The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79 A Test of Sincerity

Julian looked at her with concern and asked if she’d been treated unfairly. Venus could see right through it; Julian was pretending to care.

Venus caught on right away. She blinked innocently and played along. “Grandpa, I have been wronged. I’ve been treated terribly!”

Julian froze.

Venus never talked like that. She lowered her head and told him everything was fine.

He forced himself to keep going.

“Who hurt you, sweetie? Tell me. I’ll make it right.”

Venus pointed straight at Harvey. “They accused me of stealing Bree’s bracelet. My dad said he’d send me back to the mountain town and cut me off completely.”

Harvey’s face turned red from the rage. “When did I ever actually do that? You twist everything! If you behaved, people wouldn’t dislike you so much. Venus, you need to reflect on yourself—”

“Enough!” Julian slammed his cane against Harvey’s heal. “I told you to take care of Venus! That’s how you take care of her? Still trying to argue?”

He turned to Venus with a gentle tone. “From now on, you’re moving back home. My granddaughter shouldn’t be living in some shabby place.”

Harvey rubbed his head and agreed sheepishly. “Okay, Dad. I understand.”

Julian smiled kindly at Venus. “See? I had scolded your dad. Come home, sweetie. Everyone will treat you well from now on. If anyone dares bully you again, just tell me. I’ll make sure they regret it!”

Venus forced a faint smile, but inside, she was cold.

This was what he called standing up for her? Just a few empty words and a show of authority.

Venus said calmly, “No one in this family likes me. Living on my own is actually more comfortable.”

She softly declined him.

Julian’s face tightened the moment he heard her refusal “This is your home! How can you live outside?”

Venus lifted her eyes and gave him a quiet, unreadable ok.

Julian coughed lightly, then changed his tone, putting of a kind smile. “Venus, our home has everything you could ever need. You’re living all alone in that haunted house. I’m worried about your safety. Why don’t you just come back home?

He added with a warm chuckle, “Besides, don’t you want to get along with your brothers? They’re your family.”

Julian knew her too well. Ever since she came back to the family, she had bent over backward trying to please her brothers.

And those four grandsons-he knew exactly what kind people they were.

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18:48 Tue, Feb 3

Chapter 79 A Test of Sincerity

They looked down on her because she came from the mountains and thought she had no class, no education, and no worth.

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Finished

But to Julian, none of that mattered. As long as Venus stayed withinthe mansion, that was enough for him.

Venus smiled faintly. “But they’re the ones who told me to get out of the house.”

Julian’s face stiffened. “Venus, I heard you didn’t just injure Rayne. Percy ended up in juvie because of you too. Isn’t that punishment enough? You’ve already made them pay, haven’t you?”

He sighed, his expression growing stern. “How long are you planning to keep acting out?”

In the past, this was the point where Venus would tremble and beg for forgiveness.

Julian waited, but this time she didn’t move. She sat there calmly on the couch, looking indifferent, almost detached-like she was watching someone else’s family drama.

“Venus?” he called again.

She looked up slowly and said, “Grandpa, I’ve suffered for a year, and that wasn’t for nothing. If you really want to stand up for me, then prove it. Show me with your actions that I’m truly welcome in this family. Otherwise, how can I trust it’s safe for me to come home?”

Julian was surprised that Venus actually cornered him. His brows drew together, and the warmth in his face vanished.

“You gave Rayne a concussion, sent Percy to juvie, and you still want me to defend you?” he said sharply.

Venus’ tone stayed calm. “I’m asking for sincerity. If you want me to come home, show some real sincerity.”

Megan crossed her arms and deliberately mocked, “Are you asking for money?”

Harvey’s face twisted. “Money? Forget it. The moment you get a dime, your foster father drains it dry. I might be well-off, but I’m not rich enough to keep feeding that gambler!”

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