Chapter 433

Of all the Brennans, Juliet was really the only one who stayed close to Anastasia.
Juliet shot her a glance and replied, “Nothing, really.” With that, she slipped past and went off to find Grandma.
And she wasn’t lying-she hadn’t said anything of consequence. All she’d done was dig up a few of their aunt’s old keepsakes and reminisce about the past with her grandmother.
Juliet understood that, deep down, Grandma’s heart ached for Anastasia. She’d never truly let her go. Most days, Grandma kept quiet for fear of upsetting Mom or angering Grandpa, but it didn’t mean she didn’t care; more than once, Juliet had caught her wiping away tears in secret.
Now, hearing about how hard things had been for Anastasia over the years, Grandma’s guilt and sadness could no longer be contained.
Between Anastasia and Lauren, it was only natural that Grandma would favor Anastasia a little more.
She’d even started browsing the internet, and after reading all the awful things Lauren’s fans were saying about Anastasia, could anyone really believe she felt nothing toward Lauren?
A satisfied smile tugged at Juliet’s lips. She straightened her back, pride swelling in her chest, and her steps suddenly felt lighter and more confident.
Honestly, spending time with Anastasia made her feel smarter, too.
Lauren, meanwhile, watched Juliet’s retreating figure with a dark, brooding stare. Her face cold, she turned and headed downstairs.
Downstairs, Penny saw her storm in and felt a jolt of anxiety. She quickly pulled Lauren aside and whispered, “So? What did Lady Brennan say? Did she give you an explanation?”
“Nothing at all,” Lauren snapped.
“Nothing?!” Penny’s eyes went wide, her voice rising with outrage. “After what Anastasia did to you, how could they just let it go?!”
Lauren, barely concealing her irritation, recounted what Mrs. Brennan had said.
Penny let out a bitter laugh. “That old woman-after all these years you’ve been catering to her every need in this house. How many times has Anastasia even set foot here? And yet, everything you’ve done still doesn’t measure up to that ungrateful nobody!” Check latest chapters at.net
Lauren didn’t stop her. Truth be told, she felt the same way.
Both of them acted as if they’d been terribly wronged, never once pausing to consider what “catering” really meant. In all her years living with the Brennans, Lauren had never washed a single plate or swept a single floor. She’d lived the life of a pampered heiress.
Even Penny, who was supposedly the housekeeper, was known by everyone to be Lauren’s aunt. No one dared ask her to actually work. She just collected her paycheck and enjoyed the comforts of the mansion.
“This won’t do,” Penny muttered, growing more anxious by the second. “You must have noticed at dinner-Grandma keeps making excuses for Anastasia. If it goes on, her heart’s going to be completely won over by that girl!”
“You need someone else in your corner, someone willing to stand up for you. Otherwise, you’ll lose out. Don’t forget-Anastasia’s even gone so far as to join Global Harmony Medical Institute just to spite you!”
Lauren nodded, thoroughly convinced. So what if Grandma was against her? The rest of the Brennans were still on her side.
Anastasia, don’t get too pleased with yourself.
On the other side of town, a car pulled up in front of Rosewood Manor.
Returning to Rosewood Manor today was perfect for Anastasia. Marcus’s treatment would be complete by tomorrow, and she’d planned to check on him today anyway.
The moment the car stopped, she hopped out first. “Honey, I’m heading inside!” she called back.
For the first time, she didn’t wait for Harrison. Partly because she felt a little shy, but mostly because she was eager to see Marcus. Her excitement was impossible to hide.
Marcus would be able to walk soon! Tomorrow, she’d make sure he ditched the wheelchair and ran a full lap-just to prove her skills to Harrison once and for all.