Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22 You’re Powerless Now

Sliding a stack of papers across the table, Stephanie said, “Calista, if you want a divorce, the Frost family won’t stop you. But first, you need to sign this retraction.”

Olivia picked up the papers and exploded with anger.

“Grandma! You’re making Mom lie about abusing Austin?

This is complete nonsense!”

When has Mom ever laid a hand on Austin?

She risked her life to save him!

Calista glanced over the retraction.

In short, she was being asked to hold a press conference admitting she’d physically and emotionally abused Austin for years, leaving him with severe psychological trauma.

It was Nicole-portrayed as a savior-who’d stepped in,

spending time with him and comforting him alongside Killian,

preventing him from spiraling.

She remembered Nicole had studied public relations in

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Once Calista signed, no one would blame Austin anymore.

Everyone would remember the top scorer as a resilient young man who’d overcome a tragic childhood.

And Nicole, despite being a homewrecker, would be hailed as someone who’d defied societal judgment to save a life.

This even made Killian’s infidelity seem justified.

When it came to manipulating public opinion, Nicole was truly skilled.

Tilting her chin high, Stephanie oozed arrogance. “Calista, divorce all you want, but you can’t ruin Austin and Killian’s

reputations.”

Olivia protested, “Dad and Austin ruined their own reputations-what does that have to do with Mom?”

Stephanie’s expression turned gloomy.

“But only your mom can fix this. She’s just a housewife who’s never contributed anything to the Frost family. Now that we need her, she should step up. Olivia, your mom is cleaning up the mess you made.”

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Panic flashed across Olivia’s face as she looked at Calista.

Was I too impulsive? Is this my fault?

Calista patted her daughter’s hand, her voice firm. “Olivia, you did nothing wrong. Neither did I.”

Narrowing her beady eyes, Stephanie smiled bitterly, “Right and wrong don’t matter. I’m your elder-you do as I say! Are you planning to defy me?”

Calista stared at Stephanie coldly.

Over the years, she’d treated Stephanie with nothing but

respect.

Once, she’d felt sorry for the rural woman who’d raised three

children alone after her husband’s death.

She’d cared for Stephanie like her own mother.

But it turned out Stephanie had never appreciated her efforts-she’d just thought Calista was stupid, and taken advantage of her kindness.

She’d demanded foot water at a specific temperature, only 3/5 organic fruits and vegetables, and refused to hire nurses

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wouldn’t “disturb” her sons.

Habits Stephanie had never had before magically appeared once Calista entered the family.

Calista could endure the mistreatment herself, but she’d

never let her beloved daughter be poisoned by their twisted values.

Olivia had said her mom was her role model.

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