Chapter 82 Salvageable
Madeline’s my daughter who got stolen since the day she was born. Harriet’s the one who took care of me and my brothers just so we wouldn’t have to be tortured by a stepmother. She married Dad and has no children of her own because of that. How am I supposed to make the choice? He shook his head in agony. “Auntie, please. Please don’t force me to make a choice, alright?”
“I’m forcing you? No, you are forcing me.” Harriet teared up. “Crystal had to heal up after Angie was born, and I helped raise her up. Your father has nine grandchildren, but Angie is the only one I raised myself. Now you want to chase her out? No, I’m not forcing you. You’re breaking my heart here.”
“Grandma!” Angie cried loudly and hugged Harriet. It was at that moment, her despairing heart finally felt slightly secure. Harriet was even more powerful than Robert in the family. Michael and his brothers respected her more than their father because she gave up on having her own kids just to take care of them. Now that Grandma is helping me, Dad won’t chase me out anymore. Even if Mom only cares about Madeline, as long as Grandma is here, I won’t be harmed. I might not live as well anymore, but at least I won’t have to leave the family.
“Angie. My poor Angie.” Harriet was hugging Angie and crying as well.
Michael’s face was as white as a sheet, and he couldn’t say a word.
Michael was in agony, but he didn’t cave in, nor did he give up on Madeline. Madeline saw that, and she pitied her father. Madeline took a step forward and looked at Harriet. “Stop forcing him to make a choice. He doesn’t decide whether her real identity is exposed or not; I do.”
Harriet was holding Angie, but she looked up at Madeline. “What do you mean?”
Maeline said, “I mean I will call the police even if Mr. Wendel doesn’t. I will sue Cameron for making the switcheroo, so don’t force him to make a choice anymore. Try forcing me.”
“Why you…” Harriet pointed at her with a trembling finger. “How can you do such a vile thing? Angie is innocent! Why won’t you show mercy?”
“Exposing Cameron’s crimes and telling the public about Angie’s real identity is evil?” Madeline cocked her eyebrow. “If that’s what you think, then suit yourself. I’ve decided to call the cops on Cameron tomorrow. Anything you want to ask? Or do you want to force me to relent as well? Fine, do it. I’ll be waiting.”
“You…You…” Harriet could force Michael because of her identity, but not Madeline. She pointed at her and stammered, but she could do nothing to her, so she turned to Michael. “She’s your daughter, Michael. You—”
“Stop forcing him,” Madeline interrupted. “I won’t be getting back into the fold for now, nor will I do as Mr. Wendel says, so there’s no use in forcing him. It’s my decision to call the cops and sue Cameron, and no one else. There’s no point in making things hard for him.”
Michael looked at Madeline, feeling touched, and he teared up. “No.” He sobbed. “You’re our daughter, Maddie. We’ve missed the last twenty years of your life, but we won’t miss a second more from now on. I’m sorry for being too weak.”
“It’s alright, Mr. Wendel. I don’t blame you.” She looked at him and smiled. “I’m grateful that I’m now a legal child thanks to Mom and you. Aldo and Buddy won’t have to face any discrimnation after this. I can understand you, and it’s not important whether I can come back to the Wendels or not. What’s important is that the criminals face justice.”
“How can you be so evil?” Harriet growled. “Cameron is your foster mother no matter what. She raised you up. You can’t send her to jail. God will punish you for this.”
“That again?” Madeline cocked an eyebrow at her. “Did you forget that I called you stupid for saying that? If we go by your logic, if an evil woman steals your children away and raises them up, your children have to be grateful for her instead of hating her for stealing them away?”
“Maddie’s right, Grandma,” Jonathan said. “Grandma, Maddie is our family. If it weren’t for Cameron, she would have been enjoying her life with us. But Cameron stole her away, and not only did she fail to take care of Maddie, she almost killed her. She didn’t exactly raise her.”
Madeline looked at Jonathan, surprised. She never thought he’d defend her despite all the pressure from his family. Did Sebastian do the trick? Looks like he’s a decent person. He didn’t turn evil after getting scolded. In fact, he learned something from it. He’s good.
“Even you, Jonathan?” Harriet pointed at Jonathan, her face white, and she almost cried. “Did I love you for nothing? My most beloved grandson, refuting me just for an outsider. A-Am I that worthless?”
Robert glared at Jonathan. “Jonathan, apologize!” he roared.
Jonathan sighed and bowed to Harriet. “I’m sorry for arguing with you, Grandma. It’s late. I’ll send you two home. We can talk tomorrow.”
“I am not leaving! She’ll call the cops on Cameron and tell everyone about Angie’s real identity if I do!” Harriet said through sobs. “She’s already of marrying age. If her identity is exposed, how is she supposed to marry then? Nobody will marry her! She’s your sister! You grew up with her! Can you really watch when her name gets tarnished?”
“It’s not that serious, Grandma,” Jonathan said. “It’s not the end of the world. Maddie’s been Cameron’s daughter for more than twenty years. She’s still fine.”
“I don’t care!” Harriet said. “Angie is the Wendels’ princess, and I raised her up. I won’t let you ruin her life!”
Madeline looked at her calmly. “And? I’ve decided to call the cops on Cameron, and Angie’s real identity will get exposed. How are you going to force me into letting Cameron go free so Angie’s secret can be kept then?”
