Lillian's past antics often had Allison in the crosshairs. That’s why Joshua decided to bring Allison over today.
The Fisher family living room was buzzing with tension. Grandma Emily, having heard her grandson had something significant to say, suspected it had to do with Lillian. She made a beeline from the retirement home. Ben, too, dropped everything to rush back. The whole family gathered on the couches, the air thick with anticipation.
Grandma Emily noticed Allison on the sofa and couldn’t hide a flicker of disapproval. Playing dumb, she asked, “Joshua, what’s this all about?”
All eyes zeroed in on Joshua. His expression was cool and collected. He pulled out his phone and, in a voice that could chill the room, ordered, “Bring her in.”
After the call, Joshua told his grandmother, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Grandma Emily’s eyes darted nervously. Five minutes later, Thomas led Lillian inside. Grandma Emily was shocked. She shuffled over, disbelief etched on her face, and exclaimed, “Lillian, how could you be so reckless?”
Lillian looked like a ghost, her face pale and lips cracked, eyes sunken with exhaustion, as if she were teetering on the edge.
Grandma Emily’s heart softened. She hesitated, then asked, “Lillian, what have you been through to end up like this?”
“Grandma...” Lillian’s voice broke as tears spilled, a pitiful wail escaping her lips.
Grandma Emily couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Lillian had grown up under her wing. Despite the mistakes, seeing her this way was tough.
Grandma Emily knew Lillian had been involved with Chris but lacked the specifics. She had no idea Lillian had orchestrated events to get Allison in trouble, threatened Sue into kidnapping Lizzy, or that Joshua's stabbing was tied to Lillian.
In her eyes, Lillian had been led astray by Chris, and mistakes like these could be forgiven. But the reality was grim—lives had been lost, and each one had Lillian’s fingerprints on it.
Joshua’s patience was wearing thin, his demeanor icy. “Lillian, didn’t you hear me? Kneel and apologize to Allie.”
“Our Fisher family women don’t kneel to anyone!” Grandma Emily’s voice shook with anger, her chest heaving. “Joshua, I said I’d handle it with family discipline. Why are you making this harder on Lillian? She’s still your sister!”
“Sister?” Joshua’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “She’s no longer part of this family.”
Grandma Emily was beside herself with frustration, her voice rising in disbelief. “Joshua, why are you so heartless? You used to care about Lillian so much! Why are you so hell-bent on casting her out?”
Joshua’s eyes narrowed, his aura chilling and fierce. “Grandma, Lillian crossed too many lines. She coveted her own brother, broke the law, disregarded life. Why would you still have sympathy for someone like that?”
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