Chapter 277:
Tobin left decisively after delivering his messages. Bewildered and unsure of what had transpired, Lanny inferred from Tobin's words that Glenda and Mabel were involved in something unsavory behind his back, upsetting Jayden. He recalled that upon returning home, Glenda was nowhere to be found. The butler informed him she had locked herself in her bedroom and was unresponsive.
Scowling, he marched upstairs. He found her bedroom door locked from the inside. He knocked impatiently, calling out, “Open the door! Hurry!”
After a long pause, Glenda opened the door. As Lanny entered, he sensed something was wrong. His intense gaze made her uncomfortable; she avoided eye contact and anxiously asked, “What’s wrong? Who was just here?”
Lanny stared intently and demanded, “Have you and Mabel been up to something?”
Glenda retorted sharply, “What could we possibly have done? Stop making baseless accusations!”
“Baseless? Fine, I’ll drop it,” Lanny replied. “But you and Mabel need to apologize to Jayden Owen and Elyse. I want nothing to do with it. I’m not involved.” He snorted dismissively and started to leave.
Panic-stricken, Glenda stopped him. “Why would we apologize?” she asked urgently.
Lanny snorted again, his frustration evident. “How should I know? It’s not my problem. Whether you go or not is your decision.”
“No way! You must help us,” Glenda insisted, her composure wavering as her plan unraveled.
Lanny shook off her hand and snapped, “What on earth did you and Mabel do? Tell me!”
After a moment’s hesitation, Glenda confessed Mabel’s scheme. Lanny exploded upon hearing it. “Did you actually help Mabel set up Elyse?”
Visibly embarrassed, Glenda merely grunted.
“You must be tired of a peaceful life; you’re asking for trouble!” Lanny shouted. “Do you realize Elyse’s husband is Jayden Owen? Even disabled, he’s not someone you can cross.”
After calming down, Glenda understood the gravity of her mistake in aiding Mabel against Elyse. The potential consequences terrified her. Trembling, she pleaded, “Honey, I was terribly wrong. I promise never to get involved in such things with Mabel again. What should we do now?”
Gritting his teeth, Lanny felt a surge of anger. He roared, “What should you do? Take Mabel and apologize to Elyse. Mabel didn’t come home with me. I don’t know where she is.” Glenda replied, her guilt deepening. She hadn’t seen Mabel since she’d given her the sleeping pills. She’d tried calling Mabel on her way home, but her calls went unanswered.
Seething, Lanny snapped, “She’s probably scared and ran off. Typical. She always causes trouble.”
Glenda’s fear escalated as she realized the seriousness of Mabel’s disappearance. Clutching Lanny’s hand, she asked, “Honey, what should we do? Is Mabel safe?”
“Still worried about her? You should be more concerned about yourself,” Lanny retorted sharply. “She’s run off and left you to face the music. Do you think Jayden will let this slide after you tried to set up Elyse?” He sneered, emphasizing the severity of their situation.
It dawned on Glenda that she seemed to be the sole executor of their plan against Elyse, while Mabel had done nothing independently. Realizing she might have been manipulated by her daughter, Glenda felt upset and heartbroken.
Seeing her distress, Lanny mocked, “I always told you to stop spoiling her. Looks like you finally see I was right.”
Wounded but determined, Glenda put on her jacket and followed Lanny to Jayden’s house. As they approached, Driscoll spotted them and asked, “Where is Mabel Lloyd?”
Lanny forced a pleasant smile. “We don’t know where she is and haven’t been able to contact her. Could you please inform Mr. Owen that we’re here to apologize on behalf of our daughter?”
Glenda nodded. Driscoll gave them a piercing look before returning to the villa. He soon reappeared and said, “Mr. Owen says you can apologize when his wife is awake. He also insists Mabel Lloyd must be present. Without her, he cannot guarantee there won’t be complications with future projects involving your family.”
Lanny’s face paled at the mention of potential repercussions to his business interests, which he valued greatly. His frustration erupted, and he struck Glenda across the face. “Call her now! Or I swear I’ll divorce you!” he barked furiously. ... ... ...