Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 732: Sandra gave Jarrod a glance, her eyes flickering with hesitation. Her lips pressed together as if she were holding back words. Instead of speaking, she exhaled gently and looked away, refusing to meet his eyes. Richard veered the car off to the shoulder and brought it to a full stop. Only after stopping did he swivel in his seat, his eyes fixed on Jarrod in the back. With deliberate care, he reached into his jacket's inner pocket and took out his phone. He tapped the screen a few times, opening a media app. Then, without a word, he passed the phone to Jarrod.

"Lark Fashion hosted a product launch yesterday. This video's from that event. Watch it. You'll get it after that." Taking the phone, Jarrod frowned, puzzled. He didn't see how any of this could possibly be related to Rosanna. Before Jarrod could speak, Richard's voice sliced through the tension, deep and deliberate. "You'll understand after watching it. The only reason Axell agreed to sign that settlement agreement... was that he showed interest in Rosanna. And we... we let him have her in return." Those words hit Jarrod like a blow.

A few lines, but they carried a weight he could barely process. Jarrod's gaze shot up, stunned. "Are you even hearing yourself right now?" he yelled, his voice cracking under the strain of emotion. "You gave Rosanna to that monster? If that's really what happened, then I would've taken the punishment myself! I'd rather be locked up than sacrifice my sister like that!" Jarrod's words came out raw, bursting with fury and disbelief. Richard moved as if to say something, but Sandra stepped in before he could.

ᵐᵒʳᵉ ᵘᵖᵈᵃᵗᵉˢ ⁱⁿ ᵍᵃˡⁿᵒᵛᵉˡˢ.ᶜᵒᵐ She gently laid her hand on Jarrod's shoulder, her voice thin and tired. "Please, Jarrod. Just listen to me. We didn't do this out of cruelty. We honestly believed it was for her sake." For her sake? Jarrod couldn't believe what he was hearing. It sounded like a sick joke. First his father, now his mother - both of them had clearly lost all sense. "You traded her away for a piece of paper and called that a favor to her?" Jarrod's voice climbed, disbelief sharpening every word. "Have either of you forgotten who Axell is? He's a monster pretending to be a man!

How could you do something like this to Rosanna? What did she ever do to deserve that? She's not just some pawn! She's my sister - your daughter! How could you throw her away like that?" Richard struck the steering wheel with a sharp thud. His glare was fixed on Jarrod, and his words came out in a bitter rush. "What do you want me to say? Open your eyes to what's happening. Do you think she's still the pride and joy of the Morgan family like she used to be? No! Her name is being dragged all over the internet. Tell me, which wealthy man would willingly marry her now?

You know what kind of life she was leading before. There's no way she would marry an ordinary man." He continued, his voice rising. "Axell may not be perfect, but the Nelson family has deep pockets. He can offer Rosanna security - a future where she won't have to struggle. Thanks to her sacrifice, Axell signed the letter of understanding, and