Jerry and Linda weren't public figures, so their situation didn't cause much of a stir in the entertainment industry. However, within the wealthy circles, it was a huge scandal.
The Rick Family that Caroline was married into was no longer the same as before and the Lance Family had become far more superior. Nevertheless, even a famished camel still loomed larger than a horse. Regardless of Jerry's feelings for Linda, Caroline would never entertain the notion of allowing the despised illegitimate daughter to become a part of their family.
In Caroline's eyes, how could a vain woman, an illegitimate child, ever be considered a suitable match for her son?
The more Caroline ruminated on the situation, the angrier she became. "That, that Audrey, she's shown her true viciousness by conspiring against Jerry like this! Now, the entire industry is buzzing about Jerry, accusing him of seducing a woman. Who would dare marry him now?"
Abner massaged the space between his eyebrows. His self-restraint had remarkably improved as he could tolerate Caroline's nonsensical ranting for this long.
"What's your point?" Abner finally inquired. "I'm extremely busy with various matters. If you have nothing else to discuss, I'll end this call." "No!" Caroline exclaimed immediately. "Let me finish!"
Abner begrudgingly allowed her to continue.
Caroline's words dripped with resentment as she continued, "Linda holds a significant share of the blame for this situation. She's tarnished Jerry's reputation. But Audrey can't escape her share of responsibility either! Abner, my dear, I hope you'll punish Audrey severely. She needs to publicly apologize to Jerry and make a clear statement, admitting her involvement in this scheme. Furthermore, she should compensate Jerry for the emotional distress!"
Emotional distress compensation? Abner had every reason to suspect that Jerry had insisted on that last condition.
This time, Caroline had rambled on for Jerry's sake, and Abner found it somewhat ludicrous. He had been deprived of his parents' love since childhood. When had he ever received Caroline's unconditional affection?
Abner maintained his own judgment regarding this matter.
Abner harbored serious doubts about Audrey being the "vicious woman" Caroline had portrayed. In fact, with Evans' recent reminder, Abner had strong reasons to believe that Jerry was the true instigator behind this entire ordeal.
Jerry remained disappointingly consistent. The last time he had attempted to harass Audrey, he had failed and ended up getting beaten by her and her assistant. Abner had thought he had learned his lesson and reined in his behavior, but it seemed Jerry still harbored ill intentions towards Audrey.
Had Audrey not been astute and fallen into the trap set by her deceitful best friend, it might have been Audrey in the compromising position on that bed. At the thought of this, Abner was filled with disgust for his younger brother.
"Go back and tell Jerry to give up. I won't help him."
Caroline's voice erupted with surprise, laced with urgency and anger. "Abner, how can you be so heartless? Jerry is your blood brother! You share a bond by blood! How can you refuse to help him? Are you trying to protect Audrey? She's just your stepsister, a stepchild! She has no blood relation to you at all! How can you prioritize an outsider over your own family?"
"Am I not an outsider to you now?" Abner retorted suddenly.
Caroline was rendered momentarily speechless by this response. While she was in a daze, Abner unceremoniously ended the call.
For years, Abner believed he had fulfilled his responsibilities as an older brother. Despite lacking any emotional foundation with Jerry, he still extended help at his mother's request to resolve numerous issues.
Yet, how had Jerry repaid him? By constantly creating problems, and this time, by extending his reach toward Audrey. Forget it. He no longer cared about Jerry's fate, leaving it to the Rick family to handle.
On the other end, Caroline seethed with anger over Abner hanging up on her for the first time.
"You won't help me? Well, then don't blame me for being ruthless!" Caroline's carefully composed visage contorted with hostility and resentment.
At that very moment, Audrey, blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama, lay on her bed, scrolling through her phone and happily browsing through entertainment news. She had no inkling that she was about to become the target of a vicious onslaught.
At present, only Gary and Abner were privy to Audrey's situation. Gary, being concerned for Anthea, had no intention of bringing this up at home. However, what Gary did not anticipate was that Caroline would promptly seek him out..
# "Can you get me a blanket, please? It's really cold here," her voice echoed through the cold room as I watched her shivering under the white sheet. Putting on my earphones, I realize I've learned it's best to ignore these complaints after a decade of working the night shift in a morgue.