Chapter 17 A Penniless Nobody
The affectionate reminders of Teresa still echoed in Adeline’s cars.
But I was no longer the pampered little princess of the past.
4B Pearls
As she stepped out of the living room. Adeline saw Eden standing by the door, holding a small suitcase in her hand. Worry was written all over Eden’s face. “Ms. Layton, are you really leaving? Life outside will be difficult without financial support”
Adeline took the suitcase, her tone as calm as if she were discussing someone else’s affairs. “It’s still better than staying here.” She lowered her head to check her bank balance, only to find that her account had been frozen.
“They didn’t even leave me a way out.” A sarcastic smile tugged at Adeline’s lips, but deep in her eyes was a trace of exhaustion.
Eden bit her lip and whispered, “Why don’t you talk to Madam Teresa again? Maybe she can help-
“No need. Adeline cut her off coldly. “I don’t need to rely on anyone anymore.”
Just then, the sound of footsteps came from upstairs. Adeline looked up to see Michelle Layton gracefully descending the stairs in high heels. She was dressed in an elegant white dress, looking as delicate and innocent as a lily. But Adeline knew that beneath that fragile facade lay deep–seated venom.
“Where are you off to?” Michelle asked with a faint smile, unable to conceal the triumph in her voice.
“That’s none of your business,” Adeline replied indifferently, dragging her suitcase toward the exit.
“Adeline,” Michelle suddenly raised her voice, “Grandma specially requested that our whole family have breakfast together today. You’re not leaving so soon, are you?”
Adeline stopped but didn’t turn around. Her voice was ice–cold. “What are you up to this time?”
“I just want you to spend more time with Grandma” Michelle blinked, her expression one of pure innocence–so sickeningly sweet that it made Adeline nauseous.
“Fine. Let’s see what kind of game you want to play this time.” Adeline turned back, handing her suitcase to Eden before striding toward the dining room.
The long dining table was laid out with an array of exquisite breakfasts: seafood pancakes, bacon, buttery scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit that seemed almost too perfect to eat. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the rich scents of warm toast and maple syrup. Yet, despite the feast before them, the atmosphere in the room was thick with an undercurrent of tension, a quiet unease that seemed to hang over the table.
Adeline
e sat near the window, quietly sipping her coffee. Across from her, Gavin ate silently, his gaze fixed on his plate. Meanwhile, Kayden and Diana exchanged occasional words about family business matters.
“Adeline, pancake is your favorite Michelle suddenly picked one up and placed it on Adeline’s plate, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
Adeline stared at the pancake but didn’t move. I’m severely allergic to seafood–one touch is enough to trigger intense rashes and atching. Very few people in the family know about this,
-No.
“No, thank you, she said coolly
Gavin, who had remained silent until now, suddenly looked up. “Are you allergic to seafood?”
His words instantly silenced the room, Everyone turned to Adeline, who replied evenly. “And if I am?”
Chapter 17 A Penniless Nobody
48 +8 Pearls
As she stood up, an unbearable itch spread across her arm. She glanced down and saw red rashes blooming across her skin- evidence that she had unknowingly consumed food contaminated with seafood.
“Your hand…” Gavin noticed the allergic reaction and reached out, his expression unreadable.
Adeline swiftly dodged his touch. “Stay out of it.” With that, she turned and left the dining room.
She had just reached the hallway when a frail, pitiful voice sounded behind her.
“Gavin. I don’t feel well. It was Michelle. She leaned against the wall looking as if she might collapse at any moment. “Can you take me back to my room?”
Everyone’s eyes were drawn to Michelle, giving Adeline the perfect opportunity to slip away from the mansion unnoticed.
Back at her temporary residence, the rash had spread to her shoulders and neck. Adeline shrugged off her coat and turned the faucet to full blast, letting the icy water soothe her burning skin…
But this was only a temporary relief. The irritation and discomfort remained
The mirror reflected a pale, defiant face. The sight of herself like this was all too familiar–just like three years ago, when I was thrown into prison. Back then, I had been isolated, helpless, with no one to rely on. But note, I had learned how to stand on my own. No matter how much I suffered, I wouldn’t fall so easily.
After a cold shower, she lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, contemplating her next move. As long as I remained in Vale City would never escape the Layton family’s shadow. And Christopher… his involvement only made things more complicated
She exhaled slowly, forcing those chaotic thoughts from her mind. But just as she closed her eyes, her phone rang, shantering
the silence.
it was Leroy. He wanted to meet her that evening–he had something important to tell her.
At a high–end nightclub, the lights flickered, and the crowd buzzed with laughter and conversation.
Christopher sat in a private lounge, impeccably dressed, chatting casually with a few acquaintances. His every move exuded elegance and composure. But only he knew that his mind was elsewhere. The person he truly cared about was not in this room–the was somewhere out there, fighting her own battles.
Just then, the doors burst open, and a drunken figure staggered in–Gavin. Clutching a hostess in one arm, he bellowed, “Christopher! Long time no see!”
Christopher frowned but gestured for the others to leave. Once they were alone, he helped Gavin onto the sofa. “How much have you had to drink?”
“Hah! I’m just happy!” Gavin slurred, then leaned in conspiratorially. “Tell me, who do you really like? Michelle… or that fake
socialite
Christopher’s eyes flickered for a moment, but his expression remained impassive. He swirled the liquor in his glass before replying in an even tone, “You should be careful what you say when you’re drunk. Words can bring trouble.”
Gavin merely laughed. “Trouble? I’d say some things are better said sooner rather than later.” With that, he collapsed onto the couch and quickl
passed out.
Christopher rose to his feet, gazing out at the neon lights beyond the window. He clenched his fist, a sharp glint flashing in his deep–set eyes.
It was time to settle things once and for all.