Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Chapter 32

David kicked himself for getting used to Laura’s loyalty and obedience. He had wanted to fit in with the Brown family so much that he forgot about the leverage she had–her shares in the Godfrey family were far more valuable than what Olivia or Robert could offer.

His demeanor shifted instantly, plastering on a sycophantic smile. “Lau, I was a bit hasty earlier. I’m sorry. If you’re unhappy with your room, we can have Olivia switch back with you when we get home.

“And tomorrow, your mom will take you shopping. Whether you want clothes or jewelry, you can pick anything you like. The daughter of the Sharpe family shouldn’t be mocked.”

The change in his attitude was obvious to everyone there, and Elara couldn’t help but think that Laura’s shares held far more weight than 700 million dollars.

If David hadn’t been so eager to please, Laura wouldn’t have dismissed him so easily. Now, his change of heart was clearly driven by the mention of “shares.” It only fueled her feelings of being undervalued. ‘Family ties? Fatherly love? They seem insignificant next to financial interests,’ she thought.

She shot David a mocking stare. “You just wanted me to apologize to the Brown family. You’ve dropped that idea now? What are you going to give them as compensation?”

David steeled himself. Even though the Brown family was more powerful than the Sharpe family, they couldn’t compete with the Godfrey family shares. Worst case, he might lose out on a couple of projects, but he’d already weighed his options.

Everyone else was on edge, curious to see how David would handle the situation.

With a serious expression, David said, “Apologize? You saved Mr. Brown. He was grateful and later became your boyfriend, but he was involved with Liv behind the scenes. He’s the one who hurt you two and tarnished your reputations. It’s not us but the Brown family who should apologize.”

The people present were amazed by David’s bold statement. Christopher’s hands shook with anger. “David, what are you talking about?”

“Mr. Brown, children sometimes don’t understand things, but do you? Your son’s been reckless, hurting my daughters. And now you expect Laura to kneel and apologize? Where’s the logic in that?”

David seemed like a completely different person, no longer the one who had been following Christopher around. Christopher was furious, his chest heaving. “Good for you, David. From now on, even if you beg me, my family won’t cooperate with the Sharpe family again!”

“Mr. Brown, don’t be too sure of that. The future is unpredictable. It could be the Brown family looking to partner with me next.” Realizing the power of the shares made David fearless. He finally understood where his true strength lay.

Watching the two men go at it, Laura found it laughable.

Christopher wanted to continue arguing but was pulled back by Elara. “Mr. Sharpe makes a valid point. Our son has his share of blame in this. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion; there’s no need to turn it into such a spectacle.”

Christopher was taken aback. His wife, always known for her unreasonable behavior, was suddenly so calm. “Honey?”

Elara discreetly pinched him and thought, ‘Didn’t he see? David’s shift in attitude toward Laura is all about those shares she mentioned!

It was clear that the shares were worth a lot, or David wouldn’t be so nice to Laura. Having already lost face, Elara wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip away. She brightened up and approached Laura with a graceful stride.

“Why? Is Mrs. Brown planning to hit me again?”

“Laura, look at what you’re saying. I acted a bit impulsively earlier, but I’ve had time to think. Robert had indeed done something wrong. “Just look at him–he’s on his knees and he knows he messed up. You should be generous about it and not hold a grudge,” Elara said, her voice softening.

It was like David’s attitude had infected Elara, transforming her into someone more sympathetic.

She even removed a bracelet from her wrist, saying, “This was a family heirloom given to me by Robert’s grandmother. I’ve taken care of it all these years, but today is your birthday. I want you to have it. Just give me some grace and try not to be upset with Robert.

“If he ever bothers you again, just let me know, and I’ll handle it for you.”

Her eyes sparkled with sincerity. For a moment, she looked like the perfect mother–in–law, nearly making everyone forget her earlier, less gracious

tone.

But Laura knew better. Elara’s sudden kindness wasn’t out of genuine care; she was clearly motivated by profit. In her previous life, Laura gave her shares to David without a second thought. They were her father’s last gift and her ultimate bargaining chip.

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Chapter 32

It dawned on Laura that people could be swayed by what benefited them. By offering the bracelet, Elara was acknowledging Laura’s status as a potential daughter–in–law.

Robert was equally baffled by his mother’s mixed signals. “Mom, that bracelet is…”

Elara cut him off with a glare. “This is all your fault! If you hadn’t upset Laura, she wouldn’t be this way. You should apologize and promise you won’t hang out with that… woman again.”

Emma bristled at Elara’s dig at Olivia, but it wasn’t the right time to defend her daughter.

Robert, still resentful, shot back, “Mom, Liv isn’t a ‘woman‘ like that.”

Laura folded her arms, staring at him. Meanwhile, Olivia, who was pretending to be in a coma, looked particularly vulnerable.

Elara was nearly at her wit’s end with Robert. “What nonsense are you spouting? Haven’t you always liked Laura?”

“Honestly, I used to think I could spend my life with her, but after tonight, I’ve realized who I really want to be with. Laura may be smart, but she’s also ruthless. I can’t be with her–I choose Olivia.”

His words cut deep, suggesting Laura was beneath him. Elara felt a mix of disappointment and anger, but Laura felt surprisingly pleased. “Thanks for not choosing me, Mr. Brown.”

In a fit of frustration, Elara slapped Robert. “You’re such a waste of space!”

Robert stared at her in shock. She had always been protective of him. “Mom, what’s going on? You said Liv was sensible!”

Elara struggled to respond, her heart sinking. She didn’t expect her son to be so clueless in such a clear situation. She said, “That’s because I didn’t know that little vixen would seduce you so easily.”

Just then, Olivia, who had been feigning unconsciousness, observed the chaos around her. She felt exhilarated by Robert’s words, but Elara’s comments almost made her jump up in indignation.

Elara had already slipped the bracelet onto Laura’s wrist. “Laura, don’t hold a grudge against this fool. Come on, let me help you with it. This will look stunning on you.”

Laura paused and gently pulled her hand back. “Mrs. Brown, I really can’t accept this bracelet.”