Chapter 330
Chapter 330:
Danica stepped forward, unable to hold back any longer, her voice spilling over with outrage. “Are you serious? You and Jemma really are just alike. First Jemma blamed Kristine for her father’s death, and now you’re doing the same. Kristine is your daughter too. Even if you can’t stand her, this is beyond unfair. You know exactly how much she loved her father p>
Monica began to tremble, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes. “But it’s her fault. Her father died because of her p>
The courthouse hallway fell quiet.
For what seemed like an eternity, Danica forced out a few tense words through clenched teeth. “I don’t believe it p>
“Ms. Jackson, you have to accept it,” Monica blurted out. As though she could no longer keep her emotions bottled up, tears streamed down her face. “Kristine’s father died because of her. If she hadn’t begged him to join her birthday celebration, he wouldn’t have driven home that night. If she hadn’t insisted on getting a cake from Furika Bakery, he wouldn’t have made that fateful U-turn and collided with the truck. She’s the reason he’s gone — and now she acts like nothing ever happened, leaving the rest of us shattered p>
Monica’s cries grew louder, her grief reverberating through the hallway like a mournful echo.
Danica stood frozen, unable to find the right words. Her gaze darted toward Kristine, and a flicker of panic crossed her face. “Kristine p>
“Stay away from me!” Kristine recoiled, her complexion ashen. A moment later, she pressed both hands to her head in anguish. “Don’t come near me.” Her balance faltered, and she swayed as though she might fall at any second.
Worry clouded the faces of both Asher and Danica, yet neither moved.
“No.” Kristine clamped her hands even tighter against her head.
Every word Monica had spoken battered her heart, splintering it beyond repair. Old memories crept in — quietly at first, then gathering strength, swirling together into a horrifying reality that struck her without mercy.
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Monica had told the truth. She truly was responsible for her father’s death.
That year, right before his trip, he had sworn he would be back for her birthday. She had called him in anticipation — only to find he had let it slip from his mind entirely. Overwhelmed by nerves and frustration, she had burst into tears, pleading for him to return. He eventually gave in.
When morning came, she was suddenly struck with the urge for a Furika Bakery cake. She had hoped Monica would be the one to buy it. But Monica had never shown her any kindness — every request was met with harsh words. So instead, Kristine crept quietly upstairs and called her father in secret.
He hadn’t hesitated for a moment. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll bring home whatever you ask for p>
And then, mid-sentence, a deafening crash erupted through the phone.
Not long after, she learned that her father had made a U-turn and collided with a truck. Her mind replayed the vision of him pinned beneath the wreck, covered in blood.
“Kristine p>
A gentle hand closed around hers, snapping her out of the memory.
She looked up to find Asher watching her with quiet, unwavering concern. “Kristine, you were not the reason your father died p>