Chapter 11 Setting the Record Straight
Judy’s words dripped with thinly veiled sarcasm, her tone both dismissive of Anne’s rebellion and pointedly critical of Chloe.
In Judy’s eyes, Chloe wasn’t as attentive as Victoria, nor did she know how to flatter or ingratiate herself at every turn. While Chloe and James‘ marriage had always seemed solid, Judy believed it was Chloe’s presence that had turned her son rebellious and difficult.
This was not the first time she’d subtly criticized Chloe, and Anne, in the past, had always refrained from responding, respecting the fact that Judy was an elder. Even when she felt frustrated on behalf of Chloe, she’d comforted Chloe quietly, not wanting to put her father in a difficult spot.
But all that was about to change.
Judy had chosen to side with Joshua’s family, and Anne decided it was time for her to see the true face of those she’d been
supporting.
Looking straight into Judy’s eyes, Anne smiled faintly, “Grandma, you called me here because of Alicia, didn’t you?”
She let her gaze flicker briefly to Alicia, who was hiding behind Victoria, then continued, her tone calm but cutting. “Alicia
Chapter 11 Setting the Record Straight
seduced my fiancé and slept with him, and now you’re acting like you want to lecture me? Are you planning to scold me for
it?”
Judy’s mouth snapped shut. She hadn’t expected Anne to call her out so directly, leaving her momentarily speechless.
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“Anne, how dare you speak to your grandma like that!” Joshua interjected, his face flushed with anger. “Your grandma hasn’t even said a word yet, and you’re already attacking her. Where did you learn to be so rude?”
“Oh, I’m the rude one? What about your precious daughter? She’s the one who was caught in bed with my fiancé, and now she’s here, playing the victim?” Anne made sure her voice rang out, loud enough for everyone to hear. “I remember Grandma. always saying that the Chastain family has to keep its morals in check. But now, it seems those rules don’t apply anymore. Did they only count for other people? Or do they mean nothing when it comes to your family, Joshua?”
“I…” Joshua’s face twisted in anger, his words catching in his throat.
“Grandma, is this how you’re going to play it?” Anne said,
offering a small smile. “I figured things were changing the day Joshua brought Alicia into the family. Your rules don’t seem to matter anymore.”
Judy’s expression darkened, and Victoria shot a furious look at Anne. If Alicia hadn’t held her back, she probably would have lunged at her.
Chapter 11 Shing the Record Straight
Joshua’s first wife had passed away, allegedly from the strain of his affairs. He had openly carried on with Victoria, even bringing his illegitimate daughter, Alicia, into the family to live in a separate property. His wife, who was already in poor health, had died soon. after discovering the truth, which conveniently opened the door for Victoria to become his wife.
Judy had always preached that the Chastain family should avoid scandal, but when it came to her own son’s behavior, she turned a blind eye. It was obvious hypocrisy.
Joshua’s face twisted with anger as Anne’s words hit their mark.
“You… what nonsense are you talking?” He shook with rage, caught off guard by her boldness.
As the tension in the room built, Alicia, who had been hiding behind Victoria, suddenly stepped forward.
“Anne, you’ve misunderstood Grandma,” Alicia said sweetly, her voice dripping with feigned innocence. “It was me who asked. Grandma to call you here.”
Anne glanced at her, raising an eyebrow with a half–smile. “Oh? So it’s you, huh?”
Alicia lowered her head, looking every bit the remorseful child. “Anne, I know I’ve done things that upset you. I wanted to talk to you, but you wouldn’t listen. So, I had no choice but to ask Grandma. for help…”
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Chapter 11 Setting the Record Straight
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Anne’s expression remained neutral as she spoke calmly, “After all this drama, bringing in so many people as spectators… what exactly did you want from me?”
She stared at Alicia without a hint of emotion.
Alicia looked up, suddenly serious. “Anne, I know you must hate me. I did something terrible, and I still don’t fully understand what happened that night. When I woke up, things were already the way they were. I know I was selfish. I’m really sorry, and I regret what I did. Please, forgive me.”
Victoria quickly chimed in, “Anne, you know that Alicia is the most sensible one. You’ve always gotten along with her. This was all a misunderstanding. Now that it’s cleared up, let’s move on and put this behind us…”
“Hold on,” Anne interrupted, raising a hand to cut her off. “Victoria, if I’m hearing this right, the one who should be apologizing is Alicia, right? So, who am I supposed to listen to here, you or her?”
Victoria was left speechless, unable to respond.
Anne turned her gaze back to Alicia, lowering her voice. “Go on, then. Say what you were going to say.”
Alicia stood there, visibly restraining her emotions. Inside, she was fuming, thinking to herself, “When did this bitch get so difficult to deal with? Wasn’t she always trying to be nice. to others? Why’s she being so hard to please now? Ugh, she’s insufferable.”
Chapter 11 Setting the Record Straight
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But with everyone watching, Alicia had no choice but to lower her head and play along, for now.
“Anne, I’m sorry I let you down. The whole thing with Hugh was a huge misunderstanding. We were both drunk, and I didn’t mean for any of it to happen. But now that it has, I’m asking you to forgive me. You’re my cousin, and Hugh is your fiancé. I respect both of you.”
She gripped her hands tightly at her sides, nails digging into her palms. She cursed in her mind, “Damn it. Once I have control of the Chastain family, I’ll make this woman regret everything.”
“Anne,” she continued, her voice softening as she took a step closer. “You’ve always taken care of me. You’ve always been like the sister I never had. I’m really sorry. Please, forgive me.”
Her face was earnest, like she genuinely regretted what happened.
Anne remained unmoved, her face expressionless as she stared
at Alicia.
Alicia looked like she was about to break down, but Anne didn’t budge, cold as ever, making it seem like she was being unreasonable.
The silence stretched on, and the atmosphere became unbearably tense.
Even Judy’s face was starting to show signs of cracking.
Chapter 11 Setting the Record Straight
James, sensing the shift in the room, hesitated. He glanced at Judy, unsure of how to proceed. Anne’s sudden coldness had caught him off guard. But if things kept going like this, it could turn into a huge problem. Just as he was about to speak, Anne finally broke the silence.
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