Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 262

Laurinda clearly held some resentment toward her, but at the end of the day, she was still part of the Parsons family. If Laurinda truly wanted to retaliate, it would be aimed at her personally, not at the entire Ashford family.

Yet here Vianne sat, looking as sincere as ever—her expression giving nothing away.

“Why are you helping us?” Lola was the first to break the silence, her voice edged with gravity.

They all faced Vianne now with a certain guardedness, wary of being lured into one of her traps.

As Vianne’s former foster mother, Lola’s question was laced with suspicion. Hearing it, Vianne felt a sting of hurt.

Vianne fixed her gaze on Lola, lips curving into a faint, almost mocking smile.

“I know what you really think of me. I’m no saint in your eyes, and I have no right to call you ‘Mom.’ Still, you raised me for over a decade, and no matter what, you’re the only mother I’ve ever known.” Her words sounded genuine, tears glistening as they slipped down her cheeks, as if she truly believed her own story. “The only reason I’m willing to speak up for the Ashford family is because I see this place as my own home.”

“What’s wrong, Vianne? Didn’t the money we gave you cover everything?” Silvia’s retort was cold.

She leaned in, her eyes sharp as she challenged Vianne. “Tell me, Vianne. When Grandma died, did you even bother to visit?”

Wilhelmina? The question caught Vianne off guard. Why would Silvia bring up Wilhelmina now?

Color drained from Vianne’s face, and for a moment, she struggled to compose an answer.

It was clear now—Vianne’s true intentions had finally slipped out.

“Silvia, that’s not it—” Vianne shook her head, desperate to explain herself, but before she could finish, Garth, who’d been quietly listening, let out a low scoff. He waved his large hand dismissively.

“Our family has nothing to do with you anymore. We don’t need your favors to solve this problem. The Ashfords aren’t exactly nobodies in this city; we can handle a situation like this ourselves.”

The message was unmistakable: they didn’t need Vianne’s help, and they certainly didn’t want her back.

“Fine.” For once, Vianne didn’t push back. She stood, eyes narrowing as a wry smile played on her lips. “If that’s how you feel, I have nothing more to say. I just want you to know—my only wish is to come home to the Ashfords. That’s all.”