Chapter 425 Putting on a Show

Meryl enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep at home.

After finally escaping Dalton’s clutches, she found herself sleeping more soundly than ever.

Only God knew how she had survived the past half a month.

Fearing Dalton might burst into her room at any moment, Meryl had been afraid to fall into a deep sleep. Sometimes, she’d even resort to cat-napping while perched on the edge of the bed.

Chandler had left for work that morning, though he’d wanted to stay home with her.

Meryl insisted it wasn’t necessary, saying work came first, and even walked him to the door herself.

When Dylan sent someone to fetch her, Meryl was initially puzzled.

But upon hearing it involved a hospital visit, she instantly realized it must be related to Dalton.

She took her time getting ready, changing clothes, and applying light makeup before getting in the car.

The hospital room was far livelier than she’d expected, with members of both the second and third branches of the family present.

Quickly on her feet, Meryl instinctively jumped back, dodging the blow.

Seeing he’d missed, the man swung again.

That did it. Meryl had had enough.

She grabbed the man’s wrist mid-swing and shoved him away.

“What’s your problem? Use your words, not your hands!” she snapped.

Morton glared at Meryl, his eyes burning with rage. “My son’s in this state because of you!”

“Morton, are you out of your mind? How is this my fault?”

Meryl, having once been engaged to Dalton, was familiar with Morton.

The sudden shift from “Mr. Aniston” to “Morton” caught him off guard for a moment.

When it sank in, his expression twisted into something bizarre.

Seeing Meryl alone, without Chandler, Charlotte felt emboldened.

“You’re asking how it’s your fault? Dalton’s lying in a hospital bed, barely clinging to life! The doctors say he’s in critical condition. His future might never be the same! And it’s all because of you, you homewrecker!”

Lydia rushed over, clutching her belly.

She chimed in. “Thank goodness Dalton’s got nine lives. If anything had happened to him, what would become of me and my son?”

Meryl saw right through the act.

They were putting on a show, playing the sympathy card to paint her as the bad guy. They were trying to pin everything on her.

She glanced at Dylan, then walked straight towards him.

Charlotte, realizing what Meryl was about to do, panicked.

“Don’t even think about trying to turn this around on Dalton and make him the bad guy to save your skin, Meryl,” Charlotte said, taking the offensive.

“Turn it around? Who’s trying to play the victim here?” Meryl thought, rolling her eyes.

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Charlotte, your attempts to shut me up are pretty telling. What are you so afraid of? You know exactly what you’re doing.”

Dylan, who had been silent until now, sensed there was more to the story than met the eye.

He turned to Meryl, his eyes demanding answers. “What the hell happened? I want to hear it straight from her!”

Meryl’s gaze settled on Dalton’s face.

She knew the truth could destroy him.

There he was, lying in a hospital bed, his post-surgery recovery still uncertain. She thought spilling the beans would now be like kicking a man when he was down.

After all, Dalton had taken a knife for her. That’s how he’d ended up in this mess.

Moreover, being inexplicably imprisoned like this for over half a month has damaged her reputation.

After all, she and Dalton were both single, and with their past relationship, gossip could kill. It was tough to say how nasty things would get if word got out.

She couldn’t ignore the potential fallout.