Chapter 153: Elena Ward's Lips Curled Slightly

Elena Ward's lips curled slightly, her eyes flashing with mockery. Had the old woman suddenly grown a conscience?

She didn't buy it.

Originally, she had planned to let Agnes Ward and Calvin Ward tear each other apart, sparing Daniel and Grace some trouble. But now, out of nowhere, the old woman was bawling like a heartbroken widow.

What kind of act was this?

"Grandma, you heard about the scene I caused at Uncle Calvin's place today," Daniel suddenly spoke, his voice firm. "I won’t have anything to do with him from now on. If you’re unhappy here, you can come live with us."

Elena’s heart sank.

Her brother was too kind.

Agnes’s eyes gleamed—she’d been waiting for those exact words. Elena gritted her teeth. Was he really inviting a tyrant into their home?

She stared at her own slender, pale hands. If the old woman dared to move in, she wouldn’t hesitate to strike again. At worst, she’d make sure Agnes never left her bed—better that than letting her lord over the household.

"Daniel, dear..." Agnes wiped her tears. "Grandma knows you’re a good boy. But this house was built with your money. If I leave, won’t those ungrateful wolves take it all?"

Elena’s pupils constricted.

Had the old hag actually changed?

"I’m staying right here." Agnes straightened her back. "They’ve benefited enough over the years. Think they can shirk their duty to care for me? Not a chance! As long as I’m here, they won’t dare harass you!"

Elena and Grace exchanged bewildered glances.

This wasn’t the Agnes they knew!

"Grandma, don’t say that..." Daniel faltered.

"You must take this money!" Agnes suddenly turned stern. "Or else you’re saying you won’t forgive me!"

Daniel had no choice but to accept, his eyes reddening. After four years, this was the first time their grandmother had shown them kindness.

"Thieving wench! What are you skulking around for?" Agnes suddenly grabbed a broom and hurled it at the doorway.

Vera Ward yelped and jumped back, clutching her head, her face twisted with fury. Why hadn’t this old crone kicked the bucket yet?

"Mom, I just wanted to ask Daniel for a favor..." Vera forced a smile.

"Get lost!" Agnes roared. "Where was this 'family' talk when you were abusing Elena? Now you come crawling for help? Dream on!"

Daniel quickly stepped in to calm the trembling old woman.

"Grandma, we won’t go. In a couple of days, I’ll be taking Elena to the city for school."

Agnes turned to Elena and beckoned her closer.

"Elena..." She pulled out twenty dollars. "Grandma was wrong. But remember—your brother and sister have given you their all. Don’t you dare let them down."

Elena clutched the money, her fingertips burning.

This was the first time Agnes had ever willingly given her anything.

"I know," she said softly. "I’ll be good to them."

In this world, they were the only ones who truly cared for her.