Edward sneered, looking at Elizabeth and Sophie with cold eyes. “Compared to what you did to Nanci, this should be nothing, right? Do I need to remind you of your actions again? I’ve tolerated you repeatedly only out of respect for my father, but you keep ignoring my words. Do I need to drive you out of the Clarkson family to wake you up?”
“Then I will fulfill your wishes!”
Sophie shouted angrily, “Brother! You can’t treat us like this. After all, we are family. If Dad knew what you’re doing now, he wouldn’t rest in peace! You promised him you’d take care of us. How can you be so ruthless just because of an outsider?”
“When did I ever acknowledge you as part of the Clarkson family? You know I kept you here because of Dad’s last words. I remember giving you more than one chance. You repeatedly pushed my limits. Nanci is the woman I love. I don’t need your approval. Since you despise her so much, you can leave the Clarkson family. Not sending you to the police is already my greatest mercy!”
“I am your father’s wife and your stepmother. This house belongs to me too, so why should we listen to you and leave? If anyone should go, it’s that vixen! She’s the one who ruined our family. Throw her out, and we can live peacefully. Do it for your dad’s peace of mind.”
Nanci watched the scene unfold, unsure of how to speak. She knew these people were Edward’s family members, despite their unforgivable actions. She didn’t want to make things difficult for him. She looked at Edward and said, “Maybe we should let it go. After all, they are your family. I’m fine as long as they don’t target me anymore.”
Nanci glanced at Elizabeth and Sophie. Elizabeth was the first to react. She walked over and tried to grab Nanci’s hand. Nanci instinctively stepped back, and Edward shielded her with his arm.
Elizabeth smiled awkwardly and said, “I’m sorry, Nanci. We shouldn’t have done those things before. We caused you a lot of trouble. In a moment of desperation, I said many bad things about you just now. Please don’t take them to heart. The fact that you’re still speaking up for us makes me feel ashamed. I sincerely apologize to you.”
Elizabeth urged her daughter, “Sophie, come over and apologize to your sister-in-law if you want a good relationship in the future. You must cherish such a good sister-in-law!”
Sophie felt full of resentment but knew her mother was right. Reluctantly, she walked up to Nanci and lowered her head, saying, “I’m sorry for being jealous and doing foolish things. I hope you’ll forgive me. I’ll treat you well from now on.”
Brian knew Nanci would be soft-hearted. He laughed, clapping his hands, and said sarcastically, “Do you really think a few apologies can make up for the harm done to Nanci? What if I did to you what you did to her and then apologized? Do you think that would work?”
Elizabeth quickly interjected, “Mr. Mathis, we know we shouldn’t have treated Nanci that way, but we’ve realized our mistakes now. If she forgives us, we’ll do anything to show our sincerity.”
“Will you leave the Clarkson family?”
“If we leave, who will help with Edward and Nanci’s wedding? It would be a joke among relatives and friends! I’ve promised to treat her well from now on and ensure she has a grand wedding, so please don’t doubt our sincerity.”
Brian turned to Nanci with a serious expression and said, “Nanci, think carefully about this. I know you’re kind-hearted, but their actions don’t deserve your forgiveness! Make a choice that won’t make you regret it later. Only then can I feel reassured leaving you here.”
Brian’s heartfelt words urged her to make a careful decision, but she didn’t want Edward to be in a difficult position anymore. He brought her here to seek justice, indicating that she held an important place in his heart.
Nanci hugged Edward tightly and kissed his cheek.
“Edward, I believe in you. You’ve already shown you’re willing to drive them out for me. I’m fine, really. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives, and I believe this experience will lead them to change.”
Elizabeth quickly nodded and said, “Edward, since Nanci has said that, don’t treat us like enemies anymore. We’re e a family! Once Nanci marries you, I promise to treat her like my own daughter to make up for the mistakes I’ve made in the past.”
Edward hugged Nanci back. He knew how difficult it was for her but also recognized these people as his elders despite not wanting to acknowledge them.
