Chapter 680

The Lancasters did indeed have their rules, but according to those same rules, Janice, with her unsavory background, was at the very bottom of the family
hierarchy.
Who was she to challenge Anastasia, who, by extension, represented Harrison?
The others looked at Janice with a mixture of scorn and surprise at her audacity. Janice, however, seemed oblivious. In her mind, Anastasia was her junior and was required to address her as ‘Aunt.’ What was wrong with an elder correcting a younger relative? She was still bitter about Harrison’s treatment of her husband, Victor, and since she didn’t dare confront Harrison directly, Anastasia became her target.
Ignoring the matriarch’s darkening expression, Janice pressed on, her voice
dripping with mock concern. “Now, Anastasia, don’t think I’m being harsh. This is the Lancaster family. If you don’t learn the rules, you’ll bring shame on all of us. As your aunt, I
Anastasia’s eyes narrowed.
“That’s enough!” a voice suddenly thundered, cutting Janice off.
It was the matriarch.
Her face was cold as stone as she fixed her glare on Janice. “Who gave you the right to speak? You dare to throw your weight around in front of my granddaughter- in-law, right in front of me? Who do you think you are?”
Before Janice could respond, she added a scathing remark. “Not just anyone is worthy of being called her aunt. I turned a blind eye when you married into this family because you knew how to behave. If you’ve forgotten your place, I have no objection to finding Victor a new wife!”
Janice’s face went white with humiliation and fear. To be told so casually, in front of everyone, that she could be replaced…
Faced with the matriarch’s fury, she stammered, “Mother
“Apologize to Ana!” the matriarch commanded.
Janice bit her lip, but she didn’t dare hesitate. She immediately turned to Anastasia. “Anastasia, I’m so sorry. I spoke out of turn.”
Anastasia blinked. *That was quick.* For someone who had the nerve to challenge her in front of the matriarch, she had folded remarkably fast.
“It’s alright,” she replied with a polite, distant smile.
“Very well. Sit down,” the matriarch said, her tone dismissive.
Janice scurried back to her seat and sat there like a statue, not daring to utter another word.
“Ana, dear come here.” The ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ.net
matriarch’s expression transformed instantly, her face now wreathed in a loving smile as she turned to her. treasured granddaughter in law.
Anastasia walked over obediently. “Grandmother.”
The matriarch patted the seat beside her. “Tell me,” she said, her voice loud enough
for everyone to hear, “did you sleep well?”
Remembering the events of the previous night, Anastasia felt a flush of
embarrassment and coughed lightly. “Yes, very well.”
The matriarch beamed. “That’s wonderful. From now on, I want you to be as comfortable here as you were at Rosewood Manor. What rules? This family has no such rules for you. You do whatever makes you happy. Harrison spoils you, and I will too. If anyone has a problem with that
She let out a sharp huff, her gaze sweeping past Janice to the rest of the room.
“They can come and talk to me. Or they can take it up with Harrison.”
Her message was crystal clear. Everyone understood. They were astonished by the matriarch’s- blatant favoritism, but they quick adjusted, offering Anastasia warm, friendly smiles.
They were not fools like Janice.