Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 Unwilling Visit

“Yeah,” Vanessa replied curtly.

“Are your teachers nice to you at school?”

“Yeah.”

“Does anyone ever pick on you there?”

“No.”

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Vanessa’s coldness stung, but Scarlett forced herself to say patient. “If anyone ever gives you trouble, you must tell your teacher. And if the teacher doesn’t help, you tell your dad. He’ll always stand up for you.”

“Who would even try to bully me?” Vanessa retorted. “Everyone knows my dad drives a fancy car, and Sabrina wears designer clothes. They’re so impressive-no one would dare mess with me.” In Vanessa’s mind, Scarlett was worrying over nothing.

Seeing Vanessa’s dismissive attitude, Scarlett pressed her lips together and offered a faint, strained smile. “Alright, I suppose I’m just being paranoid.”

Straightening up, she said, “Let’s go. Your grandparents have been waiting a long time to see you.”

After they got out of the car, Vanessa stood beside Scarlett, looking puzzled. “Who are my grandparents?”

Scarlett replied softly, “They’re my mom and dad.”

“Then how come I’ve never met them before?” Vanessa asked, even more confused.

Scarlett didn’t know how to answer. After a long pause, she finally whispered, “That’s my fault.”

Halfway to the house, Vanessa suddenly stopped. “I don want to meet them. I don’t even know them.”

Scarlett stopped too. She bent down, looking into Vanessa’s eyes for a long moment, before giving a bitter smile. “Just this once. I won’t bring you here again.”

After tonight, she thought, the bond between us as mother and daughter will be gone for good.

Scarlett had deliberately chosen not to drive all the way to the entrance of Theron Manor, opting instead to park her car just outside the gated neighborhood. She had her own private reasons for this small act-she wanted this final stretch of the journey to belong solely to her and Vanessa.

Even if they walked the entire distance without exchanging a single word, she could still cradle this fragile, intimate wish close to her heart. After today, when woul they ever walk side by side like this again?

Perhaps this would be the very last time in their lives. The heartbreaking weight of that possibility brought an immediate sting of tears to her eyes, but she clenche her jaw and willed them back, refusing to let a single one fall.

Yet the road that usually felt so long tonight seemed to horten beneath their feet. It felt like they reached the entrance in under ten minutes.

Several figures were waiting at the gate. As they drew closer, Scarlett recognized Diana, Violet, and Henry.

“Henry, look-it’s Scarlett! She’s brought Vanessa!” Dian’s voice trembled with emotion, thick with unshed

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Chapter 32 Unwilling Visit

tears, audible even from a distance.

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The sound twisted Scarlett’s heart, but she forced herse to stay composed.

Before they could get close, the whole family hurried forward to greet them.

“Vanessa, come here, let me give you a hug,” Henry said arms outstretched, his face warm and kind, eyes full of hopeful tenderness.

But to Vanessa, he was a stranger. Uncomfortable, she ducked behind Scarlett.

Henry noticed her hesitation. Disappointment flickered across his face, but he maintained his smile. “That’s alright, no hug for now. I bought you lots of delicious treats. Come inside, and I’ll show you.”

Nearby, Diana had been about to touch Vanessa’s arm, but she pulled her hand back. Her smile tightened slightly, though she kept it firmly in place.

Violet didn’t approach. Instead, she watched Scarlett, her gaze complex and knowing. When their eyes met, Violet could see the helplessness and pain in Scarlett’s expression. As a mother herself, how could she ignore Vanessa’s clear rejection?

Vanessa remained rooted to the spot, so Scarlett gently guided her forward. “Vanessa, this is your grandpa, your grandma, and your aunt. Can you say hello?”

Scarlett pointed to each family member in turn.

Vanessa clung to Scarlett’s side, eyeing the unfamiliar adults with a frown. She pouted stubbornly, not uttering a word.

She remembered Violet was her aunt, but after Clara’s scolding that day, she had no intention of calling her “Aunt” ever again.

“Vanessa, say hello!” Scarlett’s voice sharpened when Vanessa remained silent for so long.

Hearing Scarlett’s stern tone, Vanessa burst into tears. “Mom, you’re being mean! I want to call Dad!”

The sight of her crying shattered Henry and Diana’s hearts.

“Scarlett, she’s just a child. Why are you being so harsh? Diana interjected, scolding Scarlett.

Henry shot Scarlett a look as well. He didn’t speak, but his eyes were full of conflicted emotion-hurt and frustration.

With both adults taking her side, Vanessa felt a flicker of smug satisfaction. Seeing Scarlett reprimanded secretly pleased her. If staying here means Scarlett got upset, then she didn’t mind it so much.

She reached out and took Diana’s hand. “Grandma,” she said, “I want some grapes.”

That single word-“Grandma”-melted Diana’s heart completely. She bent down and scooped Vanessa into her arms. “Of course, my dear. I will get you some right way.”

As she spoke, she carried Vanessa toward Theron Mano but in a place no one could see, Diana’s eyes quietly reddened.

As Diana carried her toward the house, Vanessa glanced back over her shoulder at Scarlett, who still stood frozen in place. A tiny, triumphant smile touched Vanesa’s lips.

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Awakened Housewife: Ignore Betrayer’s Begs