Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 102

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Shattered Rose He Held On Tight

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Chapter 102 For Their Reputation

“If you want to reason like that, then what crime should the parents bear for failing to take care of their six–year–old daughter?

“Let’s take a step back. Even if it had been Claudia who killed someone back then, the law could still forgive a six–year–old child. Yet you, as her parents, have trapped her for life.

“As far as I know, Ms. Wallace’s father was a violent gambler, currently serving time in prison. Her mother was a housewife with no real survival skills. Being adopted was a lucky twist of fate for her.

“She had money, parents, and siblings. Everything she possessed was far better than Claudia’s, and some of it was even supposed to belong to Claudia. So I really don’t see where her grievances lie.

“But your daughter… She truly has nothing.

“To measure a life with money is heartless, but it isn’t without reason.

“If an ordinary person had died, the compensation they’d get probably wouldn’t even cover one of Lydia’s designer bags.”

“Mr. Romero!”

Lydia shot to her feet furiously, face streaked with tears that refused to fall. Her sad but unyielding expression was at its most striking when she was heartbroken.

“I won’t say anything about you favoring Claudia. I don’t even blame her. But to belittle my mother’s life like this is just too arrogant! If I could, I’d give up everything I have just to keep her alive! You don’t even understand how much I love her!”

Her grief, mixed with unwavering devotion to her mother, moved anyone who saw it. Even the Lancasters, who had just been shaken by Sterling’s words, felt a deep pang of sympathy.

Sterling’s indifference came from being a cold–blooded man without any sense of family.

But how could anyone dismiss Lydia’s pain just because she had gained so much? Losing a mother was still a wound that could never be replaced.

Claudia and the Lancasters owed her.

However, she talks about giving up, yet holds on tighter than anyone else. Sterling had seen too many women who were full of pretense, ambition, and schemes like her.

He didn’t even bother responding.

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Chapter 102 For Their Reputation

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Casting a look of pure disdain at the weeping Lydia, he turned to Wilson, who was supporting Lottie.

“You guys should know whether you’re acting for your daughter’s redemption, or just to protect your own reputation. Mr. Lancaster, I don’t want to hear any more claims of guilt from you in the future.”

For the first time, Lydia’s face burned with humiliation when she found herself being completely ignored.

Wilson’s pupils trembled.

He actually felt an unsettling sense of being seen through by this young man, standing high above them all.

Deep down, he couldn’t deny it. He treated Lydia better than Claudia because he feared people whispering that he had abandoned Zoey, that Claudia had caused her death.

Even though none of it was true, the weight of public opinion was crushing.

And Lottie, soft–hearted and guilt–ridden, had only doubled her care for Lydia.

They were doing it for their own reputation.

Over time, watching the obedient, brilliant, radiant Lydia and comparing her to their increasingly withdrawn, difficult, and unpopular daughter, favoritism had simply become a habit.

The truly despicable ones had always been the adults.

“Claudia!” Lottie suddenly burst into tears.

Wilson, who was holding her up, stopped her from rushing toward Claudia. His own expression was full of sorrow.

He knew Sterling had issued his final ultimatum.

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