Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Chapter 40

Olivia, with tears still in her eyes, said, “Dad, you’ve told me that we can’t offend the Brown family. You are still in a partnership with Mr. Brown, and I’m afraid that if I reveal the truth, they might take revenge on us and affect your business.”

David could no longer maintain a cold expression. Helplessly, he replied, “You silly girl, how could my business be more important than your reputation?”

Olivia wiped her tears and forced a compassionate smile. “Even though I’ve just returned, as a member of the Sharpe family, I need to think of the family first. My reputation is nothing compared to that.”

“You…” David sighed. “Fine. It’s my fault for not being able to protect you today. Liv, you need to move out of Laura’s room. Let’s go get Laura back and sincerely apologize to her. After all, we are family.”

Olivia glanced at the hidden camera not far away, fully aware of the situation, and pretended to be obedient. “I shouldn’t have been so immature. I’ll move out right away and personally apologize to Laura tomorrow.”

David affectionately stroked her hair, scolding Emma and Olivia a little more before letting them go. In the stillness of the night, he sent the recorded video to Laura. Watching the inbox show that it had been delivered, David felt anxious, hoping this video would appease her.

Back in her room, Emma’s eyes were red, and her cheeks were bruised as she was using an egg to cool her face down. Upon seeing David, she instinctively stepped back, fear evident in her eyes.

David reached out, and Emma flinched and closed her eyes. “I’ll return everything at dawn, David. Please don’t hit me anymore.”

But David simply took the egg from her and helped her roll it on her face. Though Emma was already in her forties, she had taken good care of herself and looked only in her thirties, with no wrinkles on her face.

Seeing her normally smooth face swollen like this, David felt sorry for Emma. He said gently, “I must have scared you.”

Emma looked at him in confusion as he rolled the egg over her face, seemingly puzzled by the drastic change in his attitude. “David, you’re not mad at me anymore?”

“Emma, don’t blame me. What I did earlier was for Laura’s forgiveness. Although I’m upset with you, I also understand how much you’ve missed Liv these years. After finally finding her, it’s natural for you to care for her,” David said.

“As for Liv and Robert, I get it. She’s too scared to offend the Brown family. After all, the Sharpe family simply can’t compare with the Godfrey family or the Brown family,” he sighed.

Emma was even more confused. “David, if you’re not mad at us, then why were you so fierce just now?”

“What we’ve done has already crossed Laura’s line. Do you remember why I agreed to adopt this troublesome kid back then?” David said.

“For the shares?” Emma hesitated to reply.

“Exactly. Now that she’s an adult, Alistair’s will should be in effect. But Alistair was cunning; afraid that I would mistreat his daughter, he insisted on setting such a condition,” David said.

“Laura has always been a good girl, utterly obedient over the years. It’s just that rogue Robert’s affair with Liv has enraged her,” David explained.

“During her birthday party, we didn’t consider her feelings, and it’s understandable that she has a grudge against us now. If we don’t do something to appease her, she probably won’t give me those shares,” he continued.

After hearing his explanation, Emma finally understood his earlier actions. “So you slapped me twice to calm her down?”

“Yes, Emma. Don’t blame me for not telling you about this earlier. I just have to do this, or she wouldn’t forgive us,” David said.

Emma felt much better now. “David, you did this for our family, for the shares. I don’t blame you. So what do we do next?”

“I suspect Elara has figured something out as well, and she will probably use Robert to take Laura’s shares. And that mysterious person who sent Laura gifts is probably eyeing those shares too,” David kept saying.

“At least we’ve raised her for all these years, which gives us some advantage. It’s just that you and Liv will have to make some sacrifices for now,” he sighed.

Emma nodded. “I understand. Liv is very sensible; I’m sure she knows what to do.”

David put the egg down and gently caressed Emma’s face. “Once Laura gives me the shares, I’ll buy you and Liv some nice bags and jewelry.”

Emma leaned against David. “David, you’re so good to me.”

“You’re my wife, and Liv is my own daughter. How could I possibly mistreat you both?” David smiled.

1/2

Chapter 40

Olivia, hiding outside the door, heard the whole conversation. Just as she had thought, what David had done was all about the shares, not out of genuine concern for Laura.

She decided to maintain her image of a good daughter. Once the shares were secured, Laura would no longer hold any value for the Sharpe family.

Olivia’s plan had failed at the party today, which allowed Laura to gain the upper hand. She vowed that she would repay this grievance herself. ‘Laura, fly as high as you want; I will make sure you fall just as hard!‘

The morning sun cast a layer of soft gold, enveloping everything in a warm glow. Even the once desolate castle seemed to gain a hint of warmth.

Laura, dressed in a simple white dress, cheerfully carried a small slice of cake as she walked through the dimly lit castle. She looked like a white butterfly, fluttering her way to the outside of Easton’s residence.

“Mr. Ryan isn’t up yet,” Cedric stood up straight, an expression of suspicion on his face. He glanced at the cake in her hand and added, “Wait here.”

Even if Laura had taken Easton’s heirloom, Cedric hadn’t let his guard down.

Everyone knew she loved Robert. Despite Robert’s betrayal, she had moved on to Easton too quickly, clearly treating him as a backup. Yet Easton was thoroughly devoted to her, which made Cedric worry that Laura had ulterior motives and kept a careful watch over her.

Laura felt no anger towards his hostility. Instead, she flashed a smile. “How about we make a bet? I bet that within sixty seconds, you’ll let me in. What do you say?”

“In your dreams,” Cedric scoffed, quickly adding, “If you lose, you’ll leave here.”

“Fine. But if you lose, you’ll have to bow to me and call me Ms. Godfrey every time you see me,” Laura said.

Cedric always looked at her with a grim expression, just like now. He snorted in annoyance. “Dream on.”

“I’m not asking you to run naked; is that condition too difficult for you?” Laura taunted him.

A faint blush crept onto Cedric’s bronzed cheeks as he shot her a fierce glare. “Shameless!”

“Do we have a bet or not?” Laura kept taunting him. In her second life, she went wild completely. Now she was actually in her twenties, a year or two older than Cedric. To her, he seemed like a little boy.

“I’m not afraid of you.” Cedric thought there was no way he could lose this bet. Easton’s room was so secure that even the cleaners couldn’t get in, let alone Laura. He was convinced this audacious woman was certain to lose.

“Shall I start?” Laura asked.

Cedric caught the glint of mischief in her eyes and wondered what trick she might pull. To his surprise, Laura’s voice became soft and sweet the next second. “Cedric, your muscles are amazing…”

Her voice was so sweet that Cedric felt as if he were drowning in a sea of chocolate and marshmallows. Laura was confident in her plan. She believed that even if Cedric didn’t like her, he would still be wary of Easton misinterpreting their relationship, so he would let her in soon. However, before Laura could say anything further, the door swung open. A familiar cold voice cut through. “How amazing are they?”