Mistake
Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Jasmine and David stood with Jeffrey sandwiched between them, checking in on his family’s well–being.

Though feeling a bit annoyed on the inside, Jeffrey put on his best face and patiently answered their questions. Sensing the right moment, he slid into the main reason for his visit Jasmine. David, I’m getting hitched.”

David let out a laugh and responded, “Well, congrats! We’ll have a nice, big gift for you.

Jeffrey shifted awkwardly, then dropped his bombshell “Thing is, my girl’s run into a mess, and it’d mean a lot if you could lend a hand.”

David had seen this coming; he had navigated enough shrewd business deals to spor a hidden agenda. Relatives who were ghosts for decades only popped up when they needed a favor.

“What kind of mess? David’s voice dipped a tone.

Jeffrey introduced Mason and Felicia who stepped up with a nod and strained grins. These are my future in–laws. A bit ago, over at the mall, my bride–to–be got framed by her sister, and now she’s locked up. We’re kind of hoping you could step in and sort things out.”

David squinted toward a figure standing off in the distance. “If she’s been framed, clearing her name should be no biggie.”

“We didn’t make it even after we’ve tried everything. Somebody with pull is blocking us.”

David looked away and probed further, “Your family branch isn’t as big as ours, but you’re not exactly nobodies. Who’s bold enough to mess with a Sullivan!”

Jeffrey said, “Her sister’s actually a country girl who just got into town, and she’s already stirring up trouble. Latched onto some old guy, framed her own sister–it’s a mess,”

David’s face turned stern and asked angrily, “Really? What’s this troublemaker’s name? Now she’s got me interested.’

Feeling they had David’s car, a wave of victory washed over Jeffrey and the Larsons.

“She’s right here, Felicia said, brimming with false confidence as she went to get Cynthia, Getting close, she whispered a harsh taunt, “Passing up a friendly offer is going to cost you David Sullivan was one tough cookie back in the day–didn’t go easy on anyone. Just wait, you’ll be begging for

mercy.

Cynthia, looking back at her as if she were dumb, shot back, “What makes you so sure Mr. David Sullivan’s gonna take your side?”

Felicia then turned to Darian, who was standing with Cynthia. He was about her age, and Felicia scoffed, “Keep that smirk off your face. Let’s see how long hell stick up for you. Hooking up with a guy like him? Guess you can’t wash away your backwoods roots.”

Cynthia stayed cool, but Darian was shocked. He saw Cynthia as a like–a–daughter kind of thing, never stepping over the line. “Ma’am, that’s out of line,” he said, standing up for her.

Felicia, never one to hold her tongue, mocked, “Got caught, now trying to shut people up, huh? Spill it, how’s it feel to cozy up to someone old enough to be your dad?”

The noise was getting out of control,

Darian couldn’t stand it any longer. He pulled out his phone and dialed security. Having been the butler at the Sullivan residence before moving to Regalian Garden, he knew just what to do,

Felicia caught wind of Darian’s call and rolled her eyes. “All this drama in front of Mr. David Sullivant Ridiculous.

Cynthu chuckled mockingly, “You’ll soon replace out who’s really being ridiculous.”

After making the call, Darian marched right up to David, getting a nod from Cynthia first. “Mr. Sullivan, someone’s been disrespecting Mr. Larson. I’ve alerted security.”

Felicia tagged along behind Cynthia, confused by Durian’s respe

respectful tone.

Just then, David and Jasmine finally got a good look at Cynthia. Their faces lit up with joy.

“Our sweet granddaughter–in–law, you’re still here! They welcomed Cynthia with open arms, totally ignoring Felicia, Jeffrey, and Mason’s stunned

Jasmine also caught the upset in Cynthia’s eyes and asked gently. “Cynthia,

a, who’s bothering you? I’ve got your back.

David was quick to add, “No one letter mess with our Cynthia, or they’ll answer to me!”

Cynthia felt an unexpected wave of support from the couple. She hadn’t wanted to drag them into her mess, but it felt good to be defended.

Chapter 29

Especially when it was the trio that came to her first, Cynthia decided to tell the truth.

With hurt in her voice, she explained, “I was just trying to leave, but they stopped me. Then we started fighting, and you came out.”

David went red with anger after recalling how they slandered Cynthia. “The ‘nasty woman‘ you all were slagging, that’s Cynthia?!”

Jeffrey was caught off guard, fumbling for words, “David, don’t let her play you. She’s more than sinister–drugging her sister, messing with men left and right”

Mason piped up, too, “That’s right, sir. I know my own daughter–she’s been nothing but trouble since she was little, always hanging out with the wrong crowd. And now, look!” He pointed to Darian, his face a picture of regret. “She’s even brought a man here. I’m ashamed of what she’s become, but there’s a thing about my other daughter–she’s innocent. She’s been wrongfully accused and thrown in jail. Please help her.”

Cynthia could brush off Jeffrey and Felicia, but her dad airing dirty laundry in public stung something fierce.

“Enough!” David’s fists were clenched, his anger palpable, as he pointed at Darian. “You mean he’s Cynthia’s. He could barely get the words out, staring down Mason.

Before Mason could spin more tales with a nod, David cut him off. “You’re lucky you’re Cynthia’s dad. Or I’ll teach you a good lesson”

At this moment, security arrived. David gave the order without a second thought. “Throw these two out, and make sure they never come near here again.”

The security guards didn’t waste a second. They grabbed Mason and Felicia and started marching them toward the exit.

As they were hauled off, their once neat clothes now a mess, David couldn’t help but mutter, “I wasn’t laying a hand on you doesn’t mean he won’t.” In a quiet corner, Cynthia gave Felicia a little wave, mouling, “So long. Mrs. Ridiculous Larson.”

And the sight of David going to bat for Cynthia had Jeffrey shaking like a leaf. “Granddaughter–in–law–that phrase suddenly carried a whole lot of weigh

Ħ