Chapter 887 Stay and Take Care of Me for a Lifetime
"Let's head to the north side of town. I'll guide you when we get closer," Lyra said.
Jeffery didn't say anything, just turned on the GPS and started driving towards the north side of Willow Creek.
The north side was full of old, rundown neighborhoods, a place Jeffery had never been before. He usually stuck to the hospital or Oscar's place. He hadn't ventured further because their lives had become more stable. Without Lyra's guidance, he wouldn't have found his way here.
Finally, under Lyra's direction, Jeffery parked the car in front of a small, shabby house. As soon as they stopped, they heard the sound of things being smashed inside.
"There's nothing left! I really don't know! Why are you still siding with that wretch?" A voice yelled.
"If it weren't for her, would Aaron be in this state today?"
"She's already given us enough money. Besides, Aaron's accident was just that—an accident. How can you blame everything on her?"
The endless arguing was something Lyra had grown accustomed to and was numb towards.
Jeffery, not one to interfere in others' personal lives, spoke calmly before Lyra unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. "Don't let family issues affect your work. If you can't resolve them, take some time off. And don't worry about the fare."
Jeffery's words were a deliberate reminder. He stared straight ahead, not looking at her.
Lyra understood that Jeffery didn't want to hear any more from her. She decided to thank him with cash tomorrow. For now, she needed to deal with the situation at hand.
She turned and entered the house.
Seeing the mess on the floor, Lyra felt helpless. "I have $100,000, but this is the last time I'm giving you money. I'm almost thirty years old."
"You're almost thirty? Do you know that Isolde Porter didn't even make it to thirty because of you?" a middle-aged man snarled at her.
Lyra felt a lump in her throat.
"Enough! That was an accident. Lyra has given us more than enough over the years! If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be living in this tiny house," a middle-aged woman wailed.
Lyra looked around but didn't see Aaron, who was supposedly suicidal. She knew it was all a ruse. Aaron hadn't attempted suicide; they just wanted to trick her into coming here.
Lyra felt a sense of powerlessness towards them. "I stand by what I said. This is the last time I'm giving you money. Over the past six years, I've given you a total of six million dollars."
She had scrimped and saved, working various part-time jobs. If they continued to drain her, she would have no choice but to face ruin.
Suddenly, a loud laugh echoed from the room.
"Lyra, do you think you can just walk away? Look at my legs. If it weren't for you, would Flora be dead? Would I be like this?" A man in a wheelchair rolled out of the room.
His words were like chains, making it hard for Lyra to breathe.
"That was an accident. Flora couldn't drive, and you were drunk. After Flora died, I've always felt guilty, but you can't blame everything on me."
"Aaron, even if this went to court, I've already given far more than necessary."
Aaron sneered. "Court? You think going to court will clear your name? Don't forget, if it weren't for your idea to go to that place, none of this would have happened."
Lyra took a deep breath. "I suggested a normal outing. No one could have predicted the accident. I've been making amends for years, but I have my own life. I can't be dragged down by this forever."
The middle-aged man stepped forward, his finger almost touching Lyra's forehead. "You heartless thing! Flora was so good to you, and this is how you repay her?"
Lyra turned her head to avoid him. "I'm deeply saddened by Flora's death, but I can't carry the burden of guilt that isn't mine forever. I've done all I can."
The middle-aged woman sobbed, "Lyra, please help us one more time. Aaron's health is poor; he needs a lot of money for treatment."
Lyra looked at her former foster mother, feeling a mix of emotions. Memories of her early days in this family flooded back. She remembered her cautiousness, her gratitude, and her efforts to become a true member of the family.
But now, everything had changed.
"Mom, I've already said this is the last time. The money I've given over the years should be more than enough. The car accident was an accident. I didn't want Flora to get hurt, and I didn't want Aaron to end up like this."
Aaron's eyes filled with twisted resentment as he sat in his wheelchair.
"Lyra, you can't just walk away! If you hadn't rejected me, none of this would have happened!"
Lyra's eyes widened in disbelief, her body trembling slightly. "What are you saying? Was the accident intentional? Just because I didn't accept your confession?"
Aaron smirked, his face contorted. "That's right. If it weren't for you, Flora wouldn't be dead, and I wouldn't be disabled! You should spend your life atoning for this!"
Lyra felt dizzy. She couldn't believe the hidden truth behind it all.
"How could you do this? This is a crime!"
Heath Hill frowned slightly, a trace of hesitation flashing across his face, but greed quickly overshadowed it. "Aaron was confused. He loved you too much and made a mistake."
"But now, it doesn't matter. You still need to help us. $100,000 is too little; it won't cover our losses."
Lyra took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms.
"I won't give you any more money. Your actions have left me heartbroken. I've treated you as family all these years, but you've treated me like this."
With that, Lyra turned to leave.
Aaron, seeing her intent to leave, frantically wheeled himself to block her path, his eyes wild with desperation.
"You can't leave! You have to give us an answer today. Either give us money or stay and take care of me forever!"
Lyra looked at him coldly.
She straightened her back. "Aaron, stop dreaming. I won't be threatened by you anymore. I'll report this to the police and let the law decide."
Aaron's expression changed, his lips trembling with fear, but he tried to maintain his composure. "You wouldn't dare! If you call the police, I'll expose all your dirty secrets and ruin your reputation!"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
