite
excuses to leave.
Dad mentioned feeling unwell and retreated to his suite upstairs,
Mom following close behind, her eyes filled with tears she refused to
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Chapter 188
shed in public.
One by one, they turned and walked away.
I remained frozen, slumped on the floor where I’d fallen to my knees,
staring blankly at the empty doorway.
The mansion that had always been my sanctuary now felt cavernous
and cold.
The tears that had flowed so freely moments ago dried on my cheeks
as a strange numbness washed over me.
With trembling fingers, I pulled out my phone and dialed Audrey’s
number.
Each ring echoed my racing heartbeat until she finally answered.
“Hello?” Her voice was cautious.
“Are you happy now?” I spat, my voice cracking.
“Daisy? What are you talking about p>
“Don’t pretend! Isn’t this exactly what you wanted to see? Your bestie
Clara must have tipped you off, right p>
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“Everything I loved, everything I was proud of–it’s all gone because
of you! And now you can just move right into the Cole house and be
their perfect new daughter. One big happy family without the
troublesome Daisy in the picture p>
“What?” Audrey sounded genuinely shocked.
“Daisy, I have no idea what you’re talking about p>
“They’re sending me away!” I nearly screamed into the phone. “And
it’s all because of you p>
There was a pause, then Audrey’s voice came through, calm but firm.
“I never wanted to take anything from you, Daisy. ”
“I’ve been in your position before–in the Bailey house. Being
replaced, being pushed aside. I would never wish that on anyone, not
even you p>
“Whatever is happening between you and your family has nothing to
do with me p>
Before I could respond, she continued p>
“I’m sorry you’re hurting, but I won’t be your scapegoat. Goodbye,
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Daisy p>
The line went dead.
I sat there, phone still pressed to my ear, listening to the silence.
A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I finally lowered it.
“Even now, you make me look like a fool,” I whispered to no one.
My laughter grew more hollow, more desperate.
“The perfect Audrey Lane. So noble. So understanding p>
But somewhere beneath my resentment, her words had struck a
chord.
Being replaced, being pushed aside. I would never wish that on anyone,
not even you.
Had I been wrong all along?
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Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
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