?Chapter 503: Rhys, I cant thank you enough for today.


    Rhys responded warmly, Think nothing of it.


    Harlee insisted I stay and support you.


    Belens heart warmed at this, her eyes moist with grateful tears, taken aback by Harlees thoughtful anticipation.


    This reflection darkened her expression as she turned to Lindsay, releasing a weary sigh.


    She could no longer overlook Lindsays wrongdoings.


    Rhys observed the tension between Belen and Lindsay for a moment longer before excusing himself.


    Mrs.


    Morgan, do take care.


    Ill make sure to visit soon.


    With these parting words, Rhys left the Morgan estate, quickly texting Harlee with a yful emoji of a pleading cat.


    Harlee, your parents presence today cut our conversation short.


    I truly hope to define our rtionship more clearly… On the drive back to the Sanderson family home, Harlee nced down at the message from Rhys, a yful smile tugging at her lips.


    She quickly typed a response.


    My familys approval? Why dont you fight for it yourself! She sent the message with a tongue-out emoji.


    Rhys raised an eyebrow, his smile widening as he read her reply.


    ?@т€?т ?нαρтεя? íη ?α???νε??.￠σм Alright, Ill do my best.


    Meanwhile, noticing the shift in Harlees mood, Sk waited until Harlee slipped her phone into her bag before asking softly, Harlee, are you texting a friend? Harlees smile lingered, her head nodding just enough to acknowledge the question, but she didnt offer any further exnation.


    Sk leaned over, her fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind Harlees ear.


    She whispered, Whatever your decisions are, Ill always support you.


    A mothers intuition was sharp.


    Though Harlee and Rhys hadnt shared much time today, Sk still sensed something was going on between them.


    She didnt want to pry too much or overstep her boundaries, so she pretended to be oblivious.


    But at the sight of Harlees beaming face, Sk thought that having Rhys mother as an inw might not be as difficult to ept as she once thought.


    Harlees eyes widened, surprise flickering across her features as her mother gently brushed her hair.


    Their gazes locked, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as though a thousand unspoken words passed between them.


    Neither asked nor exined, but somehow, they knew what the other was trying to convey.


    After bidding farewell to all the guests, including Rhys, Belen returned to the living room and ordered the servants to retire to the staff quarters.


    At that moment, Lindsay felt a gnawing sense of unease.


    As she slowly made her way toward the stairs, Belens sharp voice cut through the air.


    Get down on your knees! Lindsay froze mid-step.


    Her knees buckled almost involuntarily, and she sank to the floor, her heart pounding in her chest.


    Since childhood, she had always feared her mothers anger.


    It was so overwhelming that even her doting grandmother had been powerless to protect her from it.


    A sharp p rang out, striking Lindsays left cheek with a sting that burned like fire, leaving behind a vivid red mark.


    Dazed, Lindsay looked up at her mother, her mind nk.


    Belens stern facade betrayed no hint of the pain wing at her heart.


    .


    .


    .