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Chapter 188 Wounded Pride
Chapter 188 Wounded Pride
“Are you crazy? Why are you taking this out on me? I’m just as worried as you are!”
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“But I can’t get hold of Arabella–what am I supposed to do?” Carter was practically stomping in frustration.
“What good am I? Who’s been holding this family together all these years?
“So the factory’s gone and I’m broke now, fine–but before that, wasn’t I the one providing? Who else solved everyone’s problems?” Carter shot back, glaring at Freya.
“Why bring up the past now? It’s useless!” Freya didn’t want to hear it.
Carter narrowed his eyes, studying her. “You know, ever since we lost everything, your temper’s gotten worse. You talk down to me more and more. At first, I thought it was just the stress. But now I see–you’re taking it all out on me!”
“Mom, Dad, please stop fighting,” Harper pleaded through her tears.
“So what if I am? Am I wrong? Who’s supporting this family right now? You probably don’t have a dime to your name! What right do you have to yell at me? If you’ve got a problem, go take it up with Arabella!”
“You… you ungrateful woman! Think about how I treated you before! And now you say I’m penniless? You’re unbelievable! Heartless!” With that, Carter stormed out, slamming the door violently behind him.
“Go ahead, walk out! Don’t you dare come back!” Freya shouted after him.
Carter didn’t look back, vanishing from sight.
“Mom, please don’t be so upset. You’ll make yourself sick. Dad was just angry. He’ll come back once he cools down,” Harper said nervously, trying to soothe her.
“Hmph! Where else does he have to go now?” Freya snorted, her expression icy.
Harper understood their family now relied entirely on her mother. Even though the Macdonalds had fallen, the Clarks could still provide support. As long as Freya was here, she wouldn’t have to worry about food or shelter.
In the kitchen, the housekeeper waited until the living room fell quiet before cautiously peeking out. Seeing the argument was over, she carefully brought the food and set it before Harper.
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12:22 Fri, Feb 6 M
689
Chapter 188 Wounded Pride
+5 Free Coins
The sight of the prepared meal cooled Freya’s anger slightly. “Don’t let him ruin your appetite. Eat something,” she said, still irritated but concerned for her daughter.
Harper sniffled for a moment. Seeing her mother had settled somewhat, she quietly sat down
to eat.
go
Though worried about her father, Freya was the one in charge now. Harper didn’t dare after him–it was better to keep her mother calm first.
Humiliated by Freya’s scolding, Carter felt utterly wretched. He’d spent decades providing for her. Back when the factory was thriving, even her brother had worked there–he’d supported their whole extended family.
Lately, he’d still been trying to save the business while everyone else had given up. Now they were blaming him for not doing enough.
It was as if Carter was finally seeing Freya’s true colors. The woman was an ingrate. When he had money, she was all sweetness. Now that he was broke, she treated him like dirt.
But the bitter truth was, even standing outside, he had nowhere to go. All his properties and assets had been seized. The only reason this house remained was because it was in Freya’s name–she’d managed to keep it. Now it was his last refuge. Furious at his own helplessness, he had no choice but to accept it.
Too ashamed to face his pitiful state, he got into his car and drove downtown. If he had no real home, at least he could go somewhere for a drink. In a sour mood, he headed to the upscale bar he used to frequent.
In the past, the valets would scramble the moment they saw his car. Today, they acted as if he were invisible, fussing over other patrons instead. Carter snorted coldly. “Park my car.”
The valets glanced at him. News of his business collapse had spread, and everyone looked down on him now. After a chilly stare, one sneered, “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Macdonald. Heard your company went under. Still got the funds to spend here?”
Their disdain only fueled Carter’s anger. “Don’t you look down on me! Even now, I can afford this place!”
How dare these lowly valets mock him? The valet smirked. “Mr. Macdonald, you used to be so generous with tips. If I park your car today, you’d better not be stingy.”
Furious, Carter pulled out twice his usual tip and tossed it at him. “Just do your job and shut up!”
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12:23 Fri, Feb 6 M…
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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The readers' comments on the novel: True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella)
I started the novel with great interest. In the beginning the storyline was captivating. Then I feel that the more the story advances, the twists were no longer great. Moreover I don't like Arabella s personality, cold, distant......