Chapter 668
Anastasia had a good memory and recognized them immediately, greeting them with a smile. “Aunt Debby, Aunt Emily.”
They both responded warmly. Emily’s eyes were full of affection, while Debby, though more reserved, was clearly friendly.
The matriarch held Anastasia’s hand. “Harrison has gone to the office, as you know. After being away for six months, he has a lot to catch up on and might not have much time for you. If you get bored, you can have your aunts take you out.”
The matriarch wished she could take her new granddaughter-in-law out herself, but her age made it difficult. The task fell to her daughters-in-law.
Anastasia discreetly glanced at the two women, wondering why Janice wasn’t present, but she nodded obediently. “Of course, Grandmother.”
The old woman’s energy soon faded, and she left to rest, leaving Anastasia with her two aunts.
Emily, with her vibrant personality, immediately took Anastasia’s hand and looked her over. “My, my, Harrison certainly has excellent taste! I never imagined I’d have such a beautiful and charming niece-in-law!”
Debby, whose granddaughter Stella was about the same age as Anastasia, smiled gently and teased, “No wonder Harrison kept you hidden away for so long. He must have been reluctant to share you with the rest of us.”
They asked about Anastasia’s family, and she answered openly. Emily’s expression grew sympathetic, and Debby’s eyes filled with compassion. After some pleasant conversation, Anastasia could see that they were both kind and caring, which explained why the matriarch had chosen them to keep her company.
Feeling more comfortable, Anastasia ventured a question. “Is Aunt Janice not home?”
At the mention of her name, Emily’s smile vanished. She scoffed, unconcerned by the nearby servants. “She’s no aunt of yours! Your real aunt passed away long ago.” Anastasia was taken aback. TÊœe source of this á´„ontent ɪs
Emily quickly explained. The “Janice” Anastasia had seen earlier was not Victor’s first wife. Victor was a
notorious womanizer with countless lovers, and his first wife had died years ago from heartbreak and despair.
The current Janice Lancaster had been a D-list actress and one of Victor’s many mistresses. Through cunning and manipulation, she had managed to outmaneuver her rivals and secure the position of Mrs. Lancaster.
None of Victor’s four children were hers. Even the illegitimate son he had recently brought home was from another affair.
Anastasia was speechless.
“And if that wasn’t enough,” Emily continued, “her background is one thing, but her character is another She loves to meddle in all sorts of nasty business. Take Susan, for example. No one in this famity respects that woman yet Janice. managed to become her best friend. Can you believe how absurd that is?”
“In short, the woman is bad news. Stay far away from her,” Emily concluded bluntly. “As for calling her ‘Aunt Janice,’ do it if you feel like it, but no one will blame you if you don’t.”
“If you ask me, she doesn’t deserve the title.”
Anastasia understood. She had noticed that this Janice seemed remarkably young to be the mother of Harrison’s four older cousins, but shë hadn’t given it much thought assuming she was a proper second wife. She never would have guessed her origins were so scandalous.