From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 324

Janet had a sister once. She was over a decade younger and had a happy family of her own, once upon a time. Sadly, twenty years ago, her sister tragically fell into the grip of drug addiction. Her descent dragged her husband down with her, and in a haze of overdose-induced hallucinations, she ended up setting their house ablaze. Just like that, a once happy home was shattered. Destroyed by addiction. And so, Janet grew to despise anyone who dabbled in drugs with a burning passion. Even if that person was her beloved grandson.

Gerard was on a path to ruin everything! Ruining her, his grandmother. Janet trembled with anger, her vision blurring as she nearly passed out from the fury. Seeing this, Edna hurried over to support Janet, her voice soft as she tried to cover for Gerard, “Janet, please, let’s not jump to conclusions. Gerry’s a good kid, always so obedient. I can’t imagine him doing anything so disgraceful!”

At this point, Edna's attempt to defend Gerard only seemed to confirm Janet's fears. It was like pouring gasoline on the fire, stoking Janet's rage even further. “Edna, stop making excuses for him! He’s betrayed everything we stand for! And I've been wondering why he's been acting so secretive lately! Turns out he's been up to no good behind closed doors!” Janet clutched her chest, coughing violently.

“Janet, please, calm down. It’s my fault for speaking up...” Darleen soothed Janet’s back, guilt written all over her face. Edna glanced at Darleen, a flash of pride in her eyes. Brief but telling. Her daughter was growing more like her every day, bound to do great things in the future.

Janet turned to Darleen, “You’re not to blame, dear. It’s that no-good scoundrel who’s lost his way!” Like mother, like daughter. Darleen, being Edna’s child, had always been wise beyond her years. Gerard, on the other hand, was born of Carole, that woman of ill repute. Even carrying the Lindsay blood, he couldn't shake off his inherent flaws! Janet lamented that Darleen wasn’t Jonah’s biological daughter.

Edna continued, “Janet, let’s just calm down and get to the bottom of this. None of us have actually seen Gerry doing anything. It wouldn’t be right to accuse him without proof.” Delia chimed in, “Ms. Edna is right! But, Mrs. Lindsay, I thought I saw him... in his room... Let's just go up and see for ourselves.”

“Let’s go!” Janet stood up, fueled by anger. They made their way to Gerard’s room on the third floor. The door was ajar. From the hallway, they could see Gerard’s silhouette. His back was to them, making it hard to see exactly what he was doing, but on the table, there was a suspicious bag of white powder and some papers. If that wasn’t drug use, what was it?

Seeing this, Janet's eyes blazed with fury. A disgrace to the family! An absolute disgrace! Edna and Darleen exchanged looks, a glint of triumph in their eyes. No matter what excuses Gerard might come up with, it seemed unlikely Janet would ever forgive him now. From this point on, Gerard would be cut off from the Lindsay fortune. Eventually, Darleen would rightfully become the sole heiress of the Lindsay family, and any child born to Edna would directly replace Gerard as the primary beneficiary.

“You disgrace!” Janet couldn’t hold back anymore, kicking the door wide open. Gerard, startled by the sudden intrusion, quickly hid whatever he was holding in a drawer, turning around with a panicked look, “Gran... Grandma, what are you doing here?”

“What are you doing?” Janet glared at Gerard with a look that could curdle milk. Gerard couldn’t meet Janet's gaze, his voice shaky, “Nothing... I wasn’t doing anything...”

Edna stepped forward, her voice gentle, “Gerry, admitting your mistakes is the first step to making things right. We all saw what you were doing. Just own up to it and apologize to your grandmother. You’re your father’s only child. If you show true remorse, I’m sure your grandmother will forgive you.”