“Nanci, can you really forgive them even after what they’ve done?” he asked hesitantly.
Nanci nodded earnestly and said, “Edward, I’ve thought it through. Maybe giving them another chance will lead to change. Elizabeth is your elder, and mine too now. You’ve already shown your intentions by seeking justice for me. Let’s move on and live well together.”
Brian looked solemnly at everyone present before sighing deeply and addressing Nanci, “If this is truly your choice, then there’s nothing more I can do. If you ever run into trouble, just call me. I’ll be there for you.”
“Edward, you need to treat Nanci well. I’m honestly not at ease leaving her here, but I choose to respect her decision. I hope you won’t let her love for you go to waste.”
Edward replied, “I will never let Nanci down. As long as I’m here, no one will be able to hurt her!”
He then turned to Elizabeth and Sophie, his tone cold as he said, “Because Nanci pleaded for you, I won’t pursue this any further. But after this, you’re not allowed to set foot in Alderley Industries again, nor should you come to where Nanci and I live. We will be just fine without your concern. And don’t even think about going to the hospital to speak to Grandma. If anything happens to her because of your careless words, don’t blame me for not considering my father’s feelings and being harsh with you!”
With that, he took Nanci’s hand and walked out, Brian following closely behind. The atmosphere in the car was unusually tense and silent.
Once they were gone, Sophie revealed her true colors, bursting into tears and throwing a tantrum. She looked at Elizabeth and cried out, “Mom! Why do we have to humiliate ourselves pleading for that worthless woman? She doesn’t deserve to step foot in our home! Why? Why? Everyone is helping her, treating her like treasure!”
Elizabeth, feeling frustrated but understanding Edward’s temperament, knew that if they didn’t compromise, he would follow through on his threats and truly kick them out. They had built their lives around the Clarkson family’s name, and without it, they had nothing.
Seeing her daughter throw a fit like a child, Elizabeth couldn’t hold back her frustration any longer. “Stop blaming! Focus on yourself instead! Every time we try to do something, we only give them more reasons to go after us. Your brother has always been on her side, so who can we blame for this outcome? From now on, think before you act. This matter will end here. Don’t cling to it, or next time we won’t be able to get away.”
“So, all my lost dignity, the beating I took, and today’s accusations just get swept under the rug? When did you become so forgiving? Is our home just open to anyone who wants to walk in?”
Seeing her daughter’s lack of rationality, Elizabeth raised her hand and slapped Sophie. The sound echoed in the room, leaving both of them stunned.
Sophie shouted in disbelief, “You actually hit me? You’ve never laid a hand on me before, Mom! And now you hit your own daughter for that woman! Is everyone in the world just supposed to favor her? Do I have to die for it to stop hurting so much?”
Hearing her daughter mention death made Elizabeth’s heart ache, and she found herself crying.
She embraced Sophie, tears streaming down her face. “Sophie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you. I just lost my temper for a moment. Show me where it hurts, and I’ll put some medicine on it.”
Sophie also began to cry, and the two sat on the couch, sobbing together. Elizabeth comforted her, “I’ve suffered a lot to get to where I am today. Giving birth to you is my greatest pride. But we can’t dwell on Nanci anymore. If we really leave the Clarkson family, where will we go?”
Sophie knew her mother was right, but she still felt crushed. “But I just can’t swallow this anger. Ever since Dad left, you’ve been pushed around in this house. Why do we have to struggle so much? You’re supposed to be the lady of the Clarkson family, yet it feels like we’re nothing here. It’s just a title!”
Elizabeth’s eyes filled with resentment as she stared into space. “It’s going to be okay. We will get through this together. From now on, the two of us will focus on living our best lives. Everything else doesn’t matter. Let’s just watch the drama unfold. We’re not the only ones who dislike her. There will be others who want her dead.”
Meanwhile, the three of them returned home, each retreating to their rooms. They skipped dinner, each consumed by their own thoughts, becoming three insomniacs in the dark of the night.