Chapter 54 Unjust Accusations
Lilian found herself in a predicament. The issue of her husband giving the emerald bracelet to his mistress was a matter she was reluctant to address. Not only was it a source of personal embarrassment, but she also harbored a desire to shield Jeffery from undue criticism. She didn't want him to be misconstrued as a violent youth.
Yet, Wendy's reaction was far from what she had anticipated. There was no triumphant smirk, no shame-filled downcast eyes. Instead, Wendy's face was a canvas of pure astonishment as she gazed at Lilian.
"Sister, what are you talking about, the family heirloom emerald bracelet?" Wendy queried, her voice laced with confusion.
Taken aback, Lilian swiveled to look at Jackson, only to find his countenance clouding over, a clear indication of his displeasure. Bewilderment washed over Lilian.
"Sister, I bought this bracelet with my own money. How could it possibly belong to the Frane family? You're making excuses and falsely accusing me, but no one does it as shamelessly as you do," Wendy retorted, tears cascading down her cheeks once more. Lilian's grip on her wrist remained firm.
Bowing her head, Lilian scrutinized the bracelet more closely, a sense of unease creeping over her. At first glance, it bore a striking resemblance to the Frane family's heirloom, but upon closer inspection, it was slightly narrower, and the emerald's hue was significantly lighter. The stone was of mixed colors and lacked the same transparency as the Frane family's bracelet. The difference in quality was palpable.
Wendy, having never examined it closely before, had failed to notice these discrepancies.
"Ouch..." Wendy's cry of pain echoed through the room as Grace forcefully slapped Lilian's hand away.
"Let go of her!" Jackson's face darkened further as he pulled Lilian back, cradling her protectively in his arms.
Just then, Terry entered the room, his arms laden with a bouquet of flowers and a fruit basket. He had been dispatched to extend an apology on Jeffery's behalf.
"Sir, this…" Terry began, but Jackson cut him off with a glance, turning his attention to York.
"A misunderstanding occurred. Jeffery impulsively threw something at Miss Sivan, and Aunt hit Lilian without determining right or wrong. Since it's like this, let's not pursue it any further," Jackson declared.
He then addressed Terry, "I left a card in Miss Sivan's ward. I'll go retrieve it."
Terry promptly complied, disappearing into the ward.
Jackson didn't linger, guiding Lilian by the shoulder towards Jeffery's ward.
Emerging with the card, Terry didn't bother to place the fruit basket and flowers in the ward. He offered a polite nod to Wendy and the other two, who stood rigidly by the door, before hurrying to catch up with Jackson.
Fury ignited within Wendy, and fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. She clenched her fist, but the movement sent a jolt of pain through her injuries, causing her face to blanch and her body to tremble uncontrollably.
"What do you mean by not pursuing it? My hand is almost broken from being hit, while Lilian only got slapped! How can it be the same? And, the card that was given, it can actually be retrieved?"
Jackson had conveniently omitted any mention of Jeffery's apology. Did he believe she deserved this treatment? How could he be so callous?
Had all the pain she endured been for naught?
"Don't distress yourself, Wendy. I understand that you've been wronged, and this situation will not be left unresolved," Grace soothed Wendy until her emotions settled, then they returned to the hospital room.
Inside Jeffery's hospital room, Jackson released Lilian's hand upon entry, and she instinctively moved aside. Daisy was at the bedside, gently wiping Jeffery's face.
Upon their arrival, she spun around to inquire, "How is Wendy? Did she offer an apology?" Her gaze then landed on Lilian, her tone accusatory. "You're always stirring up trouble!"
"Mom, I've already stated that I am responsible for my actions. It has nothing to do with Sister Lilian!" Jeffery protested from his hospital bed, resisting Daisy's attempts to clean his face.
Jackson's brow furrowed. "Jeffery, cease your fussing and stop pointing fingers."
Their collective defense of Lilian, coupled with their dismissive attitude towards their own mother, left Daisy feeling cold and isolated. Her dislike for Lilian deepened. She tossed the towel into the basin, her voice bitter. "Fine, I'm the villain here. You're all conspiring against me. I'm leaving!" With that, Daisy stormed out, her anger flaring at the sight of Lilian.
The hospital room was left with only Lilian and the two men. Jackson exuded an imposing aura as he sat on the sofa, legs crossed. Lilian, recalling the misunderstanding about the bracelet, lacked confidence and kept her gaze lowered.
Jeffery continued to voice his thoughts. "Brother, Sister Lilian and I did nothing wrong. It's your fault for giving the Frane family's emerald bracelet to Wendy. Does she even deserve it? Today might not have been successful, but next time... mmm!"
Lilian quickly rushed over to cover Jeffery's mouth, whispering hurriedly, "You're mistaken. The bracelet isn't the one from the Frane family. Please be quiet."
Jeffery blinked. "Really?"
Lilian nodded regretfully. Jeffery stared at her in confusion. "But it looks exactly the same..."
Jeffery, ever the stubborn one, refused to admit defeat. He glared at Jackson accusingly. "It's your fault too, you should have given the bracelet to Sister Lilian earlier. Then we wouldn't have misunderstood."
Lilian wanted to punch the boy. Who wanted to be on his side anyway?
Jackson chuckled, looking at the two sitting side by side on the hospital bed. "Yes, it's all my fault. Shouldn't I also praise both of you for doing nothing wrong and achieving great success?"
"The mouse knows to look for food in the middle of the night when nobody is around. But you guys, so many of you watching and still dare to act. Are you brainless?" Jeffrey's face turned red from being scolded, wanting to argue back, but Lilian pulled him aside.
Jackson observed their silence and his expression softened slightly. "Do you realize your mistake?"
Lilian nodded and looked at him, saying, "I'm sorry, for causing you trouble. And also, thank you for what happened just now."
Her formal and distant apology and gratitude sounded even more unpleasant to Jackson's ears. His eyes turned icy cold, filling him with a chill.
Lilian couldn't help but feel afraid. After all, he had just helped her, at least maintaining her dignity as Mrs. Frane in front of others.
Jeffrey pouted, "Brother, when are you planning to give the bracelet to Sister Lilian?"
Lilian's eyelashes trembled slightly, showing that she cared about it.
Jackson did not give the heirloom bracelet to Wendy, which made her feel at ease, and also gave rise to some hidden desires.
But Jackson's voice still sounded cold. "After doing such a thing, you still want the bracelet? Even if I didn't give it to Wendy, it's not meant for her!"
Lilian's heart sank, and Jackson looked at the woman with her head lowered, but he was unable to see her expression clearly.
He was about to say that if Lilian showed some humility, admitted her mistake, and stopped causing trouble about divorce all the time, he could consider giving her the bracelet. But Lilian raised her head, smiled at Jeffrey, and said, "I don't care about the bracelet, Jeffrey, please stop bringing up this matter."
Jackson's face darkened. Of course, she didn't care, after all, she didn't even care about him.
He stood up, his voice cold. "If you make a mistake, you should show some remorse. Go and reflect on it!"
Jeffrey could tell that he was really angry this time and didn't dare to talk back, so he muttered, "Oh."
The boy jumped off the bed and ran to stand in the corner.
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