?<strong>Chapter 563:</strong>


    Clutching the cash, Glenda was en route to the nearby pharmacy to pick up contraceptive pills when she suddenly encountered the foul-smelling Lanny. His level of drunkenness was unclear, yet his wobbly walk and festive demeanor suggested he was deeply intoxicated.


    Encountering Lanny, Glenda was overwhelmed with anger, bringing back painful memories of Mabel’s ordeal. She approached him swiftly and pped him hard across the face.


    The p seemed to snap some sense into Lanny.


    With a look of deadly seriousness, he stared at her and growled, “Have you lost your senses? What’se over you?”


    Glenda, infuriated, shot back, “How could you trade our daughter away? Do you have any idea what she’s gone through? How could you be so heartless?” Her anger was palpable as she continued, “She’s your own flesh and blood!”


    Lanny responded coldly, “For years, I’ve taken care of her, and now that I’m badly in need of money, it’s time for her to repay me.” He spoke with clear disdain, adding, “If that arrangement doesn’t work for you, then we might as well end our marriage!”


    Glenda’s anger peaked as she retorted, “You cruel man! Don’t forget how you got your wealth!”


    Unbeknownst to her, her words would touch a nerve. A sinister smile slowly appeared on Lanny’s face, sending a shiver through Glenda.


    His piercing eyes bore into hers as he whispered threateningly, “I haven’t forgotten, but have you?”


    Fear washed over Glenda as the memories of their dark past echoed in her mind. Her expression revealed that she remembered their dreadful secret: they had murdered Elyse’s parents.


    Lanny, sensing her fear, threatened with venom in his voice, “If you still care about your daughter, you’ll listen to me. If not, she’ll be left alone forever.”


    Glenda’s heart raced, her mind darting to J. She looked around nervously, her voice shaky with fear as she asked, “You can’t be thinking of killing again, can you?”


    “How can you sleep peacefully, aware that J is still alive?” Lanny shot back.


    Throat tight with anxiety, Glenda had been tormented by that thought ever since J came back into their lives.


    After a tense silence, she faced Lanny, her eyes burdened with the harsh reality ahead. In a hushed, resigned tone, she asked, “What will you do?”


    “Obviously, we need to find a chance to kill her. I’ve already discovered where she lives,” Lanny replied, his gaze sharp with a dangerous purpose. “And once she’s gone, Elyse will follow.”


    “She’s under Jayden’s protection. We don’t stand a chance of getting near her!” Glenda objected.


    The coldness in Lanny’s words struck terror in Glenda’s heart. She understood he was not merely threatening. He was desperate enough tomit murder to secure his own safety, making him all the more fearsome.


    A chilling smile crept over Lanny’s lips. “Lately, Elyse and J have been inseparable.


    Do you really think she doesn’t know who murdered her parents? Her attitude toward us haspletely changed. She has no respect for us anymore.”


    Glenda stubbornly resisted the idea. “Perhaps she’s just in a bad mood,” she countered weakly.


    Lanny announced firmly, “I’m taking action tomorrow. You shoulde with me.


    If I fail, your daughter’s future will be ruined.” His voice was clear and determined.


    Glenda felt a silent fury building inside her, a slow-burning rage that threatened to consume her. She had picked up the medication, her mind filled with chaos all the way home.


    After waking Mabel and giving her the medication, Glenda sat numbly beside her daughter, lost in thought.


    Her eyes eventually drifted to the small amount of hidden savings she had—barely enough to run away with Mabel. Yet, she dismissed the idea almost as soon as it came to mind.


    She and Mabel were not used to difficulties, and a fugitive life promised nothing but hardship. Their safest option seemed to be to stick with Lanny and take a chance. There was a glimmer of hope that life could once again be good for her and Mabel.


    As Mabel rested in her bed, her sleepy eyes noticed the distress on Glenda’s face. “Mom, what’s bothering you? Did Dad hurt you again?” she asked.


    Thepassion in her eyes deeply moved Glenda. With a heavy heart, she confessed, “It’s me who has let you down. I haven’t been strong enough to shield you or provide the life you deserve.”


    “Mom, we have to leave,” Mabel insisted, her voice firm. “Dad is a monster, and happiness will never be ours as long as we’re with him.”


    While Glenda desperately wanted to flee, her fear paralyzed her. The prospect of facing a tough life daunted her. Living with Lanny, despite its agonies, came with the security of theirvish home.


    “Just be patient, my dear,” Glenda whispered soothingly, her tone gentle yet reassuring, “I promise you a life free from fear and pain.”


    Mabel felt a wave of anxiety as she detected a desperate tone in Glenda’s assurances, something that stirred unease within her. “What’s going on, Mom? You shouldn’t keep secrets from me,” she pressed.


    In response, Glenda remained quiet, merely stroking Mabel’s hair soothingly. Her smile was aplex mix of affection and firm resolve, revealing more than her words could say.


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