The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 458

But now, the reality is crashing down on her. Every single one of those intimate moments had been initiated by Jade. And she is still doing it. Just as Jake said, Deanna had failed to set boundaries, allowing Jade to constantly cross the line.

Tara had grown up with her brothers too. She had a wonderful relationship with them when they were younger, full of affection and playfulness. But as Tara grew up, she naturally established boundaries. Even when Tara returned home as an adult after years away, she was warm and loving to her brothers, but there was always a clear line. She understood that even among family, appropriate distance was necessary.

So why had their relationship deteriorated so horribly? Why had Tara distanced herself from her own mother?

The terrifying implication makes Deanna's stomach drop. The more she thinks about it, the more panicked she becomes. She is terrified that her worst suspicions might actually be true. Desperate for a lifeline, she reaches for her phone to call Charles, needing her husband's perspective.

When she unlocks the screen, she sees over a hundred unread messages flooding her socialite group chat.

[Mrs. Dennis, are the rumors online actually true? What exactly is going on with your adopted daughter and your sons?]

[Deanna, you really need to rein in that girl before she ruins your whole family!]

[Oh my, Mrs. Dennis, we all thought you ran such a tight ship at home. I never expected a scandal like this from your household.]

[Does Mr. Dennis know? I bet he is absolutely furious with you.]

Deanna is used to leaning on Charles whenever things get tough. He usually offers patient, calculated advice. This time, the silence stretches on agonizingly. When his reply finally comes, it is a slap in the face.

[I am well aware. I am currently doing damage control and trying to explain this disaster to my mother. You were always in charge of the children, and you failed. Do not ask me how to fix your mess.]

Deanna stares at the screen, hot tears of anger pricking her eyes. She reached out for comfort, but now she feels more isolated than ever.

Lost in her misery, she doesn't notice the solitary figure standing a few tables away, quietly observing her every move.