From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 326

Darleen hurried over to the drawer, exclaiming, "Grandpa Butler, this isn't Janet's fault, it's Gerry! The 'poison' is right here in the drawer, but it's not what you think!" Inside the drawer lay several packets of white powder:

Two small ones.

And three larger bags.

Edna's face was a picture of shock as she stared at the contents. She couldn't believe Gerard had bought so much!

He must have been out of his mind!

Janet was trembling with anger.

So much 'poison'-how long had he been into this?

Such a disgrace!

An absolute disgrace!

But seeing these items, any sliver of guilt Janet harbored vanished.

Kicking Gerard out now seemed better than letting him bring disaster upon the Lindsay family later.

Not on her watch!

No one would bring harm to the Lindsay family as long as she was there!

The butler, in a frenzy, tried to explain, "Madam, you've got it all wrong! These aren't drugs at all! This small packet contains powdered sugar, and these are just bags of flour! And this, this is energizing chewing gum! You know your 80th birthday is coming up, right? So, young master has been experimenting with baking a birthday cake. He said you've raised him with such dedication, he wanted to honor you properly! He's planning to present a cake he made himself at your birthday party. In fact, he even had me secretly buy an oven and bring it here!"

"To surprise you, he's been secretly working on the cake in his room! To make the cake, he's been so busy he hasn't even had time to finish his homework, staying up late into the night, relying on chewing gum to stay awake!"

"He's doing all this for you! How could you think he's involved in drugs!"

"Madam, you've misunderstood!"

Hearing this, Janet froze, her face ashen.

How could this be?

Had she misunderstood Gerard?

"Madam, if you don't believe me, taste it for yourself. See if it's really 'poison'," the butler suggested, offering her a bag.

Janet, hands trembling, took the bag and tasted a pinch.

Sweet.

It was sweet.

Powdered sugar.

It truly was powdered sugar.

This child had been planning her birthday all along.

What now?

What should she do?

Janet was in a panic, filled with regret.

It was all her fault!

She had wronged a good child!

What now?

Janet was close to tears, wishing she could slap her earlier self.

How could she have been so quick to judge and hurt the child?

Gerard, being so devoted, must have been deeply hurt by her accusations.

Janet felt as angry with herself as she had been with Gerard.

She shouldn't have been so rash!

"Butler!" Janet grabbed the butler's hand, her voice trembling, "Go after Gerry! Hurry! Gerry's temperament is just like Jonah's; impulsive! We can't let anything happen to him!"

If something happened to Gerard...

She would never forgive herself, even in death!

"Of course, Madam, right away!"

Watching the butler hurry off, Janet wiped away her tears.

Edna and Darleen were dumbstruck by the turn of events.

They had thought this was their chance to finally rid the Lindsay family of Gerard.

Instead, they ended up being outwitted by him!

Well played!

Very well played!

Edna was seething, but she had to hold it in.

Gerard was indeed Carole's son!

Edna nudged Darleen, who got the hint and, with teary eyes, approached Janet, "I'm so sorry, Janet. It's all my fault. I didn't know Gerry was baking you a birthday cake... I'm so sorry... Please, scold me..." Janet sighed, tears in her eyes, "This is mainly my fault! I didn't get the full story; I wronged Gerry! I owe Jonah an apology..."

Though Janet didn't explicitly blame Darleen, it was clear today's incident stemmed from her actions.

If it weren't for Darleen, Janet would never have unjustly accused Gerard.

Recalling Gerard's words only added to Janet's turmoil.