Chapter 119

In the study, Gabriel’s expression was grim. “Dad, have you ever wondered why we treat Abigail this way? What parents don’t love their daughter?”

“You framed Stephen and sent him to prison in your place,” Wyatt shot back with contempt. “I don’t see much love for your kids there either.”

Gabriel’s lips tightened at the barb. He suppressed his rising anger and continued, “Look, we have our reasons for treating her like this. But what you did to Dani today—you really broke her heart.”

“Don’t give me that crap. What’s the deal? Were those test results from back then fake? If they were fake, then show me proof. And what’s so hard about getting new tests done?” Wyatt stared him down.

“We already ran tests before. It was because of those tests that we–”

Wyatt cut him off impatiently. “I want to see you go to the hospital with my own eyes. I want the results right there on the spot!”

“Are you saying someone falsified the results?” Gabriel’s anger cooled, and his voice became calmer.

Wyatt didn’t answer. He just turned and walked out.

After her shower, Abigail lay in bed and sent Sebastian a message.

Abigail: [Thank you for everything with Grandpa.]

She hit send and stared up at the ceiling, thinking about the conversation between Gabriel and Wyatt. She was starting to piece things together.

All her feelings of being unwelcome suddenly made sense. ‘Am I going to lose Grandpa’s approval right after I finally got it?’ Abigail wondered.

Abigail didn’t really care how the rest of the Gibson family treated her, but if Wyatt started taking Daniella’s side too, she knew it would really hurt.

The next day, Abigail woke up to find the housekeeper had already brought her clothes. She got dressed and left her room, only to run straight into Christian in the hallway.

Christian looked her up and down in his pajamas, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sleep well in Dani’s room? Here I thought you had some backbone, but it turns out you only ran away over a bedroom.”

Abigail was about to snap back when Stephen came out of another room. “Chris, Dani took her room and turned it into a walk-in closet. Now it’s back where it belongs. What’s the problem?”

“What’s wrong with you?” Christian had bailed him out of lockup late last night, and instead of being grateful, Stephen was now siding with Abigail against Daniella.

Stephen shrugged. “I’m just being fair. Is that a problem?”

“Stevie, you know who grew up with us. She’s the one who–”

“Enough. Just because we grew up together doesn’t mean we get to gang up on the new kid. If we can’t handle having her here, then we shouldn’t have brought her back. But if she’s family, why are we all bullying her?”

After Stephen finished speaking, he looked at Abigail standing in the doorway and snapped, “What are you standing there for? Get downstairs and eat breakfast.”

“I don’t need you telling me what to do.” Abigail’s face was cold as she walked right past Christian.

“If you had any shame, you’d give her room back,” Christian watched her profile and spat out, furthering the warring in character.

Abigail glanced at him with complete indifference. “Take it up with Grandpa.”

Stephen saw Christian about to say more and quickly stepped in, grabbing Abigail’s hand. “Why waste your breath on someone who won’t listen to reason? He steals your stuff and acts like he’s in the right!”

“You’re just as bad.” Abigail pulled her hand free and headed for the stairs.

“Kiss ass all you want. It doesn’t mean anyone’s gonna appreciate it!” Christian threw the taunt over his shoulder as he walked toward his room.

“Mind your own business,” Stephen shot back, then hurried to catch up with Abigail.

Abigail had no intention of eating breakfast at Gibson Villa.

Stephen followed behind her, his tone almost sheepish. “You’re really gonna leave without eating anything?”

Abigail turned to face him, her eyes full of disgust. “What’s gotten into you? That time at the detention center–Ralph sent me there. Don’t think I went to see you.”

Stephen’s sudden change didn’t make her feel better. He used to be just like Christian, and now this complete turnaround actually made her sick.

“I don’t think so. Let’s have breakfast first, then I’ll drive you to the office.” Stephen didn’t want to explain himself. All the explanations in the world couldn’t undo the real damage they’d done to Abigail before.

“No thanks. Just stay away from me.” Abigail backed away from him and walked quickly toward the gate.

“Abby, I was blind before. I hurt you badly. Just give me one chance. I promise I’ll only be good to you from now on.” Stephen stepped forward to block her path, his voice completely sincere.