Chapter 585

“When you’re holding me, the pain just disappears.”
He gave her another gentle pat. “Behave.”
He started toward the stairs, but Anastasia’s phone suddenly rang. It was Juliet. Anastasia, feeling relaxed, answered with a smile.
“Juliet, what’s up?”
She assumed her cousin was just calling to chat, but Juliet’s tone was tense. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on.net
“Anastasia, are you free? Grandfather wants you to come over right away.” Anastasia paused. “Grandfather? Did he say why?”
She had known this was coming. Once she had demonstrated her true abilities and dealt with Lauren, her grandfather would inevitably summon her to discuss the inheritance. But Juliet’s voice suggested something more was wrong.
Lowering her eyes for a moment, she said, “Alright, I’m on my way.”
After hanging up, she spoke before Harrison could. “It’s okay, darling. I can go by myself.”
Harrison’s brow furrowed. After a tense moment, he said, “You have two hours. If you’re not back, I’m coming to get you.”
“Deal!” she chirped, standing on her toes to press a quick kiss to his chin.
When Anastasia arrived at the Brennan estate, she took in the scene at a glance: her grandfather, his face a thunderous mask; Lauren, sitting beside him with her head demurely bowed; her Uncle Murray, looking displeased; and a nervous, unfamiliar middle-aged man.
Juliet, hovering in a corner, rushed over to her. “Grandma went out with Mom to visit Grandma Emma,” she whispered urgently.
The meaning was clear: her grandmother had been deliberately sent away. The only person in this house who would unconditionally defend her and had the power to do so had been conveniently removed. This was not going to be good.
Juliet lowered her voice further. “Dad and Grandfather were arguing about the inheritance. Dad thinks it should go to you, and Grandfather was about to agree, but then
Before she could finish, Mr. Brennan’s voice boomed across the room. “You’re here. Come.”
His tone was heavy with authority.
Anastasia’s mind raced. *He was going to agree, but now he’s changed his mind?
Why?* Her eyes flickered to Lauren, narrowing slightly.
She gave her cousin a reassuring glance and walked forward with perfect composure. “Grandfather. Uncle Murray.”
Mr. Brennan’s gaze was hard as
steel. “I’m going to ask you a question, and I want a truthful-
answer. Five years ago, when Benson was filming on set, did you
mail him a venomous snake?”
Anastasia looked up, stunned. “Grandfather, what are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb!” Mr. Brennan slammed his cane on the floor, his breathing ragged with anger. “Five years ago, you sent Benson a
socalled gift. Inside was a un
venomous snake. He was caught off guard and bitten. He nearly died!”
“If Lauren hadn’t heard the news and rushed an antidote to him, I might not have
a grandson today!” he roared. “What do you have to say for yourself?!”
The accusation hit Anastasia like a physical blow. But in an instant, she understood. Her expression turned to ice as she shot a look at Lauren.
Five years ago… it felt like a lifetime, but the memory was crystal clear.
***