Chapter 359
Nick shot a resentful look at Camellia, maneuvering her for the chase. How could playing the role of a mess be so shameless? Wouldn’t it be better for the four of them to feign ignorance than to continue digging her own grave? Nick said, “Wendy, I hastily apologize for how I treated Natalie; I acted thoughtlessly. But hope they are safe and sound.”
"Natalie is fine, but our bond has been destroyed by your schemes. You blamed Natalie while escaping the matted forest; you’re more contemptible than refuse. Nick, you are despicable," Wendy cried, her voice breaking.
Visibly hurt by the situation, Nick interjected, "Enough, Wendy! Don’t lose control. I know you’re sensitive. It doesn’t suit you; please hold your emotions in check, especially in public. Yes, my father swapped me with Natalie when I was born. Everyone makes mistakes; my dad merely acted on a fleeting impulse."
Jennifer was determined not to let Wendy portray herself as the victim, for that would tilt public opinion in Wendy’s favor and place Jennifer in the spotlight. Her plan was clear: establish Wendy’s instability.
Wendy paused, realizing she had underestimated Jennifer. Jennifer’s boldness was astonishing. "Jennifer, I am your mother, who raised you!"
Jennifer interrupted, "I know you raised me, which is why I’ve hesitated to speak about your mental health issues. Your condition has harmed the company and led to its bankruptcy. We failed by not recognizing your illness sooner. When your episodes happen, you are dangerous; that is why my father and I distanced ourselves from you. Mom, it’s partially our fault, but we must also think of our safety."
At that moment, Jennifer shifted the blame back onto Wendy. If Wendy was sick, anything she said would just be considered nonsense.
A flicker of doubt crossed Wendy’s mind; if Jennifer could prove her mental illness, all of her past efforts would be for naught. Wendy clutched her chest, struggling with her anguish. “Jennifer, how can you speak such outrageous lies? Your father and you left me because of my company’s debts; he feared creditors might come after you and pressured me into divorce, severing ties with my sons.”
Wendy pulled the severance documents from her bag for all to see. “Look! Nick forced my sons to sign. I realize now that Jennifer is Nick’s biological daughter with Camellia. They prioritized their happiness while abandoning my children. Nick deceived me my entire life!"
Wendy had once been merely putting on a show. Even her closest friends had unwittingly witnessed her act, all for this severance document. Wendy wouldn’t let her children maintain any connection with Nick. She couldn’t abandon her own kids; yet, she needed Nick to cut ties first. Only then could her four children find true happiness and return to the right path.
Onlookers regarded the severance document with disdain, casting disparaging glances at Nick. In that moment, shame enveloped Nick. He felt like the burning pressure of fire beneath him.
Maris suddenly exclaimed, “I have never seen such shamelessness! These individuals hardly deserve the title of human. Entangled with a former lover, swapping a rightful wife’s daughter for that of a mistress – how low can Nick go? It is a calculated scheme, while they make excuses about a momentary lapse. Wendy is truly pitiable. She barely had time for her other sons but managed to nurture her daughter. Everyone knows Jennifer is a talented girl – due to Wendy’s dedication."
“Yet, Jennifer is nothing but an ingrate, accusing the one who raised her and calling her a madwoman. When Wendy sought financial help from us, my husband discovered she had been manipulated and sold her assets to pay her debts. She is stable, not mentally ill. I’ve met with her recently; she’s in low spirits, yet her mind is clear–she shows no signs of mental illness. Even after being coerced by Nick and Jennifer into divorce, she worried about Nick, fearing he might soon suffer from dementia.”
His last remark ignited a spark in Wendy’s eyes; it was clear that a few words with Maris had worked wonders. Maris’s sharp words could turn the tide in Wendy’s favor. Wendy had feigned sorrow to share her troubles with Maris, preparing for moments like this.
Jennifer glared at Maris, her eyes filled with malice. “Maris, don’t slander my father! How could he possibly have dementia? It is Wendy who is unwell.”
Maris sneered, watching Jennifer’s deceitful act, her anger simmering beneath the surface. Maris despised mistresses, and fate had aligned Jennifer and her mother with that title. Once the act is done, evidence always surfaces.
Maris directed her ire at Jennifer. “You, Jennifer, are the one who seems unhinged, rightfully earning the title of mistress. Shall I expose the wrongs you’ve committed?”