NovelUpdateChapter 281 The moment Shirley heard Martha's voice, her first instinct was guilt, so she quickly released her grip on Carlisle's hand. She feared that if Martha was displeased, she might once again threaten to throw her and Ivy out, and no one would be left to protect her.
Shirley forced down the bitterness in her heart and put on a flattering smile as she looked up at Martha. "Mrs. Zachman Senior, why are you still awake at this hour? Did I disturb you?" Afraid of being misunderstood, she quickly explained, "I just saw that Carlisle was hurt... I only wanted to check on him-" She was interrupted by Martha's sarcastic, almost mocking expression.
Shirley's face turned pale, and the look in Martha's eyes made it feel as though she saw through all of Shirley's actions, leaving her uncomfortable and unable to continue speaking.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMartha adjusted her shawl and sneered. "I've known exactly what kind of person you are. Allowing you to stay at the Zachman residence was already showing mercy.
"You'd better know your place! You'd better remember your place! Just because Katrina isn't around doesn't mean you can seduce my son and try to take her place!" She walked toward Shirley and continued, "Lettell you keep dreaming. As long as I'm alive, you and that bastard daughter of yours will never step foot into the Zachman family! Even if Carlisle really does get divorced one day, it won't be you he marries. You're not worthy!" She paused and added, "If I catch you doing this again, no one will be able to save you. The Zachman family doesn't tolerate women with dirty intentions. You may shamelessly try to be the other woman, but we won't be made a joke of!" Shirley's face turned pale. Her body trembled like a fragile flower in the storm, as if she were about to collapse at any moment.
She bit down on her lip as tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks. She looked as if she had suffered the greatest injustice, yet she didn't dare to utter a word in protest.
"Mom!" Carlisle barked, cutting Martha off. Seeing Shirley's pitiful state, he reached out to support her.
He frowned and looked at Martha with disapproval. "Don't you think you've gone too far? Shirley isn't—" Before he could finish, Martha's disappointed look knocked his words out of him.
She coldly cut him off, "I don't know what kind of spell this woman has cast on you, making you hold onto her all these years. What did I do wrong to deserve a son like you, who can't even see things clearly?" She clutched her chest as if trying to catch her breath, then snapped, "Get upstairs! I have something to say to you." Without waiting for a response, Martha turned and walked away, as if she couldn't bear to see Shirley for another moment.
As Carlisle watched her leave, a dark look flickered in his eyes.
"Carlisle..." Shirley whispered as she bit her lip, gripping the sleeve of his shirt.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"It's my fault again. I made you argue with Mrs. Zachman Senior. I'm sorry. I always cause you trouble." As she spoke, she started to cry again.
A trace of irritation rose in Carlisle's chest, but he didn't let it show. Instead, he gently patted the back of her hand to comfort her. "It's not your fault. I'll go talk to her. You should get srest." "But..."
Shirley tried to say more, but Carlisle had already brushed her hand aside and headed up the stairs.
As she saw him walk away, the wronged expression on her facen quickly disappeared, replaced with a cold, calculating look in her eyes. However, Carlisle was oblivious to that.
As he reached the door to Martha's room upstairs, the door was slightly ajar. He knocked softly, and upon hearing Martha's voice telling him to cin, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it behind him. św
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