Chapter 1913: Stop Pretending

Roxanne didn't believe a word they said. Why the sudden humility? Had they forgotten how they treated her for over ten years? They'd never considered her their daughter; now they played the pitiful victims, attempting to guilt her. It didn't matter. She refused to let them back into her life.

“No need to fret, I understand completely. You don't have to attend the wedding,” Roxanne stated firmly, showing Winnie no respect.

Winnie was stunned. Grant's expression darkened; he trembled, suppressing his anger. He thought their pitiful act would win her sympathy, but she'd become a different person—cold and unyielding.

“In that case, we won't attend the wedding. We'll leave now and not hold up your preparations.”

Grant glanced at Lucian, who remained impassive, offering no intervention. Gritting his teeth, Grant glared at Roxanne before heading to pack.

Winnie seethed. Roxanne had matured, no longer the pushover she once was. Yet, Winnie wouldn't relinquish the opportunity. She smiled, attempting persuasion. “Roxanne, I don't mind if you don't consider me your stepmother, but Grant is your father! Your mother wouldn't want this. How can you exclude your family on such a big day? What will people say if your father doesn't attend?”

Even Lucian conceded Winnie’s persuasive words. A wedding was a significant event; parental approval was important.

“Winnie, forget it. My daughter clearly disdains the Jarvis family. Let's leave,” Grant declared coldly, retreating to pack his things.

Roxanne was surprised. Their performance was surprisingly effective; she found herself momentarily moved. Until then, she'd remained calm. But Winnie’s mention of her mother changed that.

Irritated, Roxanne said coldly, “Mrs. Jarvis, how dare you mention my mother? Did you forget how you married my father? Honestly, I've been more than generous by even speaking to you!” The audacity of this homewrecker, playing the victim!

Winnie, dumbfounded and flushing, almost revealed her true colors, but Lucian’s presence held her back. She suppressed the urge to lash out at Roxanne.

Roxanne’s fury burned intensely. Her mother's depression and subsequent death, two years prior, had always felt connected to Winnie.

“Fine. We’re leaving,” Winnie finally conceded, picking up the children’s clothes and helping Grant pack.

Roxanne and Lucian left. They hadn't gone far when they heard Grant and Winnie arguing behind them.