My Secret Billionaire Husband Chapter 2895 - 2426
Previously on My Secret Billionaire Husband...
Rose Liall ceased her tears upon being reprimanded.
"Why... why is this happening..." Rose Liall cautiously addressed Annie Lawrence, whose gloomy countenance suggested a terrible mood. "They beat you up like this; won't the police arrest them?"
"Why indeed," Annie Lawrence scoffed, her eyes conveying disgust and disdain. Her tone mirrored this contempt. "It's all because I lack the good fortune of Joanna Lawrence, who has powerful parents backing her."
"If I were a daughter of the White family, would I have to endure such humiliation? If I were from the White family, I would possess everything I desire and live a life of splendor, unmarred by anyone daring to show me disrespect."
There was a time when she had been perilously close to achieving success.
Had her true identity remained concealed, all that Joanna Lawrence now possessed would rightfully be hers.
Ashton Heath, too.
But why, she wondered, did fate instead bestow its favor upon that ungrateful wretch, Joanna Lawrence?
That ungrateful wretch's parents hailed from influential and affluent families.
Meanwhile, her own parents... were merely ordinary folk.
The ungrateful wretch wedded Ashton Heath, a man coveted by countless women across Closia and indeed the entire nation – the second young master of the Heath family and the current president of Heath Group.
And her own fate...
She had been entangled with that scumbag David Benington for over two years, yet ended up with nothing, not even the child she lost.
Now, she was utterly bereft.
She and the ungrateful wretch had grown up together since childhood.
The ungrateful wretch had once been inferior to her in every conceivable aspect.
Yet, the disparity in their current statuses was nothing short of staggering.
That ungrateful wretch had transformed into the wealthy young lady she had always aspired to be, marrying the most desirable man in Closia.
Resentment festered within her.
"Annie, are you... blaming me for my lack of capability?" Rose Liall's eyes widened before she appeared profoundly wounded, fresh tears welling up.
Witnessing her tears, Annie Lawrence remained unmoved, stating coldly, "Precisely. What else can you do besides weep?"
"Annie, you..." Rose Liall reacted with immense surprise, her face a mask of astonishment.
With an indifferent gaze, Annie inquired, "What is wrong with my statement? I am penniless now; can you provide me with funds?"
"I... I..." Rose Liall found herself utterly speechless.
Where could she possibly procure funds?
She was in no different a predicament than Annie Lawrence, both incapable of earning their own livelihood.
Throughout her years within the Lawrence family, she had functioned solely as a housewife, dependent on Benjamin Lawrence's financial support.
Upon leaving Benjamin, it was Annie who sustained her.
Rose Liall embodied the very definition of a helpless woman, heavily reliant on others and unable to navigate life without those around her.
This dependency was precisely why she felt such profound dread at Annie's current inability to earn money.
For in this moment, Annie constituted her sole lifeline.
Rose Liall's former paramour now had his own established family and would offer her no further consideration.
"What, you can't find any money?" Annie Lawrence's expression darkened with even greater disdain and disgust. "As I told you, beyond crying, you are utterly useless. Was I mistaken?"
"You... how can you utter such words? I am your mother!" Rose Liall, incensed by the contempt in Annie's eyes, felt a surge of anger mixed with embarrassment. "Regardless of anything, I am still your mother. You were inside me for ten months; are you now looking down upon me?"
"Annie, allow me to state this plainly: even if I lack certain skills, I raised you, and thus you are obligated to support me in my old age," Rose Liall declared, a sudden wave of fear gripping her as she perceived the contemptuous look in Annie's eyes.
She was terrified that Annie would refuse to support her in her twilight years.
What then would become of her?
Where could she possibly go to earn money?
At her age, how could she possibly generate any income?
Driven by fear, Rose Liall resorted to a veiled threat: "If you dare refuse to support me, I shall take legal action and expose you. At that point, everyone will know you are an unfilial daughter, unwilling to care for your own mother. I wonder if you could withstand such shame!"
Hearing Rose Liall's words, which smacked of a shameless ruffian, Annie's disdain intensified within her heart.
Concurrently, a firm resolve solidified in her mind.
She determined that Rose Liall had to be dealt with, sooner rather than later.
Despite being her biological mother,
what practical use did she serve at critical junctures besides hindering Annie?
In any case, Annie could clearly discern that Rose Liall harbored no genuine maternal affection.
Given this realization, Annie saw no reason for continued consideration.
*
Ultimately, Rose Liall and Annie Lawrence found lodging in a humble motel.
This establishment was less expensive than a standard budget hotel, but the living conditions were decidedly poor.
Following the payment of a substantial fine, Annie found her funds significantly depleted; even at this motel, charging between seventy to eighty dollars daily, she could only afford a stay of a few days.
A musty odor permeated the cramped, shabby room, an unpleasant mix with a sweat smell that seemed to seep in from the adjacent quarters. Annie Lawrence was seated on a sullied bedsheet, her countenance etched with discontent and palpable disgust. She had never before found herself in such a dismal dwelling. Even during her most desperate periods, her basic needs for food and shelter were never compromised, thanks to David's assistance. However, David was no longer concerned with her well-being, and she possessed no independent financial resources. Even this motel, which her heart abhorred, could only be afforded for a fleeting few days. If she failed to secure funds within this short timeframe, she would inevitably face the harsh reality of sleeping on the streets. "What sort of dreadful place is this? How can anyone tolerate living here?" Rose Liall exclaimed, covering her nose as she moved towards the window in search of fresh air. To her dismay, a restaurant downstairs was advertising Escargot Pasta, and a potent aroma billowed upwards, assaulting her senses directly. The foul smell nearly brought Rose Liall to the verge of vomiting. She stamped her foot in frustration. "Let's relocate. This is hardly a suitable environment for human habitation." Annie Lawrence offered a bitter smile. "Certainly, we can move if you're prepared to cover the expenses. Mother, please understand that even this modest motel is beyond our means in a few days. Soon, we'll both be left to sleep on the streets." Rose Liall's expression shifted, and she fell into a sudden silence. A moment later, she inquired hesitantly, "What... what are we to do then? We absolutely must find a way to acquire some money." Annie Lawrence offered no reply. She tugged at her hair, consumed by intense agitation. Naturally, she was aware of the urgent need to find financial resources. The thought of genuinely resorting to sleeping outdoors was unbearable. But at this present moment, what options did she possess? Just as Annie Lawrence was overwhelmed by anxiety, uncertain of her next move, her phone suddenly began to ring. The caller ID clearly displayed the name: David Benington. Annie Lawrence gazed at the phone screen for several seconds before cautiously answering the call. "David, you actually have the audacity to call me?" As soon as the connection was established, Annie Lawrence unleashed her anger. "Did you arrange for people to forcibly remove my mother and me? David, you truly are a despicable bastard!"