From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Edna put a special emphasis on the phrase, "You're your father's only child.” She made sure Janet heard it loud and clear. Because Gerard was Jonah's only offspring, the sole heir to the Lindsay legacy, he couldn't afford to slip up, not even in the slightest.

And when it came to drugs, well, that was a one-way ticket to ruin. Once you're hooked, there's no coming back. It's like signing your own death warrant.

And a junkie? They had no place carrying on the Lindsay name! Her words weren't meant to help Gerard; they were a direct hit, designed to take him down.

Gerard looked up at Edna, confusion and anger swirling in his gaze. "Edna, what are you talking about? I've done nothing wrong. Why should I apologize to Grandma? What exactly are you up to?"

His words were sharp, cutting to the heart of Edna's vile scheming, exposing her in front of Janet. But Edna didn't miss a beat, her lips curling into a smug smile. Even now, Gerard was fighting a losing battle. His defiance only served to make Janet despise him more.

Tears welled up in Edna's eyes as she played the victim. "Gerry, you've got it all wrong! I admit, I fell for your dad because we were once engaged. But I've had no illusions of marrying him all these years. I just wanted to be by his side...”

Gerard's face remained stoic, unswayed by her act. "Save it. Do you think I don't know what you're really after?” Edna's face went pale as she tried to defend herself, "I swear, Gerry, you're misunderstanding me..."

"Gerry! You're being too much! My mom was just trying to help, and you dare accuse her?" Darleen stepped in, her voice loud with indignation. "It locks like those drugs have really messed up your brain, making you unable to tell right from wrong!"Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

"You think you can be my sister? Maybe in another life!"

Darleen, fighting back tears, pretended to be strong in front of Janet.

Seeing Edna and her daughter looking so pitiful, Janet's heart ched, and

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Gerard stood there, a red mark blazing on his cheek, the physical pain no match for the ache in his heart. Seeing their plan come to fruition, Edna and Darleen could hardly contain their glee

Finally, Janet was casting Gerard out.

As Gerard looked at Janet, he said quietly, "Grandma, I've never touched drugs.”

"The evidence is right before us. How dare you deny it?" Janet was livid.

"Don’t you believe me?" Disappointment filled Gerard's eyes, a look Janet had never seen before. It made her pause.

All these years, Gerard had been her favorite. He was always so kind, 80 loving. Remembering how he used to calther before anyone else even before saying ‘mom’ or 'dad, “made herheart heavy. -

But drugs?

That was a line she couldn't forgive being crossed

"Get out!" she pointed towards the door.

Just then, the butler walked in, ~~ carrying & ‘pizza oven—a gift Gerard had asked him to pick up forac” family gathering. The scene before him left him speechless.

Gerard gave Janet one last look, grabbed his backpack, and walked out without another word. "Master Gerard!" the butler called out, panicked.

"Don’t call him back. Let him go!" Janet was firm. "That boy has become too bold, daring to mess with drugs. He's no longer worthy of the Lindsay name."

The butler set the pizza oven down, turning to Janet with urgency. "Ma'am, you've got it all wrong! Master Gerard isn't like that at all!”