Chapter 430 A Self-Inflicted Fall
The grandeur of Long Island Manor was the setting for a shocking revelation. The Medici couple found themselves taken aback upon hearing that the usually composed Mr. Bourbon had resorted to physical violence on behalf of Abella. In their minds, Andrew was far from impulsive, and certainly not one to engage in public brawls."This is a testament to Mr. Bourbon's protective nature towards Abella," Lauren mused, her lips curling into a smile. "Abella is indeed fortunate to have such a devoted family."Mrs. Medici, touched by the news, added, "I was informed that Mrs. Bourbon recently came to Abella's aid, teaching the young Samantha heiress a lesson. It's clear that both Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon consider Abella as their own, fiercely guarding their young charge."She held a firm belief that with such a family, Abella's future would undoubtedly be filled with happiness."Lauren, have you made all the preparations I asked for?" Mrs. Medici suddenly inquired. The Bourbons were due to arrive that evening, their visit specifically centered around Abella.Earlier in the day, Mrs. Bourbon had invited Abella on a shopping trip, a dual-purpose outing to both purchase items for Abella and select a gift for the Medici couple. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Medici, however..."Mrs. Medici, everything is in order," Lauren assured her, a smile playing on her lips. "The house is spotless, the flowers have been replaced with fresh blooms, and we have an array of refreshments and fruits at the ready. We're simply awaiting their arrival.""Excellent, excellent..." Mrs. Medici murmured, glancing at the clock. The meeting was still two hours away, yet anticipation already thrummed in her veins.Just then, Lola entered the gates of Long Island Manor, taken aback by the transformation of the estate. Even the garden boasted an array of new floral varieties, their vibrant hues lending a lively ambiance to the grounds."Lola, you're finally here..." Maria caught sight of her and swiftly pulled her aside, whispering urgently, "Have you chosen the repertoire for tonight's performance? What about your outfit? Do you need any suggestions?""Maria, I'm not here to steal the spotlight," Lola responded, her tone candid. "I'm on a break and I missed my parents. I plan to stay for a few days, greet everyone tonight, and then retire to my room. I don't want to cause any disturbances.""Stubborn as always, Lola!" Maria huffed, exasperated by her words. She hadn't expected Lola to change so drastically after her encounter with Ethan and Camila!Tonight's dinner party was a golden opportunity. If she could win over Phillipe's parents, becoming Mrs. Bourbon would be a sure thing!"Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon have watched you grow up. Their affection for you surely runs deeper than for Abella..." Maria muttered, her frustration mounting."Lola, didn't you mention on WhatsApp that Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon have come to Abella's aid twice? They must really care for her... I don't want to waste my energy anymore, and I don't want to argue either. There's more to life than Phillipe, and even without him, I can still be happy," Lola retorted."But Phillipe is the most suitable for you. He's outstanding, capable, and protective," Maria argued, her tone growing serious. "Lola, I've watched you grow up. I can't bear to see you fall from grace, from a princess to an ordinary woman. Can't you understand my feelings?"Just then, Lola spotted Abella returning through the main gate."Enough, Maria. I'm going to my room," Lola declared, turning to leave."Lola, Lola..." Maria's voice trailed off, tinged with desperation. Why wouldn't Lola heed her advice?!As Lola crossed the garden, about to ascend the staircase leading to the main building, she heard Maria cry out. Whirling around, she found Abella standing aloofly next to Maria, who was sprawled on the ground!Lola rushed over, helped Maria to her feet, and asked, "Maria? What happened? Are you alright?""Lola, it's nothing. Just the folly of old age... I lost my footing," Maria replied, wincing as she glanced at her bruised knees.
Abella stood to the side, her gaze cold as she watched Maria's subpar performance. "Not only have you aged," she commented icily, "but your acting has regressed. It's not as good as it once was."Maria was taken aback by Abella's blunt words. A cry of pain escaped her lips as she clutched her waist."Is your waist causing you pain?" Lola's concern was evident in her voice. "Let me assist you inside to apply some ointment, see if it helps you stand...""Lola, don't fuss over me. I'm alright. Ah..." Maria's protest was cut short by a groan of pain. With Lola's support, she managed to stand, albeit reluctantly.Abella paid no mind to Maria's theatrics. She strode purposefully towards the house, intending to enter."Abella!" Lola's voice halted her. She hesitated, struggling to find the right words. Finally, she asked, "What happened to Maria?""She fell on her own," Abella replied curtly, leaving the words hanging in the air as she ascended the stairs to the main building.Lola bit her lip, her expression one of disbelief."I already told you; I fell on my own..." Maria's voice held a hint of malice."But you were walking perfectly fine; the road was flat and wide. How could you have fallen like this?""Lola, there are some things I can't explain. It's okay if I suffer a bit, but I worry about you..." Maria began to shuffle towards the side building. "Oh, forget it. If others hear this, they'll think I'm teaching you to be wicked." Lola remained silent, her mind filled with doubts about Abella as she quietly helped Maria along. "You're already eighteen, there are some things you need to learn to judge for yourself..." Maria's voice trailed off as Lola helped her to the door of the side building. "I'll stop here; I can manage on my own...""I'll fetch you some ointment..." Lola offered."No need, Ophelia will assist me."As Lola watched Maria leave, she couldn't help but ponder. Maria was already so old, there was no need for her to deliberately harm herself just to tarnish a teenager's reputation at the cost of her own wellbeing...She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon that evening. If she had intentionally injured herself, she wouldn't be able to face them...Maria would undoubtedly speak highly of Lola in front of Mr. and Mrs. Bourbon. She couldn't afford to miss this opportunity. It was her style.However, Abella's words didn't seem dishonest.Given Abella's nature, if she were guilty, she would undoubtedly confess.So, what was the truth?After considering her options, Lola found herself trusting Maria more, suspecting that Abella must have somehow caused Maria's fall...The reason being, when Maria had whispered to her earlier, Abella had seen it when she returned...It wasn't beyond the realm of possibility for Abella to seize the opportunity for revenge.However, Abella actually didn't even notice the two of them earlier.Just then, Lola's phone vibrated. She pulled it out and glanced at the message, her expression one of surprise.
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