Chapter 75
Daniella watched Bianca’s eyes redden with fury and quickly stepped forward, her tone dripping with disappointment. “Abby, even though you want to compete with me, you shouldn’t stoop to being a mistress. Stevie argued with Dad and even snapped at me because of you. Is this how you repay him?”
Stephen, guilt gnawing at him, muttered, “I’m sorry, Dani. I was wrong before.” He regretted ever defending Abigail. She was beyond help–someone who would never rise above her nature.
Abigail’s gaze lingered on Daniella before she suddenly turned to Stephen. “So the only thing you saw was that video of me getting yelled at and drenched in juice?”
“What? You think I’m framing you?” Stephen barked.
Abigail understood. The suffocating anger in her chest made her want to lash out, but she swallowed it down, her voice hoarse. “Fine. Have it your way.” She turned and headed upstairs.
Gabriel stayed eerily calm. “I’ve always believed that few raised in orphanages grow up to be decent people. Unable to match Dani’s standing, she resorted to being a mistress. Did she believe that sleeping her way into Halden Group would make her superior to Dani? Humph!”
“Abigail.” Bianca’s voice was sharp with fury, but beneath it, desperation lingered. “Resign from Halden Group tonight. If you don’t, I’ll stand outside your door all night until you do.”
The truth about Abigail’s three-year prison sentence was a ticking bomb for the Gibson family. They had to keep Abigail under their control to ensure Daniella’s reputation stayed perfect forever.
Abigail froze at the top of the stairs and looked down at them, her expression icy. “I won’t quit, and I will get to the bottom of—”
Bianca cut her off. “Bottom of what? That you’re always the victim? That manager worked there for years without scandal until you showed up. Funny how trouble only follows you.”
Abigail realized then how foolish she had been to expect to be understood. Without another word, she slammed her bedroom door shut, locked it, and then shoved the dresser against it.
Bianca pounded on the door, her voice sharp with command. “Abigail, open the door!”
The relentless banging sent pulses of pain through Abigail’s temples. For a moment, she regretted ever agreeing to return at twelve. Life at the orphanage had been harsh, but she had been free. None of the caretakers had ever spewed victim-blaming nonsense like this.
At 5:30 a.m., Abigail quietly washed up and pushed the dresser aside, only to find the door externally locked.
She rushed to the window, yanking it open. A layer of iron bars stared back. Gripping the sill, she forced down the rage swelling in her chest. Then, she hurled a chair at the door.
The loud crash woke the rest of the Gibson family.
“Break it down all you want.” Bianca’s icy voice came through the door. “The second you step out, security will restrain you. Today, Stevie and Dani will handle your resignation at Halden Group. You’re staying put.”
Abigail said coldly, “Unlock this door, or I’ll call the police for unlawful confinement.”
“Go ahead. Show them the video of you getting slapped by the wife. Let’s see who will be on your side,” Bianca sneered.
Upon hearing this, Abigail let out a bitter laugh. For once, she didn’t shout back. Instead, she calmly put the chair down and said, “You’ve forced my hand. When I find out who framed me, no one will walk away unscathed.”
“You think it’s Dani, don’t you?” Bianca said. “This jealousy has consumed you. You became someone’s mistress to join the Halden Group and compete with her. Three years in prison twisted you. I regret this, but I’m your mother. I won’t abandon you.”
Bianca took a deep breath and added, “Just reflect on yourself at home.”
Locked in her room, Abigail sank onto the bed. The bitter amusement bubbling up hurt worse than yesterday’s public humiliation. After a silent minute, she pulled out her phone and texted Timothy.