Chapter 216

After Abigail left, Bianca let out a weary sigh.

Turning around, she saw Daniella slinking downstairs in a groveling manner.

The Fletcher family hadn’t invited Daniella this year and made it clear only Gabriel’s biological daughter was welcome. Their disapproval of Daniella framing Abigail for manslaughter was plain as day.

Spotting a trace of pity in Bianca’s eyes, Daniella stepped forward urgently. “Mom, let me go too. I need to ask him something.”

“It’s not that we won’t let you,” Bianca said gently. “The Fletcher family specified only my biological daughter can attend.”

Daniella’s eyes reddened. She just wanted to ask Ralph why he’d been so heartless to her.

“Go back to your room before Stevie sees you and starts lecturing again.” Bianca looked away. Though she felt a twinge of sympathy, there was nothing she could do for Daniella.

“Mom, can’t you help me just this once?” Tears welled in Daniella’s eyes.

“Have you forgotten about what happened to Chris?” Bianca chided. Christian had just been kicked out for sticking up for Daniella. If she helped now, she might get thrown out of the house too.

Daniella dropped her gaze.

“Dani, on every family trip, you’d throw tantrums until everyone caved to you, leaving Abigail in an awkward position. That’s why we stopped bringing her. For Ralph’s party, stay home and think about what you’ve done.” Bianca turned and walked away after delivering the words.

At the sight of Daniella’s tears, Bianca was thrown back to the past. From when Abigail was 12 until she went to prison at 18, every family trip had been sabotaged by Daniella, who always managed to get Abigail left behind.

They’d grown used to caving to Daniella’s tears, forgetting all about Abigail in the process.

Standing there, Daniella watched Bianca’s back. ‘If they don’t let me go, I’ll find a way,’ she thought.

She needed Ralph to give her an explanation.

With that in mind, she headed for the attic to dig out an evening gown.

Just then, a maid came downstairs, eyeing her. “Mrs. Gibson said to keep you in the attic.”

Daniella hadn’t expected her plan to be shut down before it started.

A surge of bitterness welled up.

She stormed toward the attic, fighting to contain her fury.

One of the maids sneered, “She’s crying? That’s how Ms. Abigail Gibson always got treated. She deserves it.”

Another maid scoffed, “Guess she still thinks she’s the heiress.”

The maids’ jeers made Daniella’s tears flow.

Back in her room, she wiped her face with her wrist.

The attic had no wardrobe. Christian had bought her a rack that held only a few clothes.

She’d memorized Ralph’s birthday for years, even picking out a dress yesterday–a pink one, the most innocent color she had left.

Now she’d never wear it for him.

Daniella wiped her tears away silently, consumed by self-pity.

She’d spent hours preparing, even debating what makeup to pair with the dress. Now, it was all for nothing.

After drying her eyes, she flopped onto the bed, lost in gloom.

That evening, Ralph waited at the villa gate for what felt like forever before a car finally pulled up.

His excitement faded the moment he saw the luxury plates–definitely not a taxi.

Abigail stepped out in a strapless velvet gown, even wearing heels that she barely wore.

Beside her was Sebastian, who hadn’t been on the Fletcher family’s guest list.

Ralph’s joy vanished in an instant.

“Mr. Fletcher, hope you don’t mind my bringing a friend,” Abigail said coolly as she approached.

“All are welcome here. Do come in,” Ralph replied, masking his disappointment.

As Abigail and Sebastian entered the Fletcher Villa living room, Adam’s beaming smile faltered at the sight of Sebastian.

But he quickly sighed with resignation, thinking, ‘Of course, after Abigail was wrongfully jailed with no one to stand by her, not even Ralph, how could she possibly still care for him?’