Chapter 284 Abandoned Child

Chapter 284 Abandoned Child

Anna's words sent a chill down Jonathan's spine, cold sweat breaking out across his forehead.

Jonathan had never been close to Anna, and if she discovered the truth about everything, he would be ruined.

His lips quivered as he stammered, "Anna, I had no knowledge of any of this, I swear. Someone must have been plotting behind my back with ill intentions."

"Even now, you're still trying to lie your way out of this!"

Anna's fist came down hard on the table between them, her eyes filled with such hatred that Jonathan had nowhere to hide from her gaze.

She leaned forward, her voice ice-cold. "You drove my mother to her death, then conspired with Penelope to kill my child. Jonathan, I am your daughter. Did you ever consider me your daughter at all?"

"Of course I did! I truly did consider you my daughter!" Jonathan hastily defended himself. "I'm innocent, Anna. You have to believe me."

Anna stood up, regarding him coldly.

She realized this visit had been a complete waste of time. What had she expected from him? He had killed her mother and caused her years of suffering. When she'd broken ties with Walter to return to Brighton Harbor, hadn't she been gambling on that tiny sliver of parental affection from Jonathan?

But instead, Penelope had destroyed her, and when Jonathan learned about it, he hadn't thought about avenging his daughter—only about how she had brought shame to the Rice family.

Perhaps family bonds meant pathetically little to him.

From the beginning, she had always been the abandoned child.

A wave of grief washed over Anna. She longed for family connection, but these so-called relatives had stabbed her in the back again and again.

Anna looked at Jonathan's pleading eyes, all words caught in her throat.

She slowly stood up. "Father, you should stay here for now. I'll make sure the staff takes adequate care of you. As for Rice Group and the family affairs outside—don't worry about them anymore."

Jonathan was shocked by Anna's words. His eyes widened as he exclaimed, "Anna, what madness are you talking about? What are you planning to do?"

Anna didn't respond. She turned and walked toward the exit.

Seeing her leave, Jonathan grew frantic. He shouted after her, "Anna, come back here and explain yourself!"

He tried to follow but was firmly held back by the prison guards, unable to move an inch as he shouted desperately.

"Anna, you can't do this to me! I'm your father! Come back and get me out of here!"

As Anna continued walking away without looking back, Jonathan truly panicked.

"Anna, I'm your father! You can't treat me like this!"

His words reached Anna's ears, but she responded only with scorn.

Father. Jonathan was her biological father, but in all these years, he had never once behaved like a father should.

Anna's steps quickened until she left the prison behind.

Outside the Brighton Harbor Correctional Facility, sunlight warmed the air pleasantly.

Yet Anna felt only a deep chill. She finally understood the full story, the beginning of all her suffering—it had come from the calculations of her own family members.

Anna was torn between hope and despair. Hope that her child might still be alive, despair at the impossibility of finding one child in such a vast world.

Thinking about her child made Anna feel as though a giant hand was squeezing her heart, the pain almost unbearable.

Just as her steps faltered and she nearly collapsed, a strong pair of hands reached out to support her.

Anna looked up to see William!

William's heart ached at the sight of her pale face and reddened eyes.

"Anna, are you alright?" he asked with concern.

She looked at him, her lips moving as if she had countless things to say but didn't know where to begin.

Seeing her like this, William quickly said, "I know everything now. Don't worry, I've arranged for the best doctors to treat Louie, and as for the Rice family—"

Anna interrupted him before he could finish. "I'll handle it."

"What?" William looked momentarily taken aback.

Anna slowly stood straighter, her expression resolute. "I said, I'll handle the Rice family matters myself. No one else is to interfere."

This involved vengeance for her mother and herself. Anna wanted to deliver justice with her own hands.

She wasn't sure how much William knew about the Rice family's affairs, but from his words, she could tell he didn't understand the full picture.

It didn't matter. After she found Marigold and discovered her child's whereabouts, she would tell William everything.

Yet the thought of what she would have to tell him filled her with sadness.

She knew she would end up disappointing William.

The time they had left together might truly be limited.

With this thought, Anna reached for William's hand and explained, "The Rice family owes my mother and me two lives. I want to settle this account with them personally."

Hearing this, William's expression softened. He had feared Anna was becoming distant from him.

He gripped her hand tightly in return. "Alright, I'll respect your wishes. But if you need anything, tell me."

Anna nodded. "Don't worry, I won't."

"Have you eaten anything this morning? You must be starving. Come, let's get you something to eat," William suggested.

At his words, Anna realized she was indeed hungry.

William led her to a small restaurant nearby.

The place was bustling with people. Anna glanced at William in his tailored suit—he seemed completely out of place here.

Anna was surprised; this clearly wasn't the kind of establishment William would normally frequent. She wondered how he knew about it.

Noticing her surprise, William explained, "They make excellent seafood soup here. My mother used to bring me when she was alive."

Anna immediately understood. So this was a place his mother had loved—that explained it.

William waved at the restaurant owner Brice, who smiled when he saw them.

"Mr. Sterling, good to see you. The usual?" he asked.

William nodded. "Thank you."

"No trouble at all. I'm always happy when you visit. Please, find a seat," Brice replied, efficiently serving the seafood soup.

William gestured toward the bowl. "Try it."

Anna took a sip. The soup was sweet and smooth, and after one taste, she couldn't help taking another.

Soon, she had finished half the bowl.

With food warming her stomach and the background noise of Brice serving customers, along with the homey atmosphere of cooking, Anna felt as if she had come back to life.

Seeing she had nearly finished her soup, William asked, "Would you like another bowl?"

Anna shook her head. "I'm full."

"Good. Let's head back then," William said.

He took Anna's hand and, not waiting for any objection, returned with her to Brookstone Manor.

Back at the manor, he led her to the bedroom. As she lay down, she heard William's voice saying, "Get some good sleep."

"I'm here. You're safe."