Filed to story: Shattered Vows (Venessa Windsor) Book PDF Free
Venessa numbly nodded her head.
“After all the pain you’ve endured, no wonder your personality has changed so drastically. You used to be so lively and adorable…” Layla’s eyes filled with anger as she hissed, “Tiffany was way out of line! It was clearly a business rivalry, so why on earth did she have to drag you into it? I looked into it. It was the Pierce family who interfered with Tiffany’s mother’s business interests abroad. That’s why they latched onto the necklace issue, to show you their power.”
Venessa had also figured it out. The Lorimer family wouldn’t go to such lengths just for a necklace.
The Pierce family was certainly overwhelmed with their own troubles, so they didn’t dare to rescue her. They didn’t even dare to make a peep, let alone maintain their familial relationship with her.
“Regardless, it’s a fact that the Lorimer family caused you such suffering in prison. As a member of the Lorimer family, it’s only right that I make it up to you. Feel free to tell me what you want as compensation.”
Venessa asked uncertainly, “Layla, are you truly willing to compensate me?”
“Of course.”
Just as Layla assumed she was after money or perhaps fame and status, she was taken aback by an unexpected response.
“Layla, I hope you can adopt a three-year-old girl. I’ll write down the address for you.”
“No problem, but who is this little girl to you?”
Venessa let out a bitter laugh.
“She’s the daughter of a fellow inmate who helped me when I was being bullied. She ended up in prison because she accidentally stabbed her mother-in-law to death while defending herself against her abusive husband. Her husband was also injured in the incident, but he was saved. Her daughter’s life must be tough, being with that abusive man. The adoption process is sure to be a hassle. Just do your best, Layla.”
“I absolutely detest men who resort to domestic violence. Don’t worry, I’ll handle this situation,” Layla assured.
“Thank you. Then I won’t disturb you any further.”
Feeling genuinely grateful, Venessa expressed her thanks and then got up to leave.
Layla was somewhat skeptical. “That’s it? You don’t want any other compensation? As far as I know, your relationship with the Pierce family isn’t exactly on good terms right now.”
“For now, that’s all. Although I’ve decided to leave the Pierce family, I’m perfectly capable. I can support myself.”
Venessa turned and walked away.
Layla watched her, her stubborn silhouette tinged with a touch of defiance, and found herself lost in confusion and deep thought.
Even though Gabe and Venessa were not related by blood, their personalities radiated an indomitable tenacity, a resilience that showed they would rather perish than submit.
They were unlike her, who was timid and incapable, always obedient to every word and command.
Gabe’s name kept surfacing in her mind relentlessly.
Had she been a bit more assertive five years ago, perhaps she might have been in control of her own happiness…
Venessa had just left Lorimer Estate when a man emerged from a car parked by the roadside.
He hurriedly ran in her direction, swiftly grabbing hold of her arm.
“Ms. Pierce, are you okay? Did the Lorimer family give you a hard time?”
Venessa was nearly pulled off her feet by the action. As a familiar, magnetic voice reached her ears, she lifted her head.
The moment she saw Cole, she was somewhat stunned. “Why are you here?”
“I knew you were heading to Lorimer Estate alone, so I rushed over immediately. Gabe really is heartless! How could he let you go to the Lorimer family all by yourself?”
Cole sounded very angry, his deep and dark eyes filled with rage. If he were a cat, his fur would likely be fluffed up in anger.
Venessa didn’t understand, was his anger rooted in his concern for her?
From what perspective was he worrying about her?
Venessa tried to shake off his hand, but Cole wouldn’t let go. Instead, he gripped her arm with his other hand, examining it from top to bottom. All the while, he asked with a worried tone, “Are you okay? Did anyone from the Lorimer family lay a hand on you? Did you get hurt anywhere? Don’t worry, I’ll get an expert to treat you!”
As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and dialed Percival. “Are you at the hospital? I’m bringing an injured person to you right now.”
“The injured party is your former fiancée, isn’t she? Mr. Lockwood, are you sure she’ll let me examine her this time?” Percival said, sounding quite exasperated.
Seizing the opportunity, Venessa broke free from Cole. She cast him a cold, indifferent glance before turning around and leaving without a backward glance.
Cole didn’t even hang up the phone when he hurriedly chased after her, calling out, “Venessa, where are you going?”
On the other end of the phone, Percival teased with a chuckle, “What’s this guy up to now? Is he trying to win his wife back? Wait no, she’s his ex-fiancée! How interesting!”
After catching up with Venessa, Cole blocked her path. “Where do you think you’re going? I’m seeking a specialist to treat your injuries. Come with me.”
“No need!” Venessa glared at him coldly. “Mr. Lockwood, do you have a lot of free time? You seem to always be keeping tabs on the Pierce family’s affairs.”
“No, why would I be interested in the Pierce family? I’m only interested in your affairs.” Cole still had on that overly worried demeanor as he added, “You must have been scared coming to Lorimer Estate alone, right? I blame myself for not arriving sooner. If I had, I would have definitely gone in with you. That way, even if they were to make things difficult for you, I would have been there to back you up.”
A gust of cold wind blew, causing Venessa to shiver from the chill. However, in her eyes that were filled with indifference and sorrow, a glimmer of light appeared.
She had to admit, Cole’s words had indeed stirred something within her.
Everyone in the Pierce family had been forcing her to apologize to the Lorimer family, even going so far as to use Vera as a threat.
She had been feeling terrified, lost, and utterly clueless.
She had even been terrified that she might not be able to leave Lorimer Estate alive.
Only Cole had said that he would accompany her into Lorimer Estate.
How could she not be touched? There was even a slight flutter in her heart…
An inappropriate thought popped into Venessa’s mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
How could she have been so easily moved by a mere sentence?
Gaining feelings for him was even more out of the question.
Cole was no longer her fiancé; he now belonged to Madison!
“It’s too cold outside. Let’s get in the car first,” Cole urged as he led her toward his car.
Venessa didn’t refuse. “Take me to Restora Hospital. I want to visit Grandma.”
“No, I’m taking you to Harmony Hospital first. My friend is a medical professor there and can treat your injuries. Why did you refuse treatment yesterday? The only one who suffers from that decision is you.”
