Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 181: Parting Ways (1)

Adrienne and Hunter returned to the Jiang estate a few days later. Mother Wang hurriedly welcomed them with a wide smile on her face. As Adrienne observed Mother Wang, she couldn’t help but notice the fatigue etched on her face. It was as if the weight of the world had aged her overnight.

Adrienne made a mental note to speak privately with Mother Wang later. It was clear that Mother Wang had been through a lot during their absence.

Having spent some time with the Zhao family, Adrienne had found some clarity. She knew she couldn’t let her heart cloud her judgment any longer. As soon as they returned home, Adrienne wasted no time in notifying the household helpers that she would be letting them go, providing them with a fair severance fee as a gesture for their services.

The decision to sell the estate and move in with the Zhao family wasn’t easy, but Adrienne knew it was for the better. With her mother finally out of the hospital, she intended to remain by her side until she woke up from a coma. Besides, living with the Zhao family would ensure their safety while her brother was away for work.

Although Adrienne had rarely engaged in conversations with the servants, she had made sure to always look out for their well-being. She ensured they never lacked anything, appreciating their hard work and dedication.

The news was met with mixed reactions from the household helpers. The idea of leaving the place they had called home for many years made some people sad, while others understood and agreed with Adrienne’s choice.

Uncle Mo would return Adrienne and Hunter to the Zhao estate, but Mother Wang wouldn’t join them. Adrienne decided to let Mother Wang retire, but she hadn’t spoken with the older woman yet. Adrienne knew that Mother Wang had dedicated her entire life to their family, and she wanted to ensure that she could enjoy her retirement in peace and comfort.

Adrienne was lounging in her room when she heard a knock on her door. As soon as she said enter, Mother Wang came in with another servant, bringing Adrienne’s dinner.

"Miss Addie, you just returned home, but you’re still working instead of resting. You’ve studied hard these past weeks; I’m sure you’ll pass your entrance exam." Mother Wang said after they set the table for Adrienne

The other servant silently excused herself and left Adrienne with Mother Wang.

Adrienne closed her laptop and set it aside. She stood up and joined Mother Wang at the table, but instead of picking up her utensils, she stared blankly at the food before her.

"What’s wrong, Miss Addie?" Mother Wang asked once she noticed that Adrienne hadn’t made a move to start eating.

"Mother Wang has been taking care of me for so many years. You’ve taken care of me when you have a child waiting for you at home. It must have been hard for you."

Mother Wang was stunned in place, not expecting Adrienne to say such words. Tears welled up in Mother Wang’s eyes as she realized the depth of Adrienne’s gratitude. She reached out and gently held Adrienne’s hand, her voice filled with warmth as she replied, "Miss Addie, you are like a daughter to me. Taking care of you has brought me immeasurable joy and fulfillment."

"Indeed," Adrienne gave her a weak smile, "that’s why, to this day, I cannot fathom why you would do that to me, Mother Wang."

The silence that followed was deafening. Mother Wang stared at Adrienne with surprise and guilt in her eyes, while Adrienne remained calm and collected. Adrienne’s calm demeanor masked the pain she felt inside, as she had been waiting for this moment to confront Mother Wang about her betrayal. The weight of their unspoken words hung heavy in the air, leaving both women unsure of how to proceed.

"That day, I didn’t eat or drink anything to ensure that I wouldn’t be drugged during the party; however, I failed miserably and almost fell into the trap the Jiang family had set for me. Do you know that if it weren’t for Irina and the others, Mother Wang, I would be dead by now? I would rather take my life than marry the Gu family."

"Miss Addie... I..." Tears uncontrollably streamed down Mother Wang’s face as she looked at her young miss. She didn’t have any reasons to refute Adrienne’s accusation, because she knew she was guilty.

"The Jiang family must have threatened you with using your son. I heard he recently got promoted at Jiang Corp and his rise in position was promising." Adrienne chuckled before shaking her head. "Unfortunately, Mother Wang, I can no longer allow you to stay by my side. I’m letting you off now."

Mother Wang’s eyes widened as she realized Adrienne knew her deceit. A mix of regret and shame washed over her face. Adrienne continued, her voice filled with disappointment, "I had trusted you like family, Mother Wang. But your betrayal has shattered that trust completely."

"Miss Addie... I don’t mean to hurt you. I...." She paused as she burst into tears, "Your father threatened me. He said that if I didn’t cooperate, my son would suffer the consequences of my choice. Please, believe me, Miss Addie. I never wanted to hurt you. I drugged your food that morning, but I’ve regretted it since then."

Adrienne’s expression softened as she watched Mother Wang breakdown in tears. She could see the genuine remorse in her eyes, which made her pause momentarily. Despite her anger and betrayal, a part of her couldn’t help but sympathize with the desperate mother standing before her.

"Mother Wang," Adrienne said, her voice filled with disappointment. "I understand that you were put in a difficult position, and I’m sorry for being dragged into my fight with my father. However, what you did was unforgivable. You betrayed my trust, and you put my life at risk. You know that they were trying to do me wrong, right? So how could you lend a hand to them?"