Chapter 261 Venomous Women
She really had just asked out of curiosity.
And honestly, even if it were true–so what?
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She’d been glad her mother–in–law died early. Otherwise, life these past few years wouldn’t have been nearly this comfortable.
Just as they reached the entrance to the apartment complex, they ran into Ruth, who was coming back with
grocery bags from the supermarket.
“Helen, you’re back.” Ruth’s greeting stopped short the moment she saw Helen’s pale, drawn face. The smile vanished instantly. “God, you look terrible. Did the Graysons not bother feeding you right?”
That hit a sore spot for Alaina, and her voice sharpened. “Don’t even start. That Grayson witch made Helen get a paternity test. We just got back from the hospital.”
Ruth’s expression tightened, her brows pulling together in disbelief. “And you went along with it?”
Alaina exhaled hard. “What could we do? That witch insisted. We didn’t exactly have the power to say no.”
Ruth turned to Helen, her face softening with sympathy. “Let’s not stand out here. Come in and sit down. I just picked up some fruit–Helen should have some.”
Alaina glanced at the shopping bags in Ruth’s hands and nodded. “Then come up and sit with us for a while.”
Ruth didn’t hesitate and followed them into the building.
Back inside, Alaina headed for the kitchen to wash the fruit, while Ruth gently helped Helen to the couch.
Sitting next to her, she reached for Helen’s hand and sighed, “You really got dealt a rough hand. Just when you were about to step into the Graysons‘ world, you end up with a mother–in–law from hell.”
Helen pulled her hand back and gave Ruth a frosty look. “If this baby turns out to be from your family, I don’t want it. I’ll terminate the pregnancy.”
To Helen, all this sudden concern from Ruth reeked of ulterior motives.
She’d slept with Jamie once–now that the Graysons were rejecting her, the Wagners probably thought they had a shot.
They were dreaming.
She’d rather rot than end up with Jamie.
C
Ruth froze for a beat, then slowly nodded. “You’re right. A girl like you should be living in a mansion dragged down by someone like Jamie. If the child really is his, I’ll go with you to the hospital and take care
of it.”
Her words stunned Helen, but it was Alaina–just stepping out of the kitchen with a tray of fruit–who looked truly caught off guard.
She hadn’t expected Ruth’s intentions to be so
sincere.
…
Over the past few weeks, Ruth had asked about Helen more than once–how she was being treated, whether
Chapter 261 Venomous Women
she was eating well.
At times, it felt like Ruth cared more about Helen than herself.
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Ruth let out a tired breath. “But if this baby isn’t a Grayson….do you think they’ll still want you as their daughter–in–law?”
Helen’s head dropped even lower, her thoughts spinning.
Linden had spoiled her. He made her feel special. But if he found out the baby wasn’t his, there was no doubt he’d explode. He might leave her altogether.
This whole mess–this test–was her mother’s fault. Alaina had agreed to it while she was unconscious.
What the hell was she thinking?
Alaina slapped the tray onto the table with a bitter snort. “They’re the ones who begged her to marry in the first place. They don’t get to toss her out like trash now.”
Yes, Helen had made a mistake–but if Linden had been there for her like he should’ve, maybe none of this would’ve happened.
Truth be told, the Graysons weren’t innocent either. They had played their part in this mess.
And if they really planned on tossing Helen aside now, Alaina would make sure every last soul in Kingville knew just how heartless and shameless that family really was.
Ruth chimed in without hesitation, “Exactly. Just because they’ve got money doesn’t give them the right to treat people like trash.”
She spoke with such conviction, like she was standing up for the Somertons without hesitation, and it caught Alaina off guard. “Thanks, Ruth.”
Ruth offered a sheepish smile. “Come on, don’t thank me. I’ve watched Helen grow up. She’s a good kid. I just want her to have a life she deserves.”
Alaina’s expression softened, a flicker of warmth crossing her face. “No, really. I owe you. Back then, I wouldn’t have made it through the delivery without you. You stuck by my side and even helped care for Helen afterward. I still don’t know how I would’ve managed without you.”
Helen’s brows shot up. “Wait, I stayed at the Wagners‘ place before?”
Alaina turned toward her and gently shook her head. “Not exactly. Ruth and I were working out of town back then. I was pregnant and completely alone. She took care of me through all of it. After you were born, work got hectic, and I was constantly working overtime. She stepped in and looked after you for a month.”
Ruth laughed, her voice light. “I’d just had Maia around the same time. I figured, what’s one more baby? I remember you always fighting Maia/when it was time to nurse. She could never keep up with you.”
Helen’s face scrunched up in disgust. The idea of sharing Ruth’s milk with Maia made her stor
turn.
“So… Maia and I are the same age?” she asked, her tone laced with doubt. “But I thought she was younger. She looks smaller, too.”
Ruth’s grin slowly faded. “She just didn’t grow well. As for her age… I registered her younger than she really
is.”
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Mon, 23 Jun
After the New Year’s Eve Tragedy: Her icy Return
