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Chapter 21
Conner missed his grab and went sprawling to the floor. Afraid that Noelle might run, he then reached up and caught the hem of her dress.
While he tugged at the fabric, Noelle shielded her chest, calmly pulled out her phone, and called the cops.
By the time the cops arrived, Conner looked defeated. His body slumped, offering no resistance as they
led him away.
As they reached the threshold, Conner glanced back at Mary beside Noelle.
Resentment flashed in his eyes.
Mary had no idea what to make of that look.
“I know the Spencers have fallen on hard times over these past few years, but no matter how bad things
get, you can’t sell your daughter for status,” Conner spat.
Mary ground her teeth.
They had only one precious daughter, and they couldn’t spoil her enough. How could anyone think they’d
sell her off for status? If that were their goal, they wouldn’t have married her into the Ashford family.
They’d have shamelessly tried to latch onto the Cole family instead.
Noelle linked her arm through Mary’s, frowning as she snapped at Conner, “What nonsense are you talking
about?”
Conner lingered at the threshold, a nasty smile curling his lips. “You know exactly what I mean. You’re a
widow with fertility issues about to remarry. Who’d want you except some aging nouveau riche with a bit of money who needs a pretty trophy?
“Those old geezers can’t get a normal woman to give them the time of day. They only want you because you’re young. Do I really need to spell it out?”
He paused, then added, “Tell me how much that old man offered the Spencers. I know your family’s strapped for cash. Name your price, and I’ll pay it. Just don’t remarry.”
With that, Mary finally drove him out with a broom.
Even after the patrol car pulled away, she was still seething, her hand pressed to her chest.
“The Ashfords are a family of maniacs, each more outrageous than the last. They’ll say anything.
“Conner may be gone, but our families were once connected. Why would he say those things just to humiliate us?”
After Patrick’s accident, the Spencers had been plunged into a financial crisis and had to seek help from the Ashfords.
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ter 21
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Despite their efforts to repay the debt in various ways, that single favor became a lifelong burden for the
family.
With that burden hanging over them, how fairly could they have treated Noelle over all these years?
That thought brought tears to Mary’s eyes. She blamed herself and said, “Noelle, this is on us. We never should’ve gone to the Ashfords. It meant you could never hold your head high in that family. Your mother-
in–law has always been dominating…”
Noelle’s eyes also welled up with tears at the sound of Mary’s sobs.
She wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “Mom, don’t cry. Ever since that plane crash, Caleb hasn’t been in his right mind. I think the trauma of surviving knocked something loose in his head. Don’t take his
words to heart.
“Now that Dad’s case is being handled, I’m going to remarry and cut all ties with the Ashfords. From here on, our family has a clear path ahead.”
Mary took a long moment to collect herself, then drew a deep breath and said, “You’re right. Since the Coles have been so attentive to your dad’s case, I don’t think they’ll give you any trouble. Our family’s finally on a clear road!
“Tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping for your wedding. The Coles haven’t asked for anything, but we’re not sending you off empty–handed either.”
Noelle smiled in relief at seeing Mary’s spirits lift. Then, she gently declined her offer. “Mom, it’s my second marriage. There’s no need to make a big fuss of it. I’ve saved some money over the years, and I’ll bring that with me as my nest egg.”
Over the past few years, Patrick’s medical bribery case had dragged the Spencers into the mire, and Noelle didn’t want her family spending another dime on her.
“Absolutely not,” Mary firmly said. “That money is yours. What we buy you is a gift from your parents.
“Sweetheart, let us get you a few things. With more valuables in hand, you’ll feel much more secure marrying into the Cole family.”
Noelle didn’t want to dampen Mary’s mood, so she gave in and agreed with a smile.
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Chapter 22
