Chapter 138

Really, Daniella’s situation had just switched with her own. And Stephen had played a role in both scenarios–first bullying her, now bullying Daniella. Of course, Daniella had brought it on herself. She’d had every advantage and completely blown it.

Abigail didn’t feel sorry for her at all. She was scrolling through her phone when someone knocked on her door.

Abigail thought it was Wyatt and immediately got up to answer the door. When she saw it was Bianca, the relief on her face vanished instantly. Her expression turned cold. “What do you want?”

“Abby, I’ve been thinking… How about we take a family trip in two weeks? You can pick where we go.” Bianca was trying to make things right with Abigail. She felt genuinely guilty today after realizing that Daniella had been faking her illness all along.

When Abigail mentioned she’d gone to see the parade by herself, Bianca understood that deep down, Abigail still cared about the promises they’d broken.

“No thanks. I’m busy with work.” Abigail didn’t hesitate to turn her down and started closing the door.

Bianca pressed her hand against the door to stop her. Her eyes were red as she pleaded, “Abby, can you give me one chance? I was fooled too-”

“Can you stop with the nonsense? I want to sleep.” Abigail cut her off impatiently.

Seeing how cold and heartless Abigail seemed, Bianca felt resentment building up inside. “I was deceived too. Can’t you give me just one chance?”

“Who are you to me? Why should I give you any chances? I live in this house because Grandpa earned it, not you and Gabriel.” Abigail slammed the door shut.

Bianca got the cold shoulder and was about to turn around and leave when she heard Christian, who was leaning against the staircase, make a snide comment. “Sure, Dani lies, but it’s not like Abigail treats you any better.”

As soon as he said that, Stephen, who was coming up the stairs, shot back, “You’re such a saint. Next time I hit someone with my car, you can serve my prison sentence for me. Forget three years. Let’s see if you’re still playing saint after three days.”

Christian snorted, “If you feel so guilty about her, then keep throwing yourself at someone who couldn’t care less. I’m not doing that.”

“Nobody asked you to. Don’t flatter yourself. It’s not even clear if she’d want you chasing after her anyway.” Stephen brushed past him with that parting shot.

Bianca sighed and decided she should probably go talk to Wyatt about all this.

Abigail was lying in bed, about to play some games on her phone, when James called. She answered calmly, “Hello.”

“Hey, I didn’t wake you up, did I?” James sounded a bit sheepish.

“No, what’s up?” Abigail asked in her usual calm tone.

“Remember how Seb mentioned going overseas for a few days? Could you let Timothy know you can work remotely? The car project at my company isn’t that complicated.” James seemed pretty embarrassed about the whole thing.

“Alright, I’ll talk to him about it. But if I’m going on this business trip with you, shouldn’t we discuss payment?” Even though Ab worked for Sebastian, international travel was exhausting, and money matters needed to be settled upfront.

When James heard her bring up payment, he immediately started laughing, “Of course we’ll talk money. I’ll come by tomorrow and we can hash it out on the way to the airport. Don’t worry, you’ll be paid well. I’d screw over anyone before I’d screw over my own sister.”

Abigail couldn’t help but smile at that. “You won’t think I’m greedy for asking about money?”

“It’s what you deserve. Besides, how much could you possibly cost me? The real jerks are the ones who make you work for free in the name of friendship. Do I look like that kind of jerk?”

James had always been good at lightening the mood, and with just a few words, he put Abigail’s concerns to rest.

“Thanks,” Abigail said, sounding more relaxed.

“Don’t mention it. You do good work for me, and I’ll throw in a bonus. Just think of it as a regular business trip.” James was being completely straightforward about it.

After hanging up, Abigail slept soundly through the night.

The next morning, Abigail stepped out of her room and nearly jumped out of her skin. Daniella was standing right outside her door with red, puffy eyes. She’d been waiting there so quietly that Abigail hadn’t heard a thing.

Abigail frowned but didn’t say anything. She just turned to leave.

“Abby, I know I was wrong before. Could you talk to Stevie for me? Ask him to stop treating me like this. I made mistakes. Please tell him not to target me anymore, okay?” Daniella’s voice was incredibly humble and pleading.

Ever since she’d joined the Gibson family, everyone had spoiled and loved her completely. Stephen’s constant attacks and Bianca’s disappointment had her genuinely terrified.