Chapter 71

Abigail stared at Daniella with icy fury.

Daniella cowered closer to Gabriel, panicking. “Abby, I didn’t mean to upset you. I just want our family to get along. You can help Dad if you try. Why won’t you?”

Gabriel seethed inwardly at her words. He thought, ‘Typical of someone who wasn’t raised here. Dani’s loyalty is leagues above hers. We wasted years on this ungrateful brat!’

“Stop staring at Dani like that,” he barked. “You have until tonight to decide. Refuse, and you’re out of this house for good–no more visits to your grandpa.” Then he grabbed Daniella’s arm and strode off.

As Daniella brushed past Abigail, all traces of fear vanished. She lifted her chin, a smug smirk playing on her lips.

Once outside Gibson Villa, Abigail’s expression turned stone-cold.

Bianca hurried over and took her hand. “Abby, did you and your dad…”

Abigail yanked her hand away before she could finish.

Stephen started to lash out, but Ralph held him back. “Abby, if you’re struggling with this, I can talk to Mr. Gibson again…”

“Don’t bother. The Gibson family raised me from 12 to 15, but I’ve already repaid that debt. Every one of them knows exactly how,” Abigail said icily. “I’m taking Grandpa out of the sanatorium. If anyone tries to stop me…”

She paused, and her gaze swept across the family members. Then she sneered, “You’ll regret it. I’ve compromised for Grandpa before, but if you think that’s a weakness, you’re mistaken.” With that, she turned and left.

When the Celestial Group–Halden Group partnership launched, Abigail joined Timothy at Celestial Group to hash out project details. As they exited the elevator, they ran into Stephen and Daniella.

Daniella’s smile faltered at the sight of Abigail beside Timothy. In an instant, she linked arms with her sister. “Abby! I knew you’d joined Halden Group, but I never thought I’d run into you here until today!”

Abigail snatched her hand back immediately, eyeing Daniella with cold detachment. “Who are you?”

Stephen was livid at her words. Before he could leap to Daniella’s defense, Abigail cut him off. “We’re in a hurry. Could you both step aside?”

Timothy gave them a puzzled glance and then gestured for Abigail to follow.

Once they were out of earshot, Daniella said tearfully, “I told you. Now that she’s buddying up with Mr. Robinson, she thinks she’s too good for us. And you fought with Dad over her.”

Stephen was irritated but softened his tone. “Just focus on work, alright? Don’t let it get to you.”

In the elevator, as soon as the doors shut, Daniella’s hand clenched her bag involuntarily.

Abigail was with Timothy, which meant she was in R&D, Halden Group’s most critical department. ‘What’s her position there? Timothy’s assistant?’ Daniella wondered.

In her office, Daniella stared at her design drafts, unable to focus. ‘How could Abigail, with a jail record and no top-tier degree, land a role in R&D?’ she thought.

She put down her pencil, put her computer on sleep mode, and messaged Claudia.

At the café downstairs, she’d just sat down when Claudia arrived.

“Stuck on a design?” Claudia asked with a smile as she took a seat.

Daniella acted surprised. “How did you know I’m struggling?”

“You’re the design department’s golden girl. Every move you make is watched by those young hotshots. News travels fast,” Claudia laughed.

Daniella flushed slightly and slid the coffee she’d ordered toward Claudia, sighing softly, “It’s a family drama. I won’t burden you with it. I’ll snap out of it after this coffee. I promise I won’t let it mess with my work.”

Claudia recalled that Daniella came from a well-off family and had an older brother who drove her to and from work.

She took a sip of coffee and said lightly, “It’s break time. Let’s ditch work talk. Personal stuff is fair game. Did you clash with someone at home?”

Daniella looked torn, hesitating before muttering, “Maybe I should keep quiet. I don’t want to jump to conclusions. Maybe I’m misjudging my sister.”

“Your sister?” Claudia asked, confused.

“Mm. She’s in Halden’s R&D. She just got out of jail recently and only has a high school diploma. The family tried to hook her up with a job, but she refused and said she wanted to do it on her own.

“Today I saw her with Mr. Newman from Halden. I can’t help but worry.” Daniella finished, biting her lower lip worriedly.