Jasmine finally rose to her feet and spoke earnestly, "Dad, trust me. I'll provide Asher with excellent care. You won't be disappointed." Raymond nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "I have faith in you. I believe you won't letdown." "How could you do this, Dad? Are you deliberately trying to driveaway? Could you have even welcomed Asher into the Shelbert family without my help?" Luna protested.
She couldn't make sense of it. Raymond had readily agreed to Jasmine's grandparents' demand to keep Asher, but it meant Luna would be forced to leave.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBut where could Luna possibly go? She had fought tirelessly to be accepted into the Shelbert family, to be Raymond's beloved daughter. The mere thought of leaving was inconceivable to her.
Jasmine seized the opportunity to address Luna, saying, "Luna, there's no need for such distress. Sending you away doesn't mean you're being ousted from the family.
"It's simply that, for now, it's not conducive for you to be around Asher. So, a temporary separation is necessary until Asher matures and overcomes his past behavior.
"Ultimately, it's all for Asher's benefit. As his mother, I trust you can understand, right?" Portraying oneself as the innocent victim-it seemed that skill had becuniversal, hadn't it? Once upon a time, Jasmine would have looked down upon such tactics, but strangely, witnessing Luna's frustration now brought her a sense of satisfaction.
Ever since Luna's arrival, their family dynamic had been thoroughly disrupted.
It was tfor Luna to experience a taste of her own medicine.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Jasmine, keep your mouth shut! Don't think for a second that I'm unaware of your intentions. You're trying to forceout so you can manipulate Asher more easily, aren't you? "Well, keep dreaming. I won't give up!" Luna shot back, feeling utterly deceived at that moment.
Turning to Raymond, she pressed on, "Dad, remember our agreement? We made a deal that Asher would be considered your grandson, but only if I remained part of the Shelbert family.
"Now that you wantgone, that agreement no longer holds. If I leave, I'm taking Asher with me!" Interrupting sternly, Irene interjected, "Take the child for all I care! To you, he's just a pawn for your benefit, isn't he? It's no surprise he hasn't learned any good values under your care. With a mother like you, can he ever truly thrive?" Raymond's brow furrowed as he addressed Luna, "Asher's adoption paperwork is already finalized. He's legally my grandson now, and you don't have the authority to take him away." "That's not true. As Asher's mother, I have the right to take him withif I choose to leave. If you continue to pressure me, I'll have no choice but to escalate this matter to the media. Let the public decide. A mayor like you competing withover a child. Let's see whose side they take." "Luna, are you seriously threatening me? "Dad, it's not a threat. You were the one who broke your promise first. We both agreed that Asher would remain in the Shelbert family, and et d too. It was your decision to acquiesce to their demands and attempt to pushaside. How is this my fault?" Indeed, Luna was prepared to risk everything at this crucial moment.
Just then, Jasmine stepped forward, taking Raymond's hand as she pleaded, "Dad, perhaps we should reconsider letting Luna stay." Raymond hesitated briefly but remained silent.
Standing nearby, Irene's cold scoff pierced the air "Absolutely not. Didn't you all witness her outburst just now? Allowing her to remain i the Shelbert family would be detrimental, both to Asher and to the future development of our family. Luna must be sent away, there's no other option." Raymond nodded solemnly, feeling swayed by Irene's words. Luna's presence indeed appeared more like a liability than an asset.
Calling forth one of his bodyguards, Raymond turned to Luna and announced, "I'll offer you a sum of money to move abroad. And if you cooperate, I'll ensure you receive regular financial support." As Luna noticed the bodyguard drawing near, she realized she had been outmaneuvered.
With a cold smirk, she retorted, "Do you think I haven't prepared for this? Have you forgotten who Asher's father is?"