Chapter 56

Lanny slammed his fist on the table in absolute rage. He rushed to Mabel, demanding, "He didn't promise you anything!"

Mabel was frightened. She didn't understand the severity of her situation. She had offered her virginity to Theo, hoping to gain everything Elyse once had. She hadn't considered that Theo might refuse to marry her.

Elyse sighed and joined them on the sofa. "How did you get involved with Theo in the first place?"

Mabel bristled. She couldn't admit she'd pursued Theo; it would make her sound like a slut. "Why are you asking? Why are you so concerned? He's mine. You can't take him away."

Elyse burst into laughter. "Oh God, you're so stupid. Theo would never marry a fool like you."

"What do you mean?" Mabel huffed.

"You're jealous of me, aren't you?" Elyse said.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm jealous of your obsession that led you to sleep with a man who doesn't cherish you," Elyse shrugged, returning to Jayden's side. Her expression was detached. She was no longer interested in their problems.

Lanny slapped Mabel across the face. "Cheap whore!"

Mabel was stunned. She didn't know what she'd done wrong. Why was her father so angry? Couldn't he force Theo to marry her? It seemed simple enough.

Glenda shrank back, covering her mouth, afraid of provoking Lanny further. She could only watch her daughter with pity.

"Why was I given such an ignorant daughter? Did you think Theo Ward would marry you just because you slept with him? Have you forgotten who he is? Who are we compared to him? He's way out of your league," Lanny's words caused Mabel more pain than the slap.

"All I want is to be his wife. Sleeping with him was the only way I could think of. So what if he doesn't want to marry me now? He might change his mind," Elyse latched onto Mabel's last statement.

"Are you saying Theo asked you to wait?"

"Yes."

"Then why are you in such a pathetic state? Did he say no?" Mabel's indignation turned to sadness. "No, I don't believe it. Someone must be plotting against us. He said I was a good match, that any man would be lucky to have me." She broke down again, her sobs filling the room. Lanny wanted to hit her again but stopped, mindful of Jayden.

Glenda comforted her daughter. "Oh, my poor dear. What should we do now?"

Lanny sighed, rubbing his temples. He glanced at Jayden, who remained stoic. After a moment, Lanny asked to speak with Elyse privately in his study.

Elyse was blunt. "What do you want?" she asked as the door closed.

"Your sister has fallen for Theo's deceit."

Elyse disagreed. She wasn't convinced Mabel was a victim, especially since Mabel wasn't being truthful. No one knew the full details except those involved. And while Theo was despicable, Mabel wasn't much better. They were both skilled at hiding their true natures. In some ways, Mabel was like Lanny—greedy and self-centered.

"Don't say it like that," Elyse said wryly. "We still don't know everything."

"Yes, you're right," Lanny nodded. "I hope you'll talk to Theo, see where he stands. You were once a couple."

Elyse noticed the cunning glint in his eyes. "You want me to ask him what happened?"

"And persuade him to marry Mabel. She's not a bad choice for a wife."

Elyse understood. Despite his anger, Lanny still wanted to protect his daughter.