Chapter 403

Layna’s actions were extreme and unexpected.

Reagan grabbed Layna’s hand roughly, snapping, “You think I want to be here? If I weren’t here, you’d be on the streets begging or back at the orphanage.”

Layna shook off Reagan’s grip, moving to stand by Anastasia’s side. She was on the brink of tears. “I have a mom. I want to live with my mom.”

If Layna hadn’t been so wickedly manipulative, Anastasia might have considered adopting her, to keep Pattie company. However, Layna relentlessly attempted to outshine Pattie, even resorting to endangering her, which made Anastasia hesitate.

Reagan got to his feet, pointing at Layna and shouting, “Anastasia isn’t your real mom. You were born to a life of hardship with me. You don’t have the luck to be Ms. Anastasia’s daughter. Now, come with me or you’ll be begging on the streets.”

“No, I am mom’s daughter!” Layna clung to Anastasia’s hand, crying, “Mom, I’m sorry. I’ll never hurt Pattie again. I’ll be good, and I’ll take care of Pattie. I don’t want to leave with Reagan.”

Layna had heard Salma talking about their upcoming move to a new house, which was a grand mansion like those from the TV shows. It had a team of housekeepers and servants. She had been dreaming of a princess-like life. Her mind was filled with dreams of countless toys and pretty clothes.

Layna looked at Anastasia in anticipation. Anastasia, however, was oblivious to the thoughts in Layna’s mind. Seeing Layna’s tears stirred something in her. Perhaps becoming a mother had softened her heart.

But it was only a momentary softening. She stuck to her decision. “Layna, your father loves you too. Go with him. Focus on your studies. Live a good life. I’ll come to see you.”

“I don’t want to.” Layna’s tears continued to flow. “Mom, I want to go with you. You promised me. You said I would have my own room in the new house.”

“Enough with the crying.” Reagan grabbed Layna’s arm. “Anastasia isn’t your real mother. I’m your legal guardian. Stop trying to cling to her. I know what you want – a comfortable life with her. But that’s not your fate.”

He didn’t care whether Layna wanted to go or not. He just dragged her out of the house. Salma tried to intervene. “Hey, go easy on her. She’s just a kid…”

“I know what I’m doing,” Reagan retorted, picking up Layna and tucking her under his arm. “Anastasia, I’ll take this brat back with me.”

Anastasia stood up. “Reagan, I suggest you find a different way to deal with her. The more you push, the more she’ll resist.”

“I’m just short-tempered.” Reagan shrugged, and then left, still carrying Layna. “Let’s go.”

Layna struggled, yelling, “Reagan, let me go! I don’t want to go with you. I’m supposed to be rich. I want my real mom. Help, Reagan’s kidnapping me…”

Salma watched, stunned. “That girl… is such a rebel.”

Anastasia watched as Reagan and Layna left, murmuring, “I hope Layna realizes she’s actually got a good father.”

No matter how much Layna yelled or even bit him, Reagan only frowned, never hitting her.

His harshness was all talk.

After they’d left, Anastasia said, “Mom, let’s go back to the hospital. Monica’s alone there with Pattie.”

Anastasia had just stepped out of the café when her phone rang. It was Monica. “Ana, Grannie Anita’s here. She knows Pattie is your daughter and she’s making à scene.”

Hearing this, Anastasia hurried towards the hospital.