2/2
U9.41 Tue, o May
After the New Year’s Eve Tragedy: Her Icy Return
Chapter 89 Blame Shifting
& 99%L
+8 Pearls
She whipped her head towards the direction of the voice, and when she saw Miguel, she instantly let go of
the man.
She walked over to Miguel and lowered her gaze to his polished shoes. “cle Miguel, what… what are you doing here?”
Helen usually snuck into bars secretly, believing no one at home knew about her escapades.
Miguel’s appearance had shattered that illusion.
Miguel’s eyes scanned her intently. “What do you think you’re doing here? Do you have any idea how frantic your parents are–worrying about you?”
Helen bit her lip and murmured, “I wasn’t in a good mood. I heard bars could help lighten your spirits, so I
came.”
In the past, whenever she made a mistake, a simple excuse would suffice.
But Miguel wasn’t buying it this time. “You think a bad mood justifies carrying on with a man in front of everyone? You’re a young woman, and you’re about to marry into the Graysons. How can you do something so scandalous? If the Graysons see this, would you still want to marry into their family?”
Teresa was extremely conservative. If she found out her future daughter–in–law was publicly cozying up to another man, there’s no way she’d accept Helen.
That would also ruin the Somertons‘ chance to connect with the Graysons forever.
Helen’s eyes widened in panic. “Uncle Miguel, I realize I was wrong. Please, don’t tell anyone about this.”
Marrying into a wealthy family was her dream. Losing that opportunity over a trivial mistake would be something she regretted forever.
Miguel looked at her, conflicted and unsure of what to feel.
He had agreed to let Helen marry into the Graysons not just because Caroline was unwilling, but because Helen seemed more conservative and reserved, aligning better with Teresa’s values.
Yet, seeing Helen’s unrestrained behavior, she seemed less composed than Caroline.
What had happened to the girls in this family?
Helen, waiting for his response, clung to his arm, pleading. “Uncle Miguel, I swear I’ll never come to places like this again. Please, promise me.”
Her eyes welled up with tears, and soft red marks from a slap were visible on her face.
Miguel’s heart softened. “Alright, I’ll keep this to myself. But remember, no matter how upset you are, you can’t do things that tarnish your reputation.”
Reflecting on it, Helen had never been hit since she returned to the Somertons.
1/2
U9.41 Tue, 6 May
Chapter 89 Blame Shifting
ར€,99%
+8 Pearls
Miguel reasoned that Helen had been driven to impulsivity by the pain. He couldn’t fault her entirely–this was on Caroline.
Miguel led Helen out of the bar and immediately called Edwin to inform them that Helen was found.
Shortly after they got home, Edwin, Alaina, Fabian, and Liam returned as well.
Alaina rushed over to Helen, scanning her from head to toe with worry. “Helen, are you alright?”
Helen shook her head, lips pressed together.
Seeing she was unhurt, Alaina sighed in relief. Then, with a soft scolding tone, she said. “Even if you’re upset, you can’t let it get to you like this! If something happened to you, how do you expect me to carry on?”
Helen whispered, “Mom, I’m sorry for worrying you.”
Alaina gently patted her back. “Remember, no matter what happens, don’t ever lose hope. Doing so only pleases those who hurt you. They might even be hiding away, laughing about it right now!”
She spoke loudly, pointedly glancing in the direction of Caroline’s room.
Everyone understood the implied accusation.
Hot–headed Fabian wasted no time. He marched to Caroline’s door and kicked it forcefully. “Caroline, get out here!”
Since Caroline’s recent behavior shift, she’d grown more outrageous by the day.
If they let her continue, she’d destroy the family.
It was late at night, and Caroline was already asleep.
Hearing no response, Fabian kicked the door several more times.
The banging grew louder, finally waking Caroline.
She opened her bleary eyes, glanced at the door, and decided to ignore it. Pulling the blanket over her head, she tried to go back to sleep.
After a while, the noise stopped.
Caroline knew she’d face a thorough grilling from her brothers the next day. So, at the first light of dawn, before anyone else awoke, she got up and prepared to leave.
。
