The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 914

"Seeing you so happy with the right person brings me so much joy," Deanna continues.

As an experienced woman, she can tell when someone's intentions are genuine through their actions. The Calhoun family's respectful, earnest approach proves they are fully committed to this marriage. Once the engagement is finalized, they will undoubtedly push for the couple to officially tie the knot quickly. Deanna has been keeping up with the news online. Seeing how fiercely protective her future son-in-law is over Tara fills her with immense satisfaction. She isn't thrilled just because he comes from a powerful family; she is thrilled because he is flawlessly devoted to her daughter.

"I believe Danny will treat me well," Tara agrees softly.

She isn't sure what else to say, but she no longer feels the intense defensiveness she used to harbor. In the past, repairing this relationship would have been impossible. But ever since her father's sudden passing, the truth behind all the misunderstandings has come to light. Seeing her brothers desperately trying to change, and now witnessing the woman sitting across from her... Tara decides to just follow her heart and let nature take its course.

"When it comes to love, only you truly know what makes you happy," Deanna says, sounding like any ordinary mother who just wants the best for her child. "I just want you to be genuinely joyful."

Perhaps emboldened by the conversation, Deanna cannot stop the flood of long-held regrets from spilling out. "Tara, I was so stupid and blind. I favored an adopted daughter and completely neglected you. Your grandmother and Aunt Kellen were right all along—Jade never had a good heart. I was naive and ridiculous to shower her with love while ignoring my own flesh and blood. Your brothers were just as foolish, and we all caused you unimaginable pain."

Deanna's eyes well up with tears. "I don't dare ask for your forgiveness. But your three brothers have been trying so hard to make amends, to fix things back to how they used to be. I just hope that, in the future, you all can look out for each other."

Once Deanna starts, she can't seem to stop. She is over fifty years old. If her daughter refuses to forgive her, she will accept it willingly. She would never blame Tara for being ruthless; she only blames herself for being cruel first. But she desperately wants her children to repair their bond. They are still young, and they have a long life ahead of them. She wants them to stand united. More than anything, she wants Tara to have the Dennis family as an ironclad support system. If Tara ever faces hardship, Deanna wants her to know she always has a powerful home to return to.

Deanna didn't understand this before. She used to blame Tara for being rebellious and refusing to submit to her control. That was how Jade managed to manipulate her, driving a massive wedge between a mother and her true daughter. Her own depression played a part, of course, but she refuses to use that as an excuse or burden her children with it. Looking back, she realizes that if she had just listened to Tara and respected her choices, things would never have reached this tragic point.