Chapter 562:

Glenda seethed at Lanny's harsh words. Hands on her hips, she retorted, "You couldn't care less about me, could you? Fine! It's over between us!"

Lanny's arrogance surpassed even Glenda's anger. "Fine by me! Buy whatever you like with your money," he sneered disdainfully. "But don't expect a single penny from me!"

Glenda was speechless. Trying to calm herself, she grabbed a bowl of instant noodles and began eating. She recalled a time when she had servants at her beck and call, enjoying daily deliveries of the finest seafood and beef. Now, here she was, eating instant noodles—a harsh reality.

Yet, she seemed to have forgotten the recent financial peril, following Lanny into near bankruptcy and constantly worrying about money. Luxury had spoiled Glenda; she'd forgotten those tough times and come to believe her privileged life was her inherent right.

After his outburst, Lanny stormed out, and the hours crawled by. Darkness fell, but he still hadn't returned. Glenda sat on the couch, unconcerned about Lanny's whereabouts but anxiously awaiting Mabel's arrival.

At eleven o'clock, the doorbell rang, piercing the silence. Glenda opened the door to find Mabel, pale and resentful. Their eyes met, and the hatred in Mabel's eyes dissolved into tears. Mabel collapsed into Glenda's arms, sobbing, "Mom, you're finally home."

Glenda held Mabel close, noticing her shocking thinness. "What's happened to you? Why are you so thin? And those marks on your face? Has someone hurt you?"

Mabel flinched, covering a split lip. A bitter sneer twisted her face. "Where's Dad?" she demanded.

"He left hours ago. What's wrong?"

Glenda examined Mabel more closely, noticing numerous hickeys on her daughter's neck. She sharply pulled back Mabel's collar, distressed. "What are these?"

Overwhelmed, Mabel cried out, "Mom! I've been ruined! I feel so tainted! Dad sold me for a million dollars! I can't stand it! Do you know the horror I've endured these last three days?"

The recollection plunged Mabel into deep agony. "That man wasn't a lawyer; he's the chief of police! He said he could have released Dad. Dad sold me to him for money!"

Mabel wept, "My future is ruined. I'll never marry. This is all Dad's fault!"

"That bastard!" Glenda's anger was barely contained. It was clear why Lanny hadn't mentioned Mabel and had left earlier, fearing her reaction.

"Mom, am I really Dad's daughter?" Mabel cried, collapsing. "Why would he do this to me? I don't understand!"

Glenda regained her composure, helping Mabel to her feet and guiding her to the bathroom. "My dear, take a long, relaxing shower. I'll bring you some contraceptive pills."

Mabel was inconsolable. "That man was disgusting! The thought of being pregnant terrifies me!"

"Don't worry, Mabel. I promise to find you a deserving husband—a man of substantial means and character," Glenda promised sincerely.

But Mabel remained unconvinced. She couldn't imagine attracting a rich, desirable husband. Her life felt irreparably broken, and she blamed Lanny entirely. She never imagined such a betrayal.

After her shower, Glenda dried Mabel's hair and helped her into bed. Exhausted, Mabel quickly fell asleep.

Glenda returned to her room, weighed down with sorrow. She retrieved a hidden handbag and a stack of cash—her secret savings, for a time she never expected to come so soon, when Lanny might stop supporting her.