lowered her eyes to the marriage certificate in Bella's hands. The na

d Ha

had grown up alongside Bella; that much was true. But in Ashlyn's

ape this marriage that she had rushed int

more was that Jared had act

ed, but before she could say a word, a burst of c

trip, bringing her two children, Clar

earlier in such a rush; he had gon

a knock echoed t

nds. Time had treated her kindly; her flawlessly preserved face showed no signs

surprise flickered across her eyes. But it vanished al

each of you. Take a look

oxes and arranged them neatly

tive design. The other contained a bracelet adorned with large crystals, its colors res

f glance before a cold scoff

out of her way to drive a w

esents. One gift would always be something both of them genuinely liked, while the oth

feel good about the gift. No matter which one she got,

ful mother, her smile gentle and encouraging. "I put a lot of th

lifetimes and hearing what Ashlyn had revealed, she finally saw through the scheme. Alicia'

d remained standing where she

t as a hint of victory appeared in Alicia's eyes, Ashlyn moved wit

before she staggered backward, nearly crashing face-first into the wall. She covered her bur

age upstairs. He rushed over, and the moment he saw Alicia standin

hat exactly are you two t

st him and burst into tears

enly slapped me without saying a single word. I've been part of the Quinn family for so many years. I've given you children, taken ca

er made Walter's heart tig

oved up his sleeves and stepped in front of Alicia. At eighteen, he was all raw emotion and

ay to buy gifts for you. What exactly did she do wrong? Apologize to her righ

her delicate appearance made her look like a little princess, but at that moment, she had

you. And this is how you repay her? You two really are awfu

ession darkening with rage. "Keep running your m

d she spoke, every move she made, carried the elegance expected of a proper young lady.

r gentle; it was cold, dangerous, and heavy with the

fear, she burst into tears and immedi

ody shook with anger, his vo

ten every bit of manners and discipline I ever taught you? You actually raised your hand again

n. I want to see what kind of evil has gotten into her an