Chapter 180
Hailey lowered her gaze before speaking again. “You know, Phoebe really loved Dexter... and Dexter, he’s the
big shot now, head honcho of Fitzgerald Group. The company’s fate is in his hands; he can't afford a scandal.”
She was tellingall this to convinceof Dexter's love for Phoebe and to plead for a chance on Phoebe’s
behalf.
“Why didn’t you ever tell Phoebe the truth? You had so many chances...” My voice was hoarse with emotion.
Was | resentful? Maybe just a bit...
“I loved Phoebe too much; | saw her like my own daughter. | dreamed of us truly becoming a family. They were
engaged, and Phoebe adored Dexter. | always thought that one day, Dexter would cto his senses and treat
Phoebe right. He loved her...” Hailey seemed to be deceiving herself more than anyone.
| couldn't help but laugh, a sorrowful chuckle that brought tears to my eyes.
In that moment, | realized how selfish people could be.
Living with the Fitzgeralds all these years, could Hailey really not see the hurt and emotional abuse Dexter
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtinflicted on me? Was she blind to my cautious steps and the feeling of being an
outsider in their home?
She could have toldthat Dexter wasn’t my savior, and | wouldn't have felt indebted to him,
wouldn't have let him manipulate me.
I have my pride, too. If I'd known | owed him nothing, he'd have no excuse, no right to hurt me.
| could love him, or not, freely.
I shouldn't be shackled.
| could've called the cops the minute Dexter forcedinto something and made him face the
consequences.
But | endured years of his cold brutality, all because of a supposed debt - for him rushing into flames to save me,
to save my parents, to prevent their bodies from being charred beyond
recognition.
And it could've all been avoided. Hailey could have told me.
But mother and son, they both heldcaptive in the nof love - one feared I'd leave, the other claimed her
actions were out of ‘love’.
“Hailey, do you know who really saved Phoebe’s life?” | took a deep breath, looking up at her with fists clenched.
Since Dexter wasn’t my hero, | had even less reason to feel any bond with him.
1/2
0743
Chapter 180
He was responsible for the death ofand my child! He and that Melody owed me!
Hailey shook her head. “By the twe arrived, the savior was gone. There were no cameras on that bridge, no
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmclue who it was. Witnesses mentioned a young man, and I've tried to find this person, but no one cforward.”
She sighed. “I've been searching for years.”
| stayed silent, bowing my head.
“Ms. Larson, can you give Dexter another chance? Let's settle this privately...” Hailey’s voice was soft, but |
knew she was offeringthe last olive branch.
Before Dexter took over, Hailey was the one keeping the company afloat. She was a force to be reckoned with.
“I'm sorry,” | shook my head firmly. | would not compromise with Dexter again.
“Dexter's kidnapping charges won't stick. Right now, it’s just your assault claim, and you don’t seem injured. We
could opt for a more amicable solution, one that doesn’t stir up between our families,” Hailey’s voice
cooled.
“The harm he’s done togoes beyond physical injury. He kidnapped me, threatened my husband, and goaded
him. | have zero tolerance for him,” | said, my tone leaving no room for argument.
After a moment of silence, Hailey placed her phone in front of me. The screen showed an image of Colin, covered
in blood, holding an injured kitten, a victim of animal cruelty.
“If you Langleys want a media war, then we Fitzgeralds are all in,” Hailey stated, standing up to leave.