Revenge is My Love Language novel Chapter 68

Gabriel slammed his palm on the table, the sharp crack echoing through the study. “Well? Do you have anything else to say for yourself?!”

His gaze bore into Anastasia. “Have I not made it clear just how serious the consequences are if you cross Mr. Lancaster? And yet you were planning to run away? Really?”

“Your sister went out of her way to clean up your mess—nearly sacrificing herself for you—and you have the nerve to accuse her?”

Anastasia didn’t so much as flinch. “I told you already, I never planned to elope.”

“You’re still denying it?” Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “You just tried to call Martin, and now he’s confessed everything. He’s your mother’s old friend, he’s looked after you for years. Are you saying he’d lie about you?”

Martin did his part, wearing a look of helplessness as if the whole thing pained him.

In the corner, Penelope couldn’t quite hide the smirk tugging at her lips.

Anastasia, meanwhile, let out a cold laugh. “Who says he wouldn’t lie?”

The truth was, if not for her mother, Martin would have been run down by debt collectors years ago. But wasn’t there a saying—no good deed goes unpunished?

“Ms. Anastasia Sterling…” Martin tried to defend himself.

But Anastasia cut him off, striding over and holding out her hand. “Give me your phone.”

Martin froze. “What?”

“If you have nothing to hide, let me take a look. Or is there something you’re afraid of?”

Anastasia knew Martin was a careful man. If he’d helped Penelope, there was no way he hadn’t kept some proof. And judging by the sweat breaking out on his brow, she wasn’t wrong.

He stood rooted to the spot, forehead glistening with cold perspiration.

“Martin?” Anastasia’s voice was icy.

Penelope jumped in. “Anastasia, you’re not the police—rifling through someone’s phone is a breach of privacy—”

She’d already pulled up a string of messages—Penelope’s, sent to Martin the very day Anastasia was married off to Rosewood Manor.

Penelope had been asking for updates. Martin replied that Anastasia seemed to be having second thoughts, that maybe she didn’t want to go through with the wedding. Penelope shot back: whatever it takes, make sure she runs away.

Gabriel’s face turned a dark, mottled red. “Penelope, what is this supposed to mean?!”

“I... I just thought Anastasia was so smitten with Mr. Lancaster—she wouldn’t be happy married to him. I only wanted to help—”

“Don’t pretend you were doing me a favor!” Anastasia snapped. “I never said I wanted to run away!”

By now, the truth was obvious to everyone. Penelope had her eye on Anastasia’s marriage, and she’d done everything she could to sabotage it—hoping to take her place at Rosewood Manor.

The servants exchanged glances, their eyes filled with contempt. Who would have guessed? The sweet, gentle Ms. Penelope Sterling, exposed at last.

Even Gabriel stared at his daughter as if seeing her for the very first time.