Chapter 17
Meanwhile, the Newells and Aiden were trying everything they could think of to win back Eliza’s forgiveness Greg and Thea poured their hearts into long, handwritten apology letters, reminiscing about Eliza’s childhood and expressing their sincere regrets, then sent them over to the Madden family through a special couner
Evan, on the other hand, was busy finding out what Eliza liked, handpickedprecious gifts, and stacked them up at the Madden family’s doorstep, just to hope to melt her heart.
Aiden took it up a notch, calling in every favor he could to gather rare treasures from across the globe, each accompanied by letters filled with love and remorse,
But Eliza was having none of it. She let the letters and gifts gather dust, not even giving them a second look Her heart was still frozen from the past hurts and wasn’t easily swayed by grand gestures. Her new life with the Madden family was fulfilling and joyful, filled with love and care that helped her slowly release the pain of the past. But that didn’t mean she could just forgive the Newell family and Aiden for the deep wounds they had inflicted.
Then one day, Eliza received yet another letter from Aiden, asking her to meet him. Holding the envelope, she wrestled with her emotions for a long time before finally deciding to go, hoping to sever the old ties once and for all.
She picked out a simple dress, casually pinned up her hair, and added just a touch of makeup, ready to face whatever might come her way with a calm demeanor. As she arrived at the rundown old warehouse, the stench of decay hit her like a wall. Flickering dim lights cast eerie shadows that sent a shiver down her spine.
Eliza stepped cautiously inside, her eyes darting around the warehouse. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. To her shock, it was Margot, looking disheveled and worn. Her hair was a tangled mess, her clothes in tatters, dirt smeared across her face, but her eyes held an unreadable intensity.
“You came,” Margot’s voice was raspy, like it was dragged up from the depths.
Eliza recoiled slightly, taking a step back. “Why is it you? Where’s Aiden?” she asked, her wariness evident.
Margot chuckled darkly, moving closer. “Aiden? Did he really think he could see you that easily? It’s just us today.”
A knot of unease tightened in Eliza’s stomach. “Margot, what do you want? There’s nothing left between us.”
Margot erupted into a fit of laughter, her voice bouncing off the empty walls in a way that made Eliza’s skin crawl. “Nothing left? Eliza, you’ve taken everything from me. You’ve become the darling of the richest family, while I’ve been cast out, left with nothing. Why should it be like this?”
Anger flared up in Eliza. “I’ve taken your everything? You’ve been taking from me since we were kids, making me the scapegoat, making me suffer!”
Before Eliza could react, Margot pulled out a spray can and aimed it at her face. Eliza couldn’t block it in time and was knocked out cold.
When she came to, Eliza found herself tied up, with Margot holding a knife to her throat. “Eliza, both families are on their way. Let’s see how much they really care about you,” Margot taunted.
Soon enough, footsteps echoed outside the warehouse. The Madden family and Dean were the first to arrive. As soon as he saw Eliza in danger, his eyes blazed with fury. “Margot, let her go! Harm a single hair on her head, and you’ll regret it!” he shouted.
Orson and Polly were right there, too, their faces a mix of fear and outrage. Polly’s voice shook with emotion, “She’s kind girl. She never did anything to you.”
1/1
