Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 596

Daniel looked up at his mother, his eyes bloodshot. "What are you talking about? What delusion?"

Madeline's voice cracked with heartbreak. "I owe my life to Vincent's family. How could you do this to him?"

"Mom, you're alive because of Nolan. What does Vincent have to do with it?"

"Daniel, you're impossible. Out of every woman in this city, you had to fall for Vincent's girl? I'm telling you right now—I won't stand for it."

For years, Daniel had always been the obedient son. But tonight was different. He was done listening.

Why did he always have to play second fiddle to Vincent?

He met his mother's threat head-on. "I don't care if you stand for it or not. I love Sabrina. If that's a problem, go ahead and disown me."

Madeline stared at him for a long, heavy moment. Then she turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Daniel leaned back against the headboard, staring blankly at nothing.

For the first time in a long time, he felt something close to relief.

*****

Early morning. Vanessa was jolted awake by Lily's gentle nudging.

On weekends, she could sleep in forever. On weekdays, she could barely pry her eyes open.

She groggily sat up, irritation flickering across her small face. Kindergarten was the last place she wanted to be. But seeing the time, she dragged herself out of bed anyway.

After washing up, she padded downstairs and stopped short. Sabrina was walking into the foyer from outside.

Vanessa blinked, confused. She rubbed her eyes with her chubby little hand, then looked again. It was really her.

"Sabrina!" she shrieked, darting forward and wrapping her arms tight around Sabrina's legs.

Sabrina crouched down and gently patted her head. "Hey, sweetheart. Did you miss me?"

Vanessa's nose was already turning red. "Yeah. So much."

Sabrina rested her forehead against Vanessa's. "I missed you too, sweetie."

Just then, Vincent walked in from outside.

He went for a run most mornings. Today he was in workout gear, sweat still glistening on his face.

Lately, there'd been a weight in his chest he couldn't quite name.

When he looked up, his voice was flat. "Just tired. I'll be fine after some rest."

Sabrina nodded and didn't push.

Just then, Lily came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She turned to Vincent. "Mr. Stewart, I noticed some bruising on Vanessa this morning. Maybe we should keep her home today and take her to the hospital? Have Mrs. Stewart take a look?"

Vincent's eyes snapped to Vanessa. The little girl immediately looked down.

Sabrina already knew where those bruises came from. If Vincent started asking questions, things could get complicated fast.

She knelt down and pretended to examine Vanessa's arms. "Let me see, sweetheart."

Vanessa hesitated but let her.

Vincent turned his back, giving them space. It wasn't that he didn't care—Scarlett had told him once that because Vanessa was a girl, he shouldn't be around when she was bathing or getting examined. He'd taken it seriously. It was important for Vanessa to learn those boundaries early.

Behind him, Sabrina finished her quick check and stood. "Vincent, I took a look. The bruises aren't serious. She just needs rest and to take it easy for a few days. She'll be fine."

Lily frowned, still uneasy. "Mr. Stewart, I really think we should have a doctor check her out properly. Just to be safe."

Sabrina turned to Lily with a warm smile. "Lily, are you questioning my professional opinion?"