Chapter 22: She Was Not A Child Throwing Tantrums

With the agreement reached between Liliana and Asher, the divorce process was sped up. They just needed to wait for the court hearing.

Because neither of them wished to change the agreement, the proceedings should end in less than a month.

Liliana still stayed at the beach house. Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma also didn't show any signs that they wanted to return to the Shen ancestral home.

Two days after Asher's appearance, two other guests also turned up in the late afternoon. They had to request permission before going there so, Liliana was not exactly surprised.

The guests were Thomas and Katherine, Liliana's father and stepmother. They rushed here to meet Liliana after being unable to reach her phone.

Despite being dissatisfied with Liliana's sudden divorce request to Asher, Thomas and Katherine still put on an amicable mask. They had long learned how deep Old Madam Shen's affection toward Liliana was.

If they made the Shen family's matriarch unhappy, they might be put into jeopardy.

After greeting Old Madam Shen and Madam Ma in the lounge, Thomas slowly brought up the subject. He glanced at Liliana who sat next to the Shen family's matriarch.

"It seems like my daughter is recovering well under your care, Old Madam Shen. No wonder she still stays here with you until now."

Liliana put on a poker face. The fakery in her father's voice didn't go unnoticed by her. He even addressed her as his daughter.

Thomas Xin was in his early 50s. Despite his age, his appearance was still good, unlike most wealthy men with pot bellies.

Thomas was known to be the most promising bachelor during his younger days. With his looks and good family background, many women of high society eyed him.

Many hearts were broken because of his marriage to Katherine. They were equally attractive and stood on the same standing in high society.

"Lili is really in a need of good care," Old Madam Shen smiled yet, it was not reflected in her eyes. Her gaze on Thomas was cold, "I was surprised seeing she was alone in the hospital. Since your helpers are too busy, it's better if I take care of Lili myself."

Thomas and Katherine's calm dispositions cracked under the old madam's words. Old Madam Shen clearly chastised them for the lack of care they showed Liliana during her miscarriage.

Katherine spoke up. She looked at Old Madam Shen before her gaze settled on Liliana, "I shall ask for forgiveness. I didn't pay attention properly when Liliana was hospitalized."

One corner of Liliana's lips turned up. She was silently enjoying the show.

Katherine didn't welcome her when Liliana was first brought to the Xin family's door. The young madam outrightly reminded Liliana to behave well and not cause trouble in the household.

Throughout the years Liliana lived under the Xin family's roof, Katherine never physically abused her. Insulting words never came out of her mouth but, Katherine didn't stop her eldest daughter Deanna from tormenting Liliana.

Perhaps to Katherine, Liliana's existence was an eyesore yet not important enough. She didn't need to exert her own efforts to keep Liliana in check.

Old Madam Shen didn't reply to Katherine. Tilting her head, she glanced at Liliana.

"Lili, it seems like your parents want to have some time with you. Should I accompany you here?"

Old Madam Shen didn't want to waste any of their time. Even though neither Thomas nor Katherine had directly mentioned the divorce, their intention was still clear. If not, they wouldn't be here.

Liliana politely declined. She gently squeezed Old Madam Shen's arm, "It's fine, Grandma. You and Aunt Ma shouldn't be bothered with this matter."

Old Madam Shen respected Liliana's wish. She and Madam Ma slowly left the lounge, giving them privacy.

Once the two ladies were gone, Liliana immediately brought up the crucial subject.

"Father and Aunt Katherine, are you here because of my divorce from Asher?"

Thomas and Katherine looked at each other before focusing on Liliana. Her appearance was a bit gaunt, perhaps due to the stress she suffered because of the miscarriage.

"Liliana, what are you thinking?" Thomas hissed, restraining himself from loudly scolding his eldest daughter, "You suddenly asked for a divorce?! You didn't even tell us first!"

"Yes, Liliana, what's wrong with you?" Katherine frowned. Her delicately trimmed eyebrows scrunched up, "You're doing good with Asher until now so why? Is it because he's not there when you're in the hospital? You should know how busy he is. You even drag Old Madam Shen into this."

Liliana's lips twitched. She unconsciously clenched her hands that were sitting on her lap. Her father and stepmother's words sounded as if she was a child throwing tantrums.

Even though Liliana was hurt by the accusations, she didn't have the energy to refute them. If possible, she wanted her father and stepmother to quickly leave.

"We no longer have anything in common. If you're worried about the company, don't be. Asher has promised that our divorce won't affect both sides."

Thomas threw a glare at Liliana. She was implying that all he was concerned about was the company.

"Retract your decision. This is stupid!" Thomas exclaimed sternly, "Are you that intend to let your position go? You yourself know how many young ladies want your position! You're lucky to be chosen."

Liliana tilted her head, studying her father's displeased look. She slowly enunciated, "I'm aware of that. People have been whispering behind my back how I don't suit as Young Madam Shen. Shouldn't I just let it go to another befitting woman?"

Thomas was annoyed seeing how unwavering Liliana was right now. She was usually quiet and timid around him even after marrying into the Shen family.

What made her change?

Changing his tactic, Thomas asked, "Have you ever thought of the consequences? Your mother is still lying comatose until now."

Liliana's gaze sharpened, sensing the threat underlying those words. Narrowing her eyes, she threw a question to Thomas.

"Father, are you intimidating me?"

Thomas shrugged, "Does it seem like a threat? I don't know. You have the answer."

Liliana had already thought of this possibility. She was not that stupid to weigh everything before coming this far.

With a triumphant smile, Liliana shattered Thomas' hope.

"Father, it seems like you've forgotten who's behind my back. Whether I'm still Asher's wife or not, Grandma Shen will continue to support me."

The horrified look on both Thomas and Katherine's faces cheered Liliana up. She never thought that she would be able to see them like that because of that.

So what if she lost the title coveted by many?

Wasn't it greater to have such unwavering support behind her?

Now, it was time to live for herself.