Chapter 367
Tessa wasn’t clueless. She knew Lance and Sarah had never been especially close, but at least they’d always managed to keep things civil on the surface. Now, though, it was like they were ready to tear the house down just to get rid of each other.
Right away, Tessa blamed Camilla. She didn’t even wait for anyone else to say something. “Some people really should figure out who they are before they go chasing after Lance,” she muttered, her tone sharp and cutting. “She isn’t even a Charles yet, but she’s already starting drama. Is that what her family taught her to do p>
Tessa’s words set Lance off. He slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. “You don’t get to talk about Camilla. And as for Sarah—she’s lived here for, what, twenty years, and now she thinks she’s really one of us? Does she even deserve that p>
Sarah hurried over and slipped her arm through Tessa’s, her voice soft and careful. “Tessa, don’t be upset with Lance. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have said what I did. I upset Camilla, and, well, Lance loves her. Of course he’s going to defend her p>
Instead of calming Tessa down, Sarah’s words only made her angrier. “And what’s so right about that?” Tessa snapped. “So you said something wrong, who hasn’t? Is it really such a big deal? You’re his sister at the end of the day. If Camilla is with Lance, the least she can do is be more understanding. Why is she picking fights with you p>
People always have their favorites. Tessa had decided early on that she’d stick up for Sarah no matter what. So, in her eyes, Sarah could do no wrong.
Lance could see it too. She wasn’t going to budge, so he took her words and threw them right back. “Why? I’ll tell you why. Because your precious adopted daughter doesn’t know her place. Everyone knows I love Camilla. We’re together now. But she keeps running around telling people she’s my fiancée. So where’s the proof? Did anyone see an engagement contract? Who gave her the right to spread lies?” He glanced at Sarah, his voice going cold. “What, does she just really enjoy being the other woman p>
Tessa’s words about Camilla had been harsh, but Lance’s hit even harder. The word “other woman” cut so deep that Sarah’s tears, held back for so long, finally spilled down her cheeks.
Tessa’s anger snapped. She could barely breathe. She tried to slap Lance, but he caught her hand and pushed it aside. He had a lazy, mocking smile on his face. “Are you furious because your adopted daughter turned out like this, or are you mad you failed as a parent and raised someone who’s always scheming p>
After those words hung in the air, Darwin just eyed Lance with a look that was difficult to read. For all Lance’s righteous talk, Darwin knew his own grandson had practically snatched Camilla from someone else. Now he was acting all high and mighty, pretending to be holier than thou.
Darwin remembered something he’d seen online: When someone else is the other woman, it’s scandalous. When it happens to you, suddenly it’s a sweeping romance. He used to scoff at that, never thinking anyone could be that shameless—until now, seeing his own grandson.
Watching his son and wife at each other’s throats, Darwin had no interest in wading deeper into the mess. Sure, he wasn’t happy about Lance being with Camilla, but unlike Tessa, he didn’t want to have a blowout fight about it.
Meanwhile, Tessa was so worked up she could hardly catch her breath. Sarah wiped her tears and looked at Lance, her voice trembling. “Lance, that’s too much. It was just a misunderstanding, how can you say something like that about me? I p>
“Enough with the misunderstandings,” Lance shot back, clearly annoyed. “Sarah, if you really want everyone to trust you, why don’t you just move out? Go abroad, stay far away from us. Maybe then people would believe you p>
Sarah just pressed her lips together, her fingers curling weakly around Tessa’s sleeve. She looked so lost and small.
Tessa didn’t hesitate. “Lance, you’re going too far. Sarah’s been part of this family for years. The Charles home is her home. As long as I’m here, you won’t be able to push her out.” She pulled Sarah into a tight hug, her glare telling Lance that he was no longer acting like her son, but like an enemy she just couldn’t stand.
Sarah didn’t say anything more, just buried her face in Tessa’s embrace, looking completely heartbroken.
Darwin finally breathed a long sigh and stepped in. “Lance, Sarah is only back for the holidays. It’s almost New Year, you can’t just kick her out. You’re her brother, can’t you both calm down and talk this out p>
Lance shook his head. “Brother? If she really saw me as just her brother, I wouldn’t have a problem with her. But look at what she’s been doing. She goes around acting like she’s my fiancée, telling people lies about Camilla, trying to ruin the person I love p>