A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 409

"If she doesn't acknowledge you, what kind of mother are you?" Thomas asked.

Michelle froze at Thomas' words. Since when had he learned to hurt her like this?

Her tears began falling in earnest now. Was she now the household punching bag—for both the adults and children alike?

"Thomas, apologize to Mom this instant," Harold ordered with a frown.

"For what? I was just speaking the truth. I'm furious. Furious that even now, our family refuses to recognize our mistakes and still acts righteously before Demi. She retorts a few times, and suddenly, everyone's wounded and angry.

"But how did you—no, we—treat her back then? Did she ever complain to us about her pain?

"Fine. You can feel hurt when she strikes back. But after? Shouldn't that pain lead to reflection? Shouldn't we reflect on how our cruelty must have devastated her? We should be drowning in guilt, aching for her—not whining about how 'mean' she is! Demi never tattled about our abuse, not once.

"I've been thinking—why should Demi forgive us? Because we muttered some half-assed apologies? Put yourselves in her shoes. Would you forgive someone so easily if they treated you like we did? I wouldn't. And let's be honest—we've never truly reflected. We still don't even understand what we did wrong."

The living room plunged into silence.

After a long pause, Stephen finally spoke coldly. "Thomas might be right. Every one of us should reflect on our actions."

With that, he moved toward the entrance.

"Honey, where are you going? Dinner's almost ready," Michelle said hesitantly.

"The office. There's too much work—Daniel can't handle it alone. I only came back to see if you'd succeeded. Clearly, I was too optimistic."

Stephen slipped on his shoes, grabbed the briefcase from the entryway cabinet, and left without another word.

"She's fully aware of our family's struggles but couldn't care less. How heartless can one be? She accuses us of mistreating her, but she's no better herself."

"Mom, I'm sorry. This is all my fault." Ana stepped forward, clutching Michelle's arm.

Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she continued, "If I have to, I'll kneel before Demi and beg for her forgiveness. If she still refuses, I'll leave the Pitt family."

"Don't be ridiculous," Harold, Alex, and Michelle immediately protested.

"Ana, you'll always be my daughter," Michelle vowed as she embraced Ana.