Nicholas Hollis’s gaze revealed a trace of difficulty, but if Eleanor Hollis were to go alone, she would likely be disheartened. Regardless, Anna should also get the paternity test done.
"Stella, there’s no need to say more about this. It’s decided."
He reached out to rub his temples, his face full of fatigue.
But Rachel Lynch immediately grabbed Anna Hollis’s hand and pulled her behind herself.
"No! I won’t let you humiliate me . Since you don’t believe Anna is your child, Anna and I will move out, so we won’t be an eyesore here!"
Wendy Sullivan listened to her and glared at Eleanor Hollis with even more disgust. This person is indeed a jinx; she has made the Hollis Family a mess just after arriving.
Nicholas Hollis’s face was grim. Neither of the two women was willing to give him face. It seems that he has indulged them too much daily, making them think he has no temper.
"Move out? Fine, then you should move. You two have enjoyed the riches and honor of the Hollis Family for so many years; it’s time to go out and suffer a bit, or you’ll always think the whole world should cater to you. Start packing now, and I’ll have someone send you out first thing in the morning."
Rachel Lynch looked at the man in disbelief, genuinely unsure what went wrong or why he changed so quickly when everything was previously under her control.
Damn it, Eleanor Hollis, this bitch. If she had known earlier, she should’ve strangled this bastard at birth instead of sending her to the countryside.
Anna Hollis’s eyes flashed with panic. If she left the Hollis Family, where else would she have a good life?
Rachel Lynch gritted her teeth and gripped Anna Hollis’s wrist. She absolutely couldn’t let Anna go for the paternity test. If Nicholas Hollis insisted on doing this, they would have to temporarily move out; anyway, there will be future opportunities to win over that man.
"I’m not going out with you!"
Anna Hollis was somewhat emotional. Over the years, her and her mom’s pocket money had all come from dad. If she moved out, where would she have money to spend? Would she have to go out and work instead? How could that be?
"Anna, listen to me. Your dad is angry right now. We’ll move out, and he’ll definitely regret it later when he begs us to come back."
Rachel Lynch softly spoke into Anna Hollis’s ear.
Anna Hollis’s eyes lit up. Right now, dad is treating Eleanor Hollis well because of the guilt in his heart. If they moved out and had difficult days, he would also bear guilt toward her and her mother.
Her mouth curved slightly; indeed, she didn’t make a scene anymore but rather went upstairs sorrowfully to pack.
Nicholas Hollis originally thought Anna Hollis’s nature would bend slightly. Anna was his daughter, and no matter what, he shouldn’t let her suffer. But seeing that neither of the mother and daughter showed any sign of compromise, his initial regret instantly dissipated.
Indeed, these two need to go out and face some hardship. The Hollis Family has protected them too well over the years, giving whatever they want.
While Eleanor Hollis has endured quite a few grievances over these years and therefore is exceptionally understanding.
"Dad, isn’t this a bad idea? You should still strive to persuade them." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱
Eleanor Hollis called him Dad, instantly clearing the gloom in Nicholas Hollis’s heart.
"It’s alright. They’ll realize the benefits of the Hollis Family after some time. Eleanor, this isn’t your fault, and there’s no need to do the paternity test. I know in my heart whether or not you’re my daughter."
Indeed, the two look very alike, which can’t be faked.
Eleanor Hollis said nothing more, her head lowered slightly, lost in thought.
Wendy Sullivan was too angry to speak back; she picked up a cane to hit Eleanor Hollis but was stopped by Nicholas Hollis.
Nicholas Hollis had always felt the old lady was bossy; even the slightest disagreement would lead to her yelling like a shrew.
"Nicholas, are you opposing me for this person?!"
Wendy Sullivan’s eyes were filled with disappointment as she slowly sighed, "She’ll ruin the Hollis Family sooner or later. Look at what the family has become since her return."
"That’s Rachel and Anna’s fault; you can’t blame Eleanor. Mom, enough with the talking."
Wendy Sullivan only felt suffocated, unbearably uncomfortable. But seeing Nicholas Hollis truly angry, she dared not speak further.
That’s just her nature; the more opposing parties remain silent, the more she acts high and mighty. But when someone gets mad, she becomes scared.
Nicholas Hollis’s appearance frightened her. Not to mention Rachel Lynch and Anna Hollis didn’t fare well either, and arguing further is futile; might as well preserve her own dignity.
The next morning, Rachel Lynch and Anna Hollis indeed packed their luggage. Initially, they could’ve slipped away quietly, but they dithered until Nicholas Hollis came downstairs.
Nicholas Hollis’s face appeared somber, but ultimately, he said nothing and instructed the Hollis Family’s driver to send them out.
Anna Hollis tightly grasped the suitcase handle; she originally thought after a night’s sleep dad would regret, and he’d surely stop them this morning. But from the moment she came downstairs till now, Nicholas Hollis said nothing.
Rachel Lynch discreetly tugged her clothes, signaling not to act rashly.
Anna Hollis took a deep breath, knowing her mom sure had a plan, so she said no more, tearfully watching Nicholas Hollis.
But Nicholas Hollis sat silently at the dining table, not once glancing their way.
Once inside the car, her face became twisted, slamming the suitcase loudly.
"Mom, was this your plan?! Look at how smug Eleanor Hollis has become!!"
She was genuinely upset; she initially thought they could make Eleanor Hollis leave sooner, but ultimately, they were the ones pushed out.
Rachel Lynch’s face hesitated to speak; ultimately, she hugged her gently.
"You have to trust mom; everything mom does is for you. This time we left at least avoids the paternity test. Promise me not to go for it no matter who asks. There’s no benefit to you."
Anna Hollis shivered inside, a flash of panic appeared in her eyes as a terrifying thought entered her mind.
Rachel Lynch placed a finger at her lips, full of helplessness, gesturing towards the driver.
Indeed, this driver belonged to Nicholas Hollis, and he mustn’t know too much.
Just now Rachel’s voice was very soft, audible only to them, but Anna Hollis raised her volume, prompting her action.
Anna Hollis’s inner dread kept expanding; seeing Rachel’s reaction, she realized her suspicion might be true; she’s not Nicholas Hollis’s daughter. Then who is her father?