Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 539

In the heart of suburban Connecticut, two uncles were as ruthless as they come. Driven by jealousy towards their brother, they’d stop at nothing to see him fall—no matter the cost. Leaving the kids of the second and third family with nothing was just the beginning.

The evidence, so far, was flimsy, but everything Keith and Stefan had gathered pointed towards their cousin, Hayden. Keith’s heart burned with resentment towards his uncles, suspecting they might have even helped that Avila woman take Lucy away back in the day.

Ashley muttered, “Aunt Beth,” aware that her aunt was here to relish in her misfortune. Tears welled up in her eyes despite her attempts to remain composed. Beth took in the chaos of the living room, then gently led Ashley to the couch. “Trashing your own stuff is just shooting yourself in the foot. If you’re that mad, why not go wreck Madeleine’s place?”

“That woman is shameless, Ashley! She’s got the nerve to flaunt her pregnancy in front of you,” Beth continued.

Ashley sobbed, “She’s always been a brazen hussy. Remember how she used to treat Janice? It’s not like we didn’t see it coming.” Back then, they’d been on the same side. Madeleine had cozied up to her, trying to get her to help bully Janice.

“You think I don’t want to? But Hayden’s got her back. If I go after the Porter family and the Blue family doesn’t support me, it’ll just hurt my kids.” Ashley knew the score. Madeleine’s provocations were one thing, but taking it to the Porter family’s doorstep was another. The Blue family wasn’t really in her corner.

Her own family? Useless. They feared the Porter family’s retaliation, and the Blue family too. After Hayden’s betrayal, they’d urged her to hold on, not to divorce. They claimed it was for her own good, reminding her she wasn’t getting any younger. Divorce would be tricky, especially with three kids. Without her, they’d be left to Madeleine’s mercies in Sunnyglade Abbey. Especially Molly, just a kid in elementary school.

The Zade family couldn’t bear to lose the Blue family as in-laws. Business without their backing? Not worth the risk. So, they all advised Ashley against leaving Hayden. Not that she wanted to. No way was she giving Madeleine an inch.

Judith, sitting quietly, listened and observed. She’d called in sick from school, needing a day to herself. When Ashley’s tears had dried, Judith spoke up, “Mom, Aunt Ashley, in a battle, you can’t lose your cool. Sometimes the best move is to sit tight and let the other side make the first mistake.”

After days of silent observation, Judith knew her mother and aunt were no match for her cousin. Not with that poised aunt of hers backing her up. If this was a battle, Aunt Beth and her daughter were the calm, while her mom and Ashley were the storm. The more they moved, the more they exposed themselves to attack.

“You’re just a kid,” Beth scolded her daughter. “Go back to your room. If you’re feeling better tomorrow, head back to class.” Judith pursed her lips and left without another word.

As soon as she was gone, the butler from the third family entered with an envelope. “Ma’am, someone left this at the security office for you.” Ashley’s face fell at the sight of the envelope, dreading the contents that could only fuel her anger. Still, she took it, ripping it open to find a stack of photos.

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