Chapter 286: Relationship Struggles From the Previous Generation
The consequences of one's actions inevitably catch up. Who would have guessed Ava would weave such an elaborate web of lies? Initially, she reveled in her revenge, but she underestimated her children's reaction. Her grand scheme became a scandal, forcing her to frantically clean up her mess before her deception was exposed.
The Quirk family quickly grasped the core issue: Ava's revenge stemmed from the children's switch. Isabella, however, was too engrossed in the unfolding drama and her sarcastic commentary to offer any juicy details.
Oliver glared menacingly at Ava, who avoided his gaze, head bowed. Unable to remove her daughter, she was forced to confront Oliver. In her desperation, she devised a plan.
"No, my child," Ava said. "My daughter is unworthy of you. There was never anything between you two; therefore, you bear no responsibility. My earlier statements were a scheme against Damien." As she spoke, Ava's words began to make sense, even to her. She laughed joyfully.
The others found her actions bizarre. While they knew Damien had been manipulated, they didn't expect Ava to so casually reveal it, solely to absolve Oliver and Ruby of any involvement. She had misjudged priorities.
Is something wrong with her brain? someone wondered aloud.
Even the usually absentminded Damien let out a bitter laugh. In his mother's eyes, his manipulation was inconsequential. She seemed to have lost her mind, prioritizing the concealment of the truth above all else. It was a clandestine affair, known only to her. As long as she didn't acknowledge Oliver as her son, she could take the secret to her grave, avoiding confronting her selfishness.
Noticing the glint of excitement in Ava's eyes, Isabella knew the secret wasn't as hidden as Ava believed. In fact, Isabella planned to expose it further.
Ava's obsessive focus on opposing Damien had created a massive uproar. This fueled Isabella's investigation, ultimately leading to the truth's revelation. Immediately, Isabella sought Alexander. He had become her go-to problem solver.
"Do you think Mrs. Willis seems guilty?" Isabella asked indirectly.
Alexander, unable to watch Isabella exert herself, stated directly, "Actually, I've suspected this for a while."
"Perhaps there's something odd with Damien and Oliver's backgrounds," Alexander continued, startling Isabella. "We need to verify this."
Isabella was speechless, managing only a "Really?" Alexander nodded, effectively stealing her spotlight, leaving her astounded.
"Good heavens! Alexander is so clever! He doesn't need my help after all. I'll just enjoy the show," Isabella thought.
Overhearing this, the Quirk family likely guessed the entire story, mocking Alexander behind his back.
Oliver, though suspecting Ava's explanation was an excuse stemming from her disdain for him, appreciated her tact. It saved him considerable trouble. He had no desire to marry Ruby, and complying with Ava's words would prevent Sergio from threatening him.
"That's more like it," Oliver sneered, his respect for Ava vanished. Ava's heart ached, but she endured, feeling overwhelmed and failing to accomplish anything.
"Mom, what are you implying? How can you speak of me like that?" Ruby raged, eyes blazing.
Ava felt a splitting headache. The situation was so overwhelming she felt she might faint. Frustration, annoyance, and helplessness consumed her.
Isabella was ecstatic. Haha! Ruby doesn't understand Ava is covering up their disgrace. Even if exposed, it won't be a fatal blow. Yet, they're rejecting this last hope. Ava must be breaking down.
The Quirk family suppressed their laughter. "You reap what you sow! These two are Ava's retribution," they thought.
Ruby only knew her mother was belittling her, declaring her unworthy of Oliver, who she also noticed didn't want to marry her. Ava seemed deliberately hindering her.
Ava yelled, "Shut up!"
Uninhibited, Ruby roared, "You oppose my marriage to Oliver because you dislike Lydia! You're gambling with my future to vent your frustrations! This is utterly selfish!"
Ava was speechless, shocked by her daughter's outburst. The onlookers, initially there for the spectacle, were surprised. While they knew Ava and Lydia's relationship was strained, they hadn't known Ava hated Lydia.
Lydia, too, was taken aback. Their disagreements stemmed from their children. As sisters-in-law in the Winters family, they rarely interacted. Lydia, the heiress, handled external affairs, while Ava, in charge of internal matters, had no conflict of interest. Lydia didn't understand Ava's hatred.
Howard, standing nearby, looked away, discomfort evident. Since Jared's passing, he couldn't discuss the matter with Lydia.
The Quirk family shuddered, realizing this might explain the child swap. Isabella's quick explanation followed.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk! The Winters family arranged Jared's marriage to Lydia. But Ava, wanting Jared for herself, drugged him and ruined the engagement. It was a secret known only to those involved," Isabella revealed. The Quirk family was shocked. This involved the previous generation's relationship struggles!
Isabella continued: Jared, long enamored with Lydia, opposed marrying Ava but couldn't defy his family. He married Ava, while Lydia married Howard. Their marriage was fraught with conflict.
The Quirk family murmured their agreement. No one would accept such an arrangement.
Ava always believed Jared was obsessed with Lydia, their frequent contact fueling her suspicion and paranoia. She believed Lydia was seducing Jared, fostering her hostility towards Lydia.