Chapter 387: Vanessa Returned to Bennett Manor

When Vanessa returned to Bennett Manor... Helena hurried to meet her, concern etched on her face. "Vanessa, how was it? Did you find a gown you love? Is everything alright?"

"Mmm... yes..." Vanessa's lips trembled slightly. She looked dejected but managed a weak smile. "Don't worry, Mother. I'm fine... Just exhausted. I need to rest."

"Alright." Helena studied her daughter closely, sensing something was wrong.

After Vanessa retreated to her room, Helena summoned Penelope. "What happened? She seems upset."

"Oh, it's n-nothing, Madam! Really, nothing at all..." Penelope shook her head vigorously, but her expression betrayed her words.

"Tell me everything immediately," Helena demanded, "or I'll find Vanessa a more competent assistant."

"Madam, no! I want to serve Ms. Vanessa! I'll tell you... I'll tell you now!" With a frightened look, Penelope lowered her head and stammered, "W-We went to choose the wedding gown today. They only had ready-made designs, nothing custom. Ms. Vanessa found one she adored, but it cost a million dollars. Mr. Prescott said she shouldn't pick such an expensive gown and told her to choose another...

"Also, Madam Prescott has repeatedly told Ms. Vanessa that marrying Derek is a blessing. She warned her not to demand too much and to be more accommodating...!"

"Penelope! Stop lying!" A sharp voice interrupted from above.

Vanessa rushed down the stairs and sat beside Helena. "Mother, please don't listen to Penelope... None of that happened! The Prescotts treat me wonderfully, and Derek is very good to me. Penelope invented all of that... S-She made it up..." Despite her reassurances, Vanessa's voice grew hoarse, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Helena's heart ached at her daughter's distress. "Nonsense! How dare they treat you like that? You're our precious daughter, not someone for them to belittle! Stop defending them, Vanessa. We're going to have a serious conversation with them right now!"

Helena grabbed Vanessa's hand, ready to leave. Vanessa resisted, clutching her mother's hand tightly. "Mother, no, please don't! My reputation is ruined. Marrying Derek truly is my greatest blessing. I'm genuinely happy. Besides, you know how profit-driven people like the Prescotts are. Now that I've left modeling, I earn nothing and only have a small share of family stocks. What more can someone like me possibly ask for?

"Derek is willing to accept me, willing to marry me. That's already more than I deserve. I don't need anything else. Please, Mother, don't make things difficult for them."

Her tone was soft, weak, understanding, and humble. Helena felt a pang of pity and gradually calmed down. She had noticed the Prescotts' condescending attitude during wedding preparations but had restrained herself from confronting them. She never imagined they would still mistreat Vanessa! After all, Vanessa was her own daughter—the apple of her eye since childhood. How could the Prescotts treat her so poorly? At that moment, Helena made a decision. Gently, she said, "Vanessa, I'm glad you're so understanding. Go rest now. I have some matters to attend to."

"Alright, don't overwork yourself," Vanessa said caringly before leaving with Penelope. "Don't speak behind my back again!" Vanessa scolded Penelope sternly.

"Okay..."