?<strong>Chapter 562:</strong>
Glenda seethed at Lanny’s harsh words. With hands on her hips, she retorted, “You couldn’t care less about me, could you? Fine! It’s over between us!”
Lanny’s arrogance outdid even Glenda’s anger. “Fine by me! Buy whatever you like with your money,” he snorted disdainfully, “But don’t expect a single penny from me!”
Glenda was left speechless by Lanny’s dismissive attitude. Trying to calm herself, she grabbed a bowl of instant noodles and started eating.
There was a time when she had people at her beck and call, enjoying daily deliveries of the finest seafood and beef. Now, here she was, standing in her kitchen eating instant noodles, a hard reality for her to swallow.
Yet, she seemed to have wiped from her memory the not-too-distant days of financial peril, following Lanny into near bankruptcy, always worried about money. Luxury had spoiled Glenda for so long that she had forgotten those tough times.
She hade to view her privileged life as something she was inherently entitled to.
After his outburst, Lanny left the house in a huff, and the hours dragged on into the night. Darkness fell, and he still hadn’t returned. Glenda sat on the couch, unconcerned about Lanny’s whereabouts, instead nervously anticipating Mabel’s arrival.
At eleven o’clock, the doorbell rang, piercing through the silence. Glenda opened the door to see Mabel there, looking pale and resentful.
When their eyes met, the hatred in Mabel’s eyes dissolved into tears. She copsed into Glenda’s arms, her voice choked with sobs. “Mom, you’re finally home.”
Glenda held Mabel close, her touch uncovering the shocking thinness of her daughter. “What’s happened to you? Why are you so thin? And these marks on your face? Has someone hurt you?”
Mabel flinched at Glenda’s touch, covering her split lip with her hand. A bitter sneer crossed her face. “Where’s Dad?” she demanded.
“He left some time ago. What’s wrong?”
Glenda examined Mabel more closely, her eyes eventually noticing the numerous hickeys on her daughter’s neck. She pulled back Mabel’s cor sharply, her voice filled with distress. “What are all these?”
Overwhelmed, Mabel could no longer contain her anguish. “Mom! I’ve been ruined!” she cried out. “I feel so tainted! Dad sold me for a million dors.
I can’t stand it any longer! Do you have any idea of the horror I’ve been through thesest three days?”
The recollection of what she had gone through plunged Mabel into deep agony.
“That man was nowyer; he’s the chief of police. He himself said he could have had Dad released. Dad sold me to him for money!”
Mabel cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks. “My future is ruined. I’ll never be able to marry. This is all Dad’s fault!”
“That bastard!” Glenda’s anger was nearly uncontroble. It was clear why Lanny hadn’t mentioned anything about Mabel and had left hours before, afraid of her reaction.
“Mom, am I really Dad’s daughter?” Mabel cried helplessly, copsing on the floor. “Why would he do this to me? I don’t understand!”
Glenda regained herposure and helped Mabel to her feet, guiding her to the bathroom. “My dear, take a long, rxing shower. I’ll bring you some contraceptive pills.”
Mabel was beyond constion. “That man was disgusting! The thought of being pregnant terrifies me!” she eximed in despair.
“Don’t worry, Mabel. I promise to find you a deserving husband. I will ensure he is a man of substantial means and character,” Glenda promised with sincerity.
But Mabel remained unconvinced. She couldn’t imagine how someone like her could ever attract a rich and desirable husband. Her life felt irreparably broken, and she med Lanny entirely. She never thought Lanny could betray her so grievously.
After her shower, Glenda dried Mabel’s hair and helped her into bed. Mabel, worn out by her emotional turmoil, quickly fell asleep.
Glenda went back to her own room, weighed down with sorrow. She pulled out a hidden handbag and removed a stack of cash—her secret savings, meant for a time she never expected woulde so quickly, when Lanny might stop supporting her financially.
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