She flashed a smile and said, "Mrs. Hartley, I still remember the day you tried to kick me out of Riverton. Surely you haven’t forgotten?"
Courtney replied, "Oh dear, that was a misunderstanding. I wasn't aware you were Marc's wife back then. I was afraid you'd snatch him away from his wife, but when I found out you were his wife, and now, I couldn't have been happier. My daughter-in-law is not only beautiful but also competent."
It's astonishing how shameless people could be, just like Courtney. She once threatened Cornelia, and now she was buttering her up with fake compliments. Cornelia wanted to expose Courtney just like Jeremy did, but she didn't. She was curious to know what game Courtney was playing. She looked at Courtney. "If you've sent Marc away to talk to me, just spit it out. If you beat around the bush, Marc might lose patience."
Courtney knew Cornelia wasn't someone to be trifled with. "Nelly..."
As she called out Cornelia's name, Courtney pretended to wipe away a tear. "I was young and made mistakes. I didn't pay enough attention to Marc, and as a result, he had no affection for me. As his mother, I regret my actions."
While she spoke, Courtney was observing Cornelia's reaction. Seeing no adverse response, she continued, "You must know that Marc's father was a monster. He not only had affairs but also abused me. Out of desperation, I had to give Marc up for adoption shortly after he was born."d2
Cornelia was disgusted. How could someone be so shameless, blaming others for their own irresponsibility?
If she didn't know the truth, she might've believed Courtney. "Your version of the story doesn't match with what I know. Given how you treated them, it's no surprise they avoid you."
Courtney said, "I know, I regret it deeply. Nelly, could you please persuade Marc for me?"
Finally, Courtney got to the point.
Cornelia asked, "What do you want me to persuade him about?"
Courtney replied, "To forgive me and stop being cold towards me. After all, I carried him for nine months."
Hearing this, Cornelia felt nauseous. "Now you remember that he's your flesh and blood? Why didn't you remember when he was a helpless child?"
Courtney repeated her excuse, "I was forced back then, but I realize my mistake now. He's my son, and if he doesn't forgive me, he'll be scorned by the society. If you truly love him, you won't want him to be despised."
Cornelia wouldn't let Courtney guilt-trip her. "So you think just because you gave birth to him, he owes you everything? Even if you mistreated him, he should still respect you?"
Courtney retorted, "A mother and child should never hold grudges. As his wife, you should prioritize his feelings, not encourage him to be disrespectful."
Courtney was cunning, implying that if Cornelia didn't help her, she'd be instigating Jeremy to be ungrateful. But Cornelia wouldn't fall for her tricks. "Do you know what Marc has been through as a child? Do you know that he almost lost his life? Where were you, his mother, when he was suffering?"
Even though Jeremy's health had improved significantly, every time she thought about his past, her heart ached.
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