Chapter 502:
With a brief nod to Wilton and Belen, they exited the Morgan estate, Harlee included, their posture proud and unyielding.
Harlee observed the confrontation silently, her role more of an observer than a participant.
It wasnât that she didnât take offense at Lizaâs words.
Having recently been named a goddaughter of the Morgan family, she refrained from complicating matters for Wilton and Belen.
After all, despite Lizaâs difficult nature, she was Wiltonâs mother.
The support from the Sanderson family was not surprising to Harlee.
Ever since she had rejoined their fold, she hadnât suffered any grievances.
She cherished the security that came with being under her familyâs wing.
Liza never imagined the Sanderson family would dismiss her so outright.
The impulse to explode in anger and sever ties was strong.
However, there were no formal bonds between the Morgan family and the Sanderson family to even break.
The Sanderson familyâs attendance at the Morgan estate was purely for the ceremony of naming Harlee as Wilton and Belenâs godchild.
When Liza voiced her objections, Wilton deemed her reaction excessive and chose not to stand by her, leaving the floor open for the Sanderson family to flaunt their disdain.
This audacity tipped the scales in the Sanderson familyâs favor.
The assembled guests noted the shift but restrained themselves, aware of the influential figures present and the business entanglements with the Morgan family.
As the Sanderson family departed the lounge, an elderly voice from the VIP area rang out.
âHas the ceremony concluded? Then, itâs time for me to depart as well.â
Confused, Liza turned to the speaker.
Lá´tÑÑt chαptÑrs ιn gðªlnovÑlð .ð¸Ð¾ðº
âMr. Garcia, I thought you were here for Wiltonâs birthday?â
As people trickled out, extending courteous goodbyes to Wilton and Belen and cautiously avoiding intruding on their family matters, Lizaâs fury mounted.
Sprague, shaking his head, responded, âNo.
I was present as a witness for Harlee.â
Sprague had intended to advocate for Harlee but found it unnecessary as the Sanderson family had adeptly defended her, particularly Lonnie, who diligently shielded his daughter and sons from any fallout.
Sprague raised his eyes to meet Lizaâs and inquired with a meaningful look, âYouâve stayed away from Baythorn for five years, havenât you?â
Liza gave an involuntary nod.
âShed those outdated notions, or youâll find your later years less than pleasantâ¦â With those poignant words hanging in the air, Sprague turned and walked away, never glancing back.
Laurence Aguilar, Coulsonâs grandfather and esteemed as Sprague, stood from his place in the VIP area.
He patted Lizaâs shoulder and remarked gravely, âThe time has come to consider the viewpoints of the younger ones.â
Laurence lifted his hand, forestalling any words from Liza, gestured farewell, and exited the Morgan estate.
If not for arranging a fishing trip with Fletcher, Laurence wouldnât have considered attending this birthday festivity.
He had long stopped frequenting gatherings meant for the younger generation.
Liza turned toward Wilton and questioned, âWas Laurence here on account of that woman⦠that Miss Sanderson?â
Given the history of camaraderie between Laurence and her late husband Cade, often seen out on the town together, Liza wasnât taken aback by Laurenceâs presence at Wiltonâs celebration.
âYes!â Wilton responded icily, throwing a cautionary look at Lindsay.
Upon learning of his daughterâs deceitful maneuvers, he grasped the extent of her machinations, including her ploy to bring his estranged mother back, merely to stir turmoil at the goddaughterâs welcoming ceremony.
He had been utterly oblivious before.
When Wilton confirmed the unsettling truths, Lizaâs heart tightened painfully, her breaths growing shallow until she finally collapsed into her chair, unconscious.
Chaos erupted in the living room.
Ultimately, it was Belen who restored order, directing Wilton to rush his mother to the hospital while she managed the flurry of departing guests.
By early afternoon, with Rhysâ aid, Belen managed to bid farewell to the last visitor.
Exhausted, Belen collapsed onto the sofa, her smile wavering with fatigue.
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