Chapter 478

With a single sentence, she washed her hands of everything.
David wasn’t here anymore-no one could say for sure whether what she claimed was true. But it wasn’t particularly important, and Mrs. Brennan, her brow finally smoothing, decided not to press further. She gave her another searching look, as if wanting to say more, but with Anastasia present, she bit her tongue.
Winni, on the other hand, accepted her words without question.
Juliet didn’t buy a word of it. Still, with no one around to expose the truth, there was no point insisting. She puffed out her cheeks in frustration, sneaking a sad glance at Anastasia, disappointment weighing heavy in her heart.
She felt useless-not even able to stand up for Anastasia. Follow current novᴇls on.net
Anastasia caught her expression and couldn’t help but smile, winking at her on the sly.
Juliet instantly perked up, a goofy, bright smile spreading across her face, her eyes shining.
Anastasia made a subtle gesture, signaling that Juliet was welcome to visit Rosewood Manor anytime.
Juliet nodded enthusiastically, happiness restored.
“Ana, you really aren’t coming home with Grandma?” Mrs. Brennan clung to her granddaughter’s hand, still unwilling to let go.
Anastasia shook her head with a gentle smile. “Grandma, it’s just not convenient right now.”
She glanced at Winni-sure enough, Winni’s face had been cold from start to finish.
Only then did Mrs. Brennan realize she’d completely forgotten about her daughter-in-law. The grip on Anastasia’s hand loosened.
With a sigh, she reached up to smooth Anastasia’s hair, concern in her voice. “Have you eaten yet, Ana? Want Grandma to take you out for a meal?”
She was clearly searching for any excuse to spend more time with Anastasia. But Winni’s patience was already wearing thin; she had been watching Lauren closely and, seeing the look on Lauren’s face, was quick to intervene. “Mom, Dad said we should head back early-he might have something important to discuss.”
Anastasia understood that, with Winni here, this was as much as she could ask for. Winni would never allow her grandmother to take her home-not tonight. She smiled and said, “Grandma, you should go on ahead. We’ll have plenty of time together later.”
Mrs. Brennan’s eyes reddened, but in the end she had no choice but to let go. “Ana, I’m counting on you to take care of her,” she said, turning to Harrison. Harrison replied, “Ana is my wife. Taking care of her is the least I can do.”
The more Mrs. Brennan looked at him, the more satisfied she became. Her worries about Anastasia’s situation eased; Harrison had stood. quietly by while Ana spoke with het, never interrupting, but always close enough-a silent protector. As long as he was here, no one would dare hurt Anastasia.
“Well, then can rest easy.” Mrs. Brennan nodded, wanting to say more, but caught sight of her daughter-in-law’s darkening
expression. With a resigned Sigh
she turned and left.
to’
Juliet helped her grandmother toward the car, pausing only to wink at Anastasia before leaving.
Anastasia watched them go, her face calm and unreadable.
Suddenly, someone took her hand. “Are you upset?”
Anastasia looked up, her eyes crinkling as she gave a small, playful smile, masking the chill in her gaze. “Not at all.”
She’d return to the Brennans one day-just not yet.
She clung to Harrison’s arm, swaying it like a child. “Darling, let’s go home, too.
We should get a good night’s sleep so we can take pictures tomorrow!”
Seeing her so cheerful again, clearly unaffected by what had just happened, Harrison’s tense expression softened, his eyes filled with warmth.
Meanwhile, downstairs, the
Brennans were getting into their cars. Juliet was about to ride with her grandmother, but just as she reached the door, Mrs. Brennan spoke up.
“Juliet, why don’t you ride with your mother? Let Lauren come with me. I’d like to have a word with her.”
Her tone was gentle, but Lauren’s heart skipped a beat.