Chapter 2 Grandmother's Awakening

A shrill ring pierced the silence of Ella's empty house.

When she answered, her face instantly paled. "What did you say? Grandmother collapsed? I'm coming right now!"

Ella rushed toward the door, not noticing the housekeeper's contemptuous glance as she left.

"Ella is on her way to the Raymond estate now," the housekeeper reported into her phone once Ella was gone.

From Ella's modern townhouse to the Raymond family estate in Golden Oak, the drive normally took thirty minutes.

Ella drove recklessly fast, her mind racing with worry.

Karen had always been in excellent health. What could have possibly caused her to collapse so suddenly?

When Ella finally arrived at the sprawling colonial mansion, she was led to Karen's bedroom, where she was unconscious on the bed.

Margaret Raymond, Austin's mother, stood nearby with an unmistakable look of displeasure.

Austin stood with his brow furrowed, his back to the door.

Ella noticed his shirt was torn, revealing glimpses of bloodied skin beneath.

The sight immediately gave her a clue about what had happened.

She hurried forward, concern evident in her voice. "What happened to Grandmother? Why did she collapse suddenly?"

Margaret turned to Ella, her accumulated anger seemingly finding its target. "Ella, what exactly did you tell your grandma? How dare you bring her to this state? Is being married into the Raymond family such a burden for you?"

Ella's eyes grew cold, a hint of mockery visible in their depths. "You know perfectly well that Grandmother's health is fragile. Yet you allowed those tabloid stories to circulate unchecked."

Since his marriage to Ella, Austin had been constantly surrounded by scandals involving Judith, which had filled the gossip columns.

Yesterday, when he rushed to be with Judith during the storm, it had apparently been the final straw for Karen.

Margaret's expression darkened further. "How dare you! If not for your calculated schemes, would you have married Austin? Everything you have now was stolen from Judith!"

She looked Ella up and down with undisguised contempt.

In the eyes of the Raymond family, only Judith was worthy of being Austin's wife.

Everything Ella had sacrificed and endured apparently counted for nothing.

A sharp pain stabbed through Ella's chest, making it difficult to breathe.

"You've taken what doesn't belong to you for long enough," Margaret continued. "When will you finally divorce Austin and return what rightfully belongs to Judith?"

Just as Ella was about to respond, Karen coughed weakly and began to stir.

Ella quickly moved to her side, concern flooding her voice. "Grandmother, how are you feeling? Is anything hurting?"

Karen slowly shook her head.

Ella carefully positioned a pillow behind Karen's back to help her sit up.

"Grandmother," Austin said, his voice complex with emotion.

Karen's piercing gaze swept over Austin before settling on Margaret.

"Don't think that just because I'm old, I've become senile and blind to the underhanded tactics you're employing," Karen said sharply. "As long as I'm alive, I remain in control of the Raymond family, and Ella remains the only granddaughter-in-law I recognize. Those vultures circling outside can keep dreaming."

A warmth spread through Ella's heart.

Since her marriage, Karen had been the only person who consistently stood by her side.

No matter what happened, she always supported Ella unfailingly.

In her prime, Karen had been as capable as any man, even saving the company from the brink of collapse during its most desperate hour.

Karen trusted her judgment of character.

When Judith had abandoned Austin at his lowest point, choosing to study abroad rather than stand by him, Karen had seen her true nature.

Such a woman didn't deserve Austin, regardless of how well she could manipulate him and Margaret with her charm and pretty words.

Margaret shifted uncomfortably under Karen's rebuke. "Mother, these two only married because of manipulation and circumstance. Continuing this farce benefits neither of them. They should free each other while they still can."

Karen's gaze grew even sharper. "Even if they were to divorce—which I don't support—Judith would never be welcomed into this family! Besides, Ella was as much a victim in that situation as anyone."

This statement sent ripples through Ella's heart, bringing with it waves of bitter memories.

It was true that she had harbored feelings for Austin for years.

But her marriage to Austin had ultimately benefited the Raymond family more than herself.

Throughout their four years together, she had been branded as the manipulative gold-digger who trapped Austin.

The truth was that she had given everything she could to this marriage, exhausting herself over fourteen years of unrequited love.

"Mother," Margaret began, unwilling to yield.

"Enough!" Karen's voice turned icy. "I will not hear another word defending Judith. Being a homewrecker and destroying someone else's marriage hardly makes her a prize!"

Margaret was silenced, though her resentful glare at Ella spoke volumes.

If not for Austin's accident, Judith would never have lost her place beside him.

Karen then turned her attention to Austin. "And you don't forget who stood by your side when it mattered most!"

Austin's lips tightened into a thin line. "Grandmother, Judith explained everything to me. She was forced to go abroad back then. She had no choice in the matter."

Karen laughed coldly. "And you actually believe that? You're the only one who would."

Austin's frown deepened. "Grandmother, you're misunderstanding Judith."

"I don't judge people by what they say," Karen retorted. "I judge them by what they do. And her actions speak volumes."

Ella sighed inwardly.

Karen reached out her hand, and Ella moved closer. She gripped Ella's hand firmly.

"My dear child, I know you've endured countless injustices these past years. As long as I'm here, I won't allow anyone to mistreat you."

Ella felt a sudden tightness in her throat.

Being bullied, ignored, and maliciously judged had become so commonplace that she had grown numb to it all.

But being shown genuine concern made her eyes sting with unexpected emotion.

Ella clenched her fist silently.

She knew how much Karen valued the continuation of the Raymond bloodline, but with her physical condition making conception difficult, she didn't want to disappoint the only person who truly supported her.

Before she could speak, Austin stepped forward, determination flashing in his eyes.

"Grandmother, the media has already uncovered Judith's identity. I must ensure her safety. This divorce has to happen!"