The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 578

Adela’s voice was gentle, nervous even. “We didn’t know what else to do, so we showed up like this... Please, don’t be upset.”

Catherine’s gaze lingered briefly on the impressive pile of gifts. Nothing ordinary—each item sported a luxury label, and even the teeniest toy came with a price tag in the thousands. Excessive, if not absurd.

“Geoffrey, Adela, I thought I’d made myself perfectly clear.”

“Clear about what?” Adela’s tears spilled instantly, fat and unchecked. Her eyes were puffy, red-rimmed, swollen from so much crying that they looked like they belonged to someone who hadn’t slept in days.

“You’re our own flesh and blood, Catherine. How can we find any peace knowing you’re out here alone, turning your back on us?”

Catherine listened to her weeping, her own brow knitting as if in physical pain. “I realize what we told you last time was difficult to hear. That’s fine. But the child is yours. We’re worried—not just about your reputation, but about how people might look at him down the road.”

Geoffrey picked up where she left off, but his face showed no sign of feeling. If not for that stony detachment, his words might have passed for sincere understanding.

Adela stepped closer, pleading. “Why don’t you come home with us, Catherine? Please? You and Lorinda——grew up in the same orphanage. You’re both part of the Lee family. Wouldn’t it be good to go back and be sisters again?”

“Sisters? Or rivals?” Catherine shot back.

Geoffrey and Adela shared an awkward, frozen look.

Adela interjected in a nervous whisper, “Is the baby his, or does he belong to the Ingram family? Catherine, either way, these are powerful people, and we can’t afford to upset them. Please, just tell us the truth so we don’t say something we'll regret.”

One question after another—they seemed less concerned with bringing Catherine home than with interrogating her for answers.

“I have no interest in the Lee family’s fortune, nor in any of your power struggles,” Catherine replied, tone unwavering. “My child and I are our own affair, and frankly, it’s none of your business. I won’t answer a single one of your questions.”

Geoffrey and Adela exchanged a desperate glance. Adela dropped her head, sobbing harder. “It’s my fault. I was too late. Someone must have poisoned your mind...”

“Tell us why you’re refusing to come home,” Geoffrey pressed, speculating aloud. “Was it something Davis or his family said to you? Or... do you want to stay with Lance? Is he the one keeping you from returning?”