Chapter 734
Lillian tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Ruby, let's not rush about dinner. Shouldn't you first explain why Anouk Young is here?"
Ruby, questioned by her, showed no sign of displeasure. Instead, she held Lillian's hand and spoke softly.
"I originally planned to tell you during dinner. Lillian, your impatience is just like your mother's when she was alive." Ruby looked wistful, patting Lillian's hand.
"Back to the point. Anouk was indeed sent abroad by your father and me, but she offended a noble girl at school there and suffered severe bullying.
"She was driven to despair and almost got hit by a car on the street. My sister-in-law happened to see her and saved her. Anouk grew up under my sister-in-law's care, and she couldn't bear to leave her in such a state abroad. So, she contacted your father and me, and we asked her to bring Anouk back."
Lillian raised an eyebrow, "When did this happen? So, my father agreed to this too?"
At this moment, a voice responded from the doorway. "Lillian, I agreed to it."
The three of them turned to see a middle-aged man walking in. It was Kenneth.
Kenneth's temples were slightly gray, and he hadn't dyed his hair, but he exuded an elegant and composed demeanor. His well-maintained physique showed signs of regular exercise, making him the kind of man young girls would gasp and call handsome.
Ruby and Anouk immediately stood up, welcoming him like a mother and daughter greeting the man of the house.
"Kenneth, why did you come to Miracalia without telling us?"
Ruby was full of joy, looking like a young girl.
Anouk even ran up, looking like she wanted to hug him but stopped herself, seemingly considering something.
"Dad... no,..."
She hesitated, looking both eager and shy, which made Kenneth's expression soften with affection. He patted her shoulder and said, "Anouk, you suffered abroad and lost a lot of weight. Now that you're back, don't be afraid. Take care of yourself."
Anouk, moved to tears, nodded repeatedly.
Lillian remained seated on the sofa, sipping her tea and then clapping her hands.
The three of them looked over.
Lillian smiled, "It's a pity you didn't tell me earlier. I could have ordered a bouquet to congratulate your family reunion. It's truly touching."
The warm atmosphere was interrupted, and Ruby anxiously said, "Lillian, what are you talking about? You misunderstand. It's okay if you misunderstand Anouk and me, but saying this will hurt your father's feelings."
Anouk also stepped forward, sobbing.
"Lillian, are you unhappy that I came back? But I really couldn't continue living and studying abroad. It was too terrifying. Don't worry, I won't compete with you for anything. I know my place and won't try to take your father's and grandfather's love. Really."
Kenneth frowned and stepped forward, explaining to Lillian.
"Lillian, Anouk was brought back because she was bullied and got depression. Ruby and I have agreed to let Anouk take the Lawson surname. She won't affect you in any way.
"You, Ruby and me are family. I've been too busy lately. This time I came to Miracalia to spend more time with you."
Kenneth's expression was gentle, his eyes full of expectation and affection.
But how could a father who truly cared for his daughter and wanted to build a relationship with his long-lost daughter insist on keeping the daughter of the enemy who swapped his daughter and caused her difficult labor, pampering her in every way?
Lillian felt no emotional fluctuation, only finding it laughable.
She raised an eyebrow and looked at Anouk, "Bullying? If I'm not mistaken, she's twenty-three, not thirteen, right?"
Anouk's tears fell instantly, her face turning pale, and she trembled as she spoke.
"Lillian, you don't believe me? Fine, I'll show you the evidence." Anouk rolled up her sleeves forcefully.
Lillian saw several scars on her arm, with a few obvious cigarette burns.
Anouk suddenly became very emotional, "Is this not enough? Fine, there's more!"
Anouk started to tear at her shirt collar, and Ruby, heartbroken, hurriedly hugged her, holding her hands down.
"Anouk, that's enough. It's okay. You're home now."
Kenneth, full of heartache, anxiety, and worry, comforted, "Anouk, don't be afraid. With your mom and me here, no one will dare to bully you. I..."
Kenneth, realizing his slip of the tongue, looked at Lillian with embarrassment, only to meet her mocking eyes.
His expression stiffened, feeling as if he had been slapped in the face.
"Lillian, I was just..."
Lillian interrupted him, standing up from the sofa. "I understand. After all, Anouk is the daughter you raised. If you can't bear to part with her, you three can live happily together. I won't disturb you."
Lillian picked up her bag and was about to leave, walking around the sofa.
Ruby, anxious, blocked her. "Lillian, don't be angry. I'll apologize, okay? If you don't like Anouk working at The Kelly Media, I can arrange for her to work elsewhere..."
Lillian chuckled, "Where else can you arrange for her? It would just be another company under the Kelly family."
Ruby wanted to explain further, but Kenneth stopped her, frowning at Lillian. "Lillian, I know you're angry, but we need to be reasonable. Anouk did nothing wrong. The ones who did evil were Bob and his wife.
They have received their punishment. I heard you treat Max like a brother. I believe you and Anouk can also get to know each other and get along like sisters."
Lillian almost laughed at Kenneth's absurd reasoning.
Seeing how they defended Anouk, she didn't even have the energy to argue.
Lillian nodded and said to Kenneth. "Yes, yes, if I can't treat her like a sister, it's my fault for being unreasonable. Well, I don't want to be reasonable. You can consider whoever wants to be reasonable as your daughter."
With that, Lillian didn't give them a chance to speak and quickly left the office.
She feared she would vomit if she stayed any longer.
Lillian told herself not to let unworthy people affect her mood, but she couldn't feel good.
As she left the office, her phone rang. When she answered, her tone was slightly tense.
"What is it?"
On the other end, there was a moment of silence before someone spoke, their voice filled with concern and tension.
"Did something happen?"
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