Chapter 1410

Aubree sat in her bedroom, a gloomy expression clouding her face. The Queen family! It was the Queen family! Despite the recent chaos, she hadn't neglected her investigation into the saboteur. Initially, she suspected a rival family seizing the opportunity. Never had she imagined it was Jonathan, acting on Lucian's orders, she realized. Without Lucian's command, Jonathan wouldn't dare act so rashly. Lucian! She never expected such ruthlessness, such a blatant attempt to destroy her.

As her anger simmered, her door burst open. Startled, Aubree looked up to see Samuel, who promptly slapped her, sending her tumbling onto the bed.

"Samuel!"

Gina, exhausted from the Pearson family's downfall and the impending move, arrived to witness the slap. Though Aubree was at fault, she was still Gina's daughter. The blow to Aubree felt like a blow to Gina's own heart. Instantly invigorated, she rushed to shield her daughter.

"Get out of my way! I'm going to teach this imbecile a lesson!" Samuel snarled.

"Calm down. It's settled. Besides, Aubree hasn't had it easy; she's trying to make amends," Gina pleaded, her voice mournful.

Samuel's temper flared at her continued defense of Aubree. His temples throbbed violently. "Buzz off! Or I'll hit you too!" he roared, then lashed out, "This is all your fault for spoiling her! If you hadn't encouraged her, she wouldn't have this attitude!"

Gina trembled, her lips quivering.

"Step aside, Mom," Aubree said softly, regaining her composure. She stepped forward, meeting her father's gaze with defiance. "I did nothing wrong!"

Samuel slapped her again. "Even now, you're unrepentant? Will you only admit it after I send you to prison?"

Aubree cradled her cheek, anger blazing in her eyes. I did nothing wrong! If anything, it was loving Lucian too deeply. He cares nothing for me! I hate him!

Seeing their unrepentant attitude, Samuel's fury threatened to consume him. After a struggle to regain control, he finally commanded, "Get up and pack your things!"

Aubree looked at him, puzzled. Samuel's sharp glare answered her unspoken question. "The Pearson family is bankrupt! This house is ours no longer! It'll be seized tomorrow, and we must leave immediately!"

Bankrupt? Despite knowing this was inevitable, the reality, spoken by her father, hit Aubree hard. How could it happen so quickly? Worse, they were homeless, utterly destitute.

"From now on, behave! Any more trouble, and we might not survive!" he warned, fearing he'd lose control and hurt them. He spun and left.