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Novel Catalog
Chapter_57
Liana’s bloodshot eyes burned with resentment as her father’s harsh words echoed in her mind. Useless… The word had cut deeper than she could ever admit. Andrew’s anger and his constant preference for his sons over his daughters had plagued her entire life. His scorn had started before she was even born, when he had forced Rosaline to abort her older sibling for the crime of being a girl. Liana’s survival had been a battle—one that only her mother’s stubbornness had allowed her to fight. Yet, from the moment she had taken her first breath, she had been treated as nothing more than a tool in Andrew’s quest for power, status, and wealth.
She had learned early on that the only way to get attention was through manipulation and subtle charm. Her father’s favor was like a distant dream that only seemed to grow more unattainable with every attempt she made to prove her worth. She had never felt like a daughter to him; to Andrew, she had always been an instrument, a pawn to be moved as needed.
The deep bitterness she felt toward her family had only grown over the years, particularly when she compared herself to Dylan. Despite all his mistakes, all his failings, he was still treated with more consideration than she ever was. Now, as he faced his imminent downfall, Liana couldn’t bring herself to care. Let him rot in jail, she thought coldly. The Gardner family will be mine, even if it’s just an empty shell.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Rosaline rushed to comfort her, pulling her close as she glared at Andrew. Rosaline’s defense of her daughter was as hollow as it was passionate. It wasn’t the first time she’d blamed Andrew for everything that went wrong, but Liana knew the truth: neither of them truly cared about fixing the family. They only cared about survival—and power.
Rosaline’s plan to salvage Liana’s future was clear. She was determined to force the marriage between Liana and Jasper, no matter the cost. The Beckett family’s influence was their way out, and they were willing to use every trick in the book to secure it. Rosaline’s eyes grew dark as she plotted how to manipulate Jasper further, how to make him see Liana as his inevitable future.
Liana’s heart sank as she remembered the stretch marks on her belly—an unwanted reminder of everything she had lost. The thought of covering them with a tattoo was revolting, but she knew her options were running out. If she couldn’t get rid of them before the wedding, it would be her last resort.
Then, the staff entered, carrying boxes filled with her jewelry. Panic seized her as she saw the boxes—her boxes, the ones containing the gifts Jasper had given her over the years. The Crimson Heart pendant, a symbol of his affection, was the one piece she could never bring herself to part with. Jasper had flown to Furancia three times to have it made for her, staying for half a month just to ensure it was perfect. How could they think of selling this?
“No! You can’t sell these!” Liana cried out, rushing toward the most valuable box.
But Rosaline was firm, her eyes hardening as she spoke. “The company needs money, Liana. We can’t afford to be sentimental. These things are worth far more to us if we sell them. We need this for the charity auction and to improve the Gardner family’s image. Besides, Mr. Beckett Senior’s birthday is coming up. We can buy him a gift at the auction. It will help us kill two birds with one stone.”
The thought of selling her precious items made Liana’s stomach churn, but she knew better than to argue. Rosaline always had a way of making her seem ungrateful for the sacrifices they were making. She was right about one thing: Liana had no choice. As much as she hated it, her mother was right about the future. Marriage to Jasper, the President of Beckett Group, would elevate her family. They’d be untouchable, no matter what happened to Dylan.
With a sigh of defeat, Liana handed over the box, her eyes filled with reluctant compliance. She couldn’t afford to protest. Rosaline’s eyes softened briefly as she took the box, but it was clear that the only thing Liana’s mother truly cared about was securing their family’s future—no matter the cost to her daughter’s happiness or sense of self.
“Once you marry Jasper,” Rosaline murmured, “you’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted. Wealth, status, power. Focus on that, not on the present. You’re going to be the wife of the President of Beckett Group. Your brother has failed us, but I’m counting on you.”
Liana’s heart ached as she handed over the box, but she had no other choice. She had long ago learned that in the Gardner family, nothing came for free.