Chapter 230: Slapping the B*tch in the Face

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When I heard Monica’s plea, I found it ridiculous. Earlier tonight, she’d instigated Sadie to attend the banquet and steal the spotlight, hoping to humiliate me and further disgust Bill—all to ruin my reputation in Snowville. Not long ago, she even tried to steal my husband, let alone what she’d done with Ashley before. So what, all the pain and suffering my mom and I endured over the past 20 years should just be brushed aside? This mother-daughter pair is notorious for their deceitful lives, built on theft, manipulation, and cunning schemes. Why would they ever assume I would help them?

I put on a confused expression and asked, “Aunt Monica, what’s the matter? You can’t be serious that Sadie actually killed someone?”

It was no surprise that Anna loved being the center of attention. Acting could be incredibly enjoyable; you wouldn’t know the thrill until you try it! This was downright satisfying. Using my innocent tone as cover, I relentlessly stomped all over Monica’s wounds.

“Although my sister can be a little stupid, arrogant, selfish, and manipulative, I still believe she’s kind at heart. Surely she wouldn’t stoop to things like murder, right?”

Monica’s lips twitched at my “compliments.” Under normal circumstances, she would have already started arguing with me, but now, desperate, she could only swallow her pride and explain what happened.

“It’s all your father’s fault for spoiling Sadie! She was jealous of Anna and took a shady route to pay for Anna’s life. But somehow, the person in the car wasn’t Anna—it was Ethan!”

Feigning shock, I gasped and covered my mouth. “What?! I always thought my sister was completely dumb. To think she’s capable of something so sinister; casually hiring assassins! Dad, what if she decides to come after me next?”

Bill was already deeply disappointed in Sadie’s recent behavior. This latest incident felt like a devastating betrayal, cutting him to the core. He patted my back. “Don’t worry. She wouldn’t do that.”

Seeing that I had easily derailed the conversation, Monica quickly interjected, “Well, this was a moment of impulsiveness on your sister’s part, but she was pushed to her limits! She and Ashley had such a close relationship, and now he suddenly wants to marry someone else. Who could stand that kind of humiliation? Honey, Sadie didn’t mean…”

I cut her off. “Didn’t mean to? Aunt Monica, you can’t have such double standards. Don’t forget, Ashley was my boyfriend to begin with. She’s the one who snatched him from me. You’re saying Sadie couldn’t take the humiliation, but I should have been able to? Yet I didn’t lose my temper and hire a hitman, did I? Or are you saying your daughter’s feelings are more important, and I’m just supposed to suffer?”

My tone was cool, but my words served as a sharp reminder to Bill about his guilt toward Zoey. From start to finish, the real victim here was Zoey, not Sadie.

“Zoey, that’s not what I meant,” Monica said. “You and Ashley didn’t have the same deep relationship that they did. You can’t compare the two.”

I nodded. “Oh, I see. So, in your logic, legitimate relationships can’t compare to ones built on stealing and scheming?”

“No wonder my dad neglected my mom all these years to shack up with you. But if your love is so deep, Aunt Monica, why haven’t you been made official yet? Not working hard enough?”

Seeing that I had dragged Bill into the line of fire, his expression turned grim. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “We’re talking about Sadie here, not me.”

“Fine, let’s talk about my sister, then. Aunt Monica, your daughter ruined herself over a man. Shouldn’t you reflect on your own part in this?”

“Sadie does whatever she pleases. Whoever crosses her, she goes after their life. If my mom and I offended her, wouldn’t she come after us too?”

“Zoey, we’re family! Sadie would never hurt you. That’s an exaggeration!”

I let out a cold laugh. “Family? How many things has Sadie stolen from me since childhood? From toys and clothes to boyfriends—and even after I finally got married, she still flirts shamelessly with my husband. What exactly does she want?”

“Aunt Monica, you’ve built your life on stealing and scheming, and now you’ve taught your daughter to do the same. Her current predicament is entirely your fault. Ethan died because of her. Shouldn’t she face the consequences?”

“Dad, let’s not forget—Sadie has never been the obedient girl you think she is. Back in school, she ran someone over and broke their leg. If you hadn’t spent a fortune to cover it up, the Gardners’ reputation would have been in ruins by now. And now that you’ve just arrived in Snowville, she pulls something like this? She clearly doesn’t care about the Gardners at all.”

Bill’s expression grew colder. “So, what are you suggesting?”

“If you make a mistake, you pay the price. That’s just the way it is. If Sadie is innocent, the police will clear her name. But if she’s guilty, the Sander family lost a life. Sadie’s just going to jail—Ethan will never come back!”

I thought back to the dream I’d had that night. Ethan made his mistakes, but he didn’t deserve to die—especially not like that.

“Sadie’s always used the Gardners’ influence to do as she pleases. If no one stops her, she’ll only make bigger mistakes in the future. Not punishing her isn’t helping her—it’s ruining her.”

Monica’s face darkened as she snapped, “Shut up! You’re just using this as an excuse to take revenge! Honey, don’t listen to her nonsense. Sadie is our daughter!”

“Honey? How affectionate. Have you two registered your marriage yet, or are you just playing house? With a rotten apple at the top of the tree, it’s no surprise the fruit below is spoiled!”

Bill’s face was as dark as a storm cloud. “Enough! Stop arguing! I know this is your territory. After all, we’re family. If you can save Sadie, name your terms.”

When he noticed my dissatisfaction, he tried to appease me. “Zoey, I know you hate her, but she’s still my daughter. If something happened to you, I wouldn’t stand by either. Of course, I’ll make sure she suffers for this. She’s young—if she goes to jail, her life will be ruined…”

Carter, holding a teacup, casually blew on the steaming liquid. “The police have only linked the case to her; they haven’t convicted her yet. So, there’s still room to maneuver.”

Hearing this, Monica immediately rushed to Carter, grabbing his arm with a desperate look. “Carter, you’re a good kid. Please, as a favor to me, save Sadie, please.”

Her words made my skin crawl. Did she really think her b*tchy tricks—acting sweet and close—worked on everyone? Carter’s gaze dropped to the hand clutching his sleeve. “Have I mentioned that I’m a germaphobe?”

His eyes lifted to Monica, icy and sharp, sending a chill down her spine. His voice was even colder, devoid of warmth. “Calling you ‘Aunt’ is me being polite. Did you really think you were something special? Dreaming of being my mother-in-law? Take a good look at yourself first and see if you’re even worthy.”