Chapter 166

**Chapter 0166**

I wasn’t ready to talk, at least not right now.

My mother could see how I felt just by looking at me. Her gaze softened as she took in my expression.

“It wasn’t right for me to ask you to get Ethan’s help,” she said gently. “It wouldn’t be fair…”

“I need to ask you for help with Gavin. I’m doing my part to get him the support he needs without making our family look weak,” she explained. “This is something I have to do. If everything goes well, it could really make a difference.”

“I should be able to get him out of prison in a few months, and we can be a family again.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I nodded, feeling lost and unsure of what to say or do next.

She gently held my face in her hands, her warmth comforting me.

She gently lifted my face so our eyes met.

“But I think you should go to that mansion and take him up on that offer,” she said.

I squinted at her, confused.

“What?” I asked.

“I can’t just leave you here…” I said, feeling shocked.

“I’ll be fine, sweetie,” she assured me. “But I know things aren’t okay for you here, and I don’t want to put you through any more of this.”

“I know your injury wasn’t just an accident, and I’m really sorry for putting you in this situation.”

I shook my head.

“No, it’s okay, Mom. It really was an accident…”

“You can’t lie to me,” she interrupted.

Judy looked at me, her grip on my face loosening. “I just want what’s best for my family. Right now, I think it would be best for you to live in the Landry mansion. Once your father is out of jail…”

“We will get back on our feet. We will find a new home and be a family again. But until then, I think this is the best way.”

I bit my lower lip as more tears fell from my eyes.

“I love you,” I whispered softly.

She smiled and pulled me into her arms.

“I love you so much,” she murmured back. “You were the best decision we ever made. I love being your adopted mother.”

“I’m so sorry this is happening,” I said, sniffling and wiping my wet cheeks.

“It’s not your fault,” I assured her, knowing that was completely true.

It really was Ethan’s fault. I had never trusted him or his family, and now I was paying the price.

My mother was a victim of them. It was hard for me to accept that there was nothing I could do to help her, which made it even tougher.

After a moment, my mother opened the bathroom door and stepped into the hallway.

Gavin wasn’t…

I was glad to see that no one was near the bathroom. It meant that he hadn’t heard our conversation. I followed my mother out of the bathroom and down the hallway until we reached the parlor. There, we could hear the voices of the Cash family.

As they talked, they shared every excuse imaginable with Gavin.

**Chapter 166: How I Got Injured**

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

When we walked in, the conversation quieted down. Everyone turned their attention to me.

“Oh, Judy, you’re back!” Meredith said as she hurried over to me, pretending to care. “How are you feeling? How’s your hand? I’m so sorry about what happened.”

“It’s okay,” I replied.

“I murmured as I looked at Gavin, who just seemed really angry. He could see right through my facade, and I was glad about that.

“Why don’t you head back to your room and rest for the evening?” she suggested to me.

I looked at my mother, and she gave me a faint smile. I nodded in response.

“Okay,” I murmured. “Good night.”

I turned and left the parlor. As soon as I stepped outside and the door closed behind me,

The place reopened, then quickly shut down again. I turned around and saw Gavin behind me, his eyes filled with anger.

“You’re living with me whether you like it or not. I don’t want you here any longer,” he said. His tone was serious and threatening.

I expected he would want me to fight back, but I had already made my decision. I nodded.

“Okay,” I said to him, feeling defeated.

His face softened, and he looked a bit surprised.

“Okay, then,” he replied.

He whispered, “And your mother—”

“She’s staying here,” I interrupted, cutting off whatever he was about to say. “It was her choice. She doesn’t want to come.”

He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Are you sure?” Gavin asked.

“She’s made up her mind, Gavin,” I replied. “But if we leave, you have to promise me that you’ll make sure they treat my mother with respect and kindness. Don’t let this…”

I held up my injured hand. “What if something happens to her too?”

His eyes darkened, and he nodded.

“I’ll talk to them,” he said firmly. “They won’t touch her.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me when I heard that. I turned to head back to the servant’s quarters, but he grabbed my arm to stop me.

“Pack your things,” he said urgently. “Beta Taylor will be here tonight to pick you up. Tell them you’re staying.”

**Chapter 167**

As they moved forward, a sense of determination filled the air. The bond between the friends grew stronger with each step they took together. They faced challenges, but their friendship helped them overcome every obstacle.

This journey was not just about reaching a destination; it was about the experiences they shared and the memories they created along the way.