Chapter 781
Besides, Ellie had never been fond of Gianna.
More accurately, she had always kept a little distance from her, almost as if she was scared.
In the past, Wendy had simply thought Ellie was quiet and timid, so she had never
paid much attention to her. Now that she had seen how reckless and vicious Gianna could be, a new thought crept into her mind.
Did Gianna torment Ellie in secret, too?
Steven sat on the couch nearby.
Anneliese’s two questions, especially the one she asked Wendy, left him silent for a while.
Something unfamiliar moved through his chest.
Because of him, Anneliese had been dragged into those disgusting rumors. In his mind, it was already gracious of her not to blame him or take her frustration out on him and Ellie. He never imagined she would speak up for them in front of everyone.
Of course, he understood that she was also using this moment to put Gianna in her place. Even so, a steady warmth still filled his heart.
Compared with Gianna, that thankless little viper, Anneliese seemed far more like a true younger sister.
Wendy tightened her hold on Anneliese’s hand.
Then, she looked toward Steven, who was still seated on the couch. Her eyes turned moist. “Anne is right. I should have fought for you back then. Steven, I’m sorry p>
When Wendy had divorced Adrian years ago, she had been crushed by the loss of her daughter. Her emotions had been unstable, and she had no independent career to rely on.
At that time, she had wanted only one thing: to end the marriage as soon as possible.
Custody had barely crossed her mind.
She had also believed that Steven, as Adrian’s only son, would never be mistreated by anyone in the Malone family.
Now, looking back, she realized how wrong she had been.
Steven had only been a little boy when she left Adrian.
Adrian brought Gianna home and treated her like his own daughter.
In one night, Steven, who was not even ten years old, lost the home he knew, his mother, and the little sister he loved.
Then, he had been forced to accept a girl with no blood relation to him as family.
As for Adrian, part of his mind had been on winning Wendy back, while the rest had gone into making up for the replacement daughter he had brought into the house.
In another sense, Steven had also lost his father.
The more Wendy thought about it now, the more her heart ached.
How did Steven get through all those years?
He’s already grown into a man most people wouldn’t dare cross, yet Gianna still had the nerve to scheme against him, spread rumors, and drag his name through the mud.
How much did my son suffer before he became this strong?
I wasn’t a good mother. I let down both my daughter and my son. I never took on the responsibility of caring for and protecting them.
The guilt became so heavy that Wendy’s eyes grew wetter.
Steven felt both touched and helpless. He rose from the couch, took Wendy’s other hand, and gave her a small smile.
“Mom, I’m not as fragile as you believe. Even if you had fought for custody, I would have still chosen to stay with the Malone family.
“You and Anne have already sacrificed enough. I couldn’t let anyone else take what was ours p>
Not far away, Adrian listened as mother and son spoke as though he was not even there.
Shame burned across his face, and he nearly lost his composure.
Aren’t we here to deal with Gianna today? How did everything change after Anneliese asked those questions? Why does it suddenly feel like I’m the one on trial?
Without realizing it, Adrian frowned and sent a sharp look in Anneliese’s direction. He could not shake the feeling that she had done this deliberately. She was trying to create a divide between him, Wendy and Steven.
Anneliese sensed the unfriendly stare almost immediately. She turned her head.
Before her gaze could meet Adrian’s, a broad shoulder stepped into her line of sight.
Jonathan had moved in front of her, blocking Adrian completely. His eyes were cold and his tone carriedno politeness. “Mr. Malone, do you have something to say to my wife p>
Steven’s mouth opened.
He was ready to fire back, but before he could speak, Wendy and Steven both looked at Adrian.
Their faces shared a few similar features, and the warning in their eyes was the
same.
Adrian was aware he was at fault. He knew he hurt Wendy and overlooked Steven, so he suppressed the anger growing inside him.
Ultimately, he only forced out, “Let’s settle Gianna’s matter first p>
Then, he turned his dark gaze on Gianna. “You’re usually so good at talking your way out of things, aren’t you? Go on, then. Explam this would you do something se
disgraceful? Why would you turn
around and hurt your own brother p>
Gianna had not expected everyone’s attention to land on her again so quickly.
Tears streamed down her face before she even had to pretend.
This time, the fear was real.
Adrian had never regarded her that way before, nor had he ever spoken to her with
such coldness.