Chapter 483 This Is Fair
"Actually, I think it's safer for Molly to live with me. There's another reason I don't want Molly to go back to Riverside Villa." Eric's expression suddenly turned very serious.
Patrick was surprised. "What reason?"
"I'm afraid Molly will be bullied."
"What are you talking about?" Patrick frowned, looking even more confused. "Molly is my daughter, Riverside Villa is her home, who could bully her in her own home?"
"Uncle Patrick, you are not often at home, so it's understandable that you don't know much about your own household. But you can't just assume that Molly is truly happy living there."
Eric didn't explicitly say that Debra was bullying Molly; after all, Debra was also Patrick's daughter. If he reported it without consideration, it would put Patrick in an awkward position.
Moreover, with him protecting Molly, it was enough.
Even if Patrick knew everything, what could he do? He couldn't even see through Tiffany, so how could he be expected to handle Debra?
Carl stood nearby, lips tightly closed, casting a meaningful glance at Patrick.
Everyone in Riverside Villa knew that Molly had been suppressed and bullied by Debra for years.
Even Tiffany knew, but only Patrick, her biological father, was completely unaware!
"Molly, who in this house dares to bully you?" Patrick stared intently at the timid Molly, suppressing his anger as he questioned her.
Sweat beaded on Molly's delicate forehead, her lips parted slightly, but she couldn't utter a word.
Eric felt her hand become clammy in his palm and quickly used a soft, soothing voice to comfort her, "Molly, don't be afraid. With your father and me here, you can tell us any grievances or hardships you have. We will stand up for you."
He sincerely hoped that Molly could speak out about all the terrible things Debra had done to her. She deserved to speak up and seek justice for herself.
They all stared at her intently.
After a long while, Molly's lips trembled as she spoke, "No, no one is bullying me."
"Molly," Eric felt a wave of disappointment.
But when his large hand touched her thin back, he realized her clothes were soaked with sweat.
Eric's pupils contracted, and he felt a heart-wrenching pain.
He had pushed her too hard. He shouldn't have made her constantly think about the painful past and how to seek revenge.
The one he loved didn't need to do anything; he would handle everything for her.
"Is it Debra who bullied you?"
Patrick's sudden question was like a sharp arrow piercing Molly's trembling heart.
She lowered her head, wringing her dress with her hands, and remained silent.
"Is it? Has Debra been bullying you all this time? Tell me, and I will stand up for you."
"Uncle Patrick, you know Molly's situation. She isn't as good at charming and pleasing you as Debra is. Sometimes, she is too kind-hearted to tear apart her relationship with her relatives. So, she can only live cautiously, silently enduring all the humiliation."Eric couldn't stand it any longer and spoke with a cold tone, "So many years have passed; there's no point in pursuing it now."
Patrick's face fell, and his large hand clenched tightly on his knee.
Eric slowly helped Molly up, his strong arm naturally sliding to her waist, holding her firmly with a hint of possessiveness.
"The past is the past. Out of respect for you, I don't want to pursue it. But from now on, it's different. Since I'm with Molly, I will make decisions for her. If anyone dares to harm her again, I will make sure they pay the price."
After Eric led Molly away, the atmosphere in the study was extremely oppressive. Patrick could still feel the chilling air, creating a strong sense of suffocation.
"So, Eric also knows that Debra has been bullying Molly?" Patrick looked at Carl in confusion, his heart tightening, finding it hard to accept. "I just overheard the servants mentioning it. Even the servants know everything, but I, her father, don't? How could I not know?"
Carl sighed. "Mr. Wellington, don't blame yourself too much. You are usually busy handling company affairs, so it's understandable that you might overlook some things."
Patrick propped his elbows on the table, holding his head in pain. "As a father, I really feel guilty towards Molly. I didn't know she was so unhappy at home."
"But it's all in the past, Mr. Wellington. Now Miss Wellington has Mr. Clark, who cherishes her and protects her well. You can rest assured," Carl said earnestly. "Miss Wellington has grown up; she's not a child anymore. You can't always keep her confined at home, not letting her socialize or interact with society. It's not good for her condition."
"Moreover, haven't you noticed? Since Miss Wellington has been with Mr. Clark, she's been smiling more, and she's much more lively and cheerful."
Patrick nodded slightly.
Even he couldn't remember the last time he saw Molly smile so brightly. It seemed Eric was truly good to her, and she genuinely felt happy.
"Debra has really been spoiled by me! That's her own sister, how could she do this!"
Patrick thought of how innocent and lovely Debra was as a child, and now he felt heartbroken!
"Mr. Wellington, you should know the significant influence of the people around you," Carl hinted.
Patrick's eyes darkened, and his jawline tightened.
At this moment, a knock on the door was heard, followed by Debra's sweet voice, "Dad, are you there?"
"Come in."
The door opened, and Debra walked in with a tray, smiling brightly.
"Dad, it was my fault today. I caused you trouble, so I specially prepared your favorite fruits and desserts to apologize. Please don't be mad at me, okay?"Debra placed the fruits on the table and walked over, trying to hug Patrick's neck and act spoiled as she used to. Usually, this would dissipate any anger Patrick had.
However, this time, Patrick raised his hand to stop her. "I hope this is the last time you act in a manner unbecoming of your status. You're a daughter of the Wellington family; you need to be mindful of your behavior."Debra's arms awkwardly froze in mid-air, and she forced a smile. "Yes, Dad, I won't do it again."
Patrick said nothing, but he didn't touch any of the things she brought.
"Dad, we're going to the horse race in a few days. Didn't you say my riding outfit looked good last time? I also had one made for you. The designer just delivered it. Why don't you go downstairs and try it on?"
Debra could see that Patrick was still angry, so she tried her best to please him.
"Debra, you won't be going to the horse race this time," Patrick said coldly.
"What?" Debra was immediately angry. "Why won't you take me? You take me to the horse race every year!"
"This year is an exception."
"Why?" Debra's eyes widened, and her features began to twist in frustration. "All the daughters of the prominent families in Mugden will be there. How can you not take me?"
"This year, I will take Molly," Patrick said, lowering his eyes, not even looking at her.
"How can you?" Debra's mind buzzed.
"Why not? Molly is also my daughter, also a daughter of the Wellington family."
Patrick looked at her with an unprecedented coldness. "Besides, you've been going for many years; you must be tired of the socializing. Molly has never been, and many people in Mugden don't know her. From now on, I will give more opportunities like this to Molly. That's only fair."Fair? Patrick had neglected Molly for over a decade, and now he was talking about fairness?
"What? Judging by your expression, you're not satisfied?"
Patrick raised an eyebrow slightly. "As her older sister, you should take care of your younger sister and share good things with her, shouldn't you?"
"No, it's not that, Dad. It's just that Molly has autism. What if she has an episode in such a setting? How will she handle it?"
"You don't need to worry about that. Mr. Clark will take good care of her."
Debra was so angry that she had nothing left to say.
"Leave now, I have work to do."
Debra's face turned pale, and as she turned, her eyes filled with hatred, and she gritted her teeth.
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