The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 195

Thinking of his father, a flicker of grief crossed Sawyer's eyes. He opened his mouth, but in the end, no words came.

He was a son, after all. The thought that his father might not have much time left hit him like a punch to the chest. The pain was overwhelming.

And yet, not a soul seemed to understand. In that moment, a crushing wave of sorrow washed over him, making it hard to breathe.

Before he could pull himself together, he heard Clifford say, "Dad, Aunt Aline just made a mistake—can't you forgive her? Besides, Jeanette's still so little. She really can't lose her mother."

Norton pressed his lips together, glanced at his pitiful little sister, and added, "Dad, I know Aunt Aline did something wrong, but she's still Jeanette's mom. Please, let it go this once. And you have to admit, all these years she's taken great care of this family. Even if she hasn't done everything right, she's worked hard for us."

A mistake? Forgive her?

Since when did attempted murder become just a "mistake" that could be forgiven?

Sawyer stared at his two sons, his gaze cold and sharp as a knife. He could hardly believe what he was hearing.

When Sawyer didn't respond, Norton assumed he was still wavering and pressed on, "Dad, Aunt Aline—" But before he could finish, Sawyer's fist shot out, landing hard on Norton's face.

"Hey!" Clifford cried out in shock.

Before Norton could react, Sawyer grabbed him by the collar and shoved him against the wall, snarling, "Shut your mouth. I should never have brought you and your brother into this house. Raised you both, and this is how you repay me? Ungrateful little snakes."

Sawyer let him go and turned his icy gaze to Jeanette, who was curled up on the sofa. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Jeanette, are you really going to plead for that wicked woman?"

Even as he spoke, a flicker of hope lingered in his eyes.

Jeanette trembled, and it was a long moment before she managed to speak. "Daddy, I don't want to lose Mom. I just want us all to be together. I don't want our family to fall apart." As she spoke, she slipped into her usual sweet, pleading tone.