From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 327

Delia quickly stepped forward, her voice filled with urgency, "Grandma, this mess is actually my fault! I was passing by young master Gerry's room and saw these items. I didn't realize they were baking flour! I'm so sorry!"

But honestly, who could really be blamed here?

If not for Janet's own skepticism!

After all, if she couldn't trust her own grandson, how could she expect others to?

Delia's words, layered with meaning, suggested that Janet needed to reflect on herself. This incident wasn't anyone else's fault.

Edna, seeing the hesitation in Janet's eyes, took Darleen's hand and said, "Janet, I know you have a soft spot for Darleen, but she was out of line today, stirring up trouble and leading you to misunderstand Gerry. I'll take Darleen, and we'll replace Gerry. You can count on us!"

With that, Edna and Darleen turned to leave.

Edna half-expected Janet to call them back.

But she didn't.

From start to finish, Janet didn't utter a word of protest.

It was clear now.

In this old lady's heart, they mattered less than Gerard.

A cold smirk played on Edna's lips.

So, her years of dedication meant less to Janet than a teenage boy.

How ludicrous!

Laughable, even!

Outside, Darleen frowned, "Mom, do we really have to go looking for him?"

"What else can we do?"

"But Capital City is so vast, where do we even start?"

Edna opened the car door, "Let's get in the car first."

As they drove, Edna explained, "Darleen, we've got to clear the air with the old lady. We have to make an effort to replace Gerard, even if it seems impossible."

She had waited years for a foothold in the Lindsay family and wouldn't let Gerard ruin it.

She was determined to claim her place as the matriarch of the Lindsay family.

Darleen nodded in agreement.

After they left, Janet hurried downstairs, calling the butler to ask about Gerard.

"Ma'am, we haven't found the young master yet, but there's no need to worry. We'll replace him," the butler reassured. Worry? How could she not?

Gerard was Jonah's only child, and such a dutiful one at that.

The thought of having misunderstood such a good child made Janet's heart ache so much she could barely breathe. "Gerry! Please come back! It's Grandma's fault! I'm so sorry," Janet cried out in desperation.

Meanwhile, Gerard wandered the bustling streets alone, backpack slung over one shoulder, unsure of where to go.

At that moment, he felt utterly alone, like an orphan with nowhere to turn.

"Meow."

Out of nowhere, a scruffy-looking cat appeared by his side.

Gerard looked down at the cat, a self-mocking smile on his face, "Got no one to take care of you either, huh?"

"Meow."

"Same here."

"Meow."

"What's your name?"

"Meow."

Gerard bent down, lifting the cat into his arms, "How about I call you Simba?"

"Meow."

"Do you have a mom?"

This time Simba didn't respond, just nuzzled closer into Gerard's embrace.

Gerard's smile tinged with bitterness, "You didn't just spring out of a rock, you've got a mom somewhere, right?"

"Meow."

"I have a mom too," he continued, his voice low, holding Simba close as they walked aimlessly, "But she's gone. I miss her so much."

If only his mom was here today.

Would Grandma still have been so quick to judge?

Gerard had hoped for the best but hadn't anticipated this outcome.

When Janet's slap landed, he was stunned, unable to believe she would react so harshly, simply based on Edna and Darleen's words.

Passing a small shop, Gerard bought a bag of cat food for Simba, who seemed famished and quickly gobbled it up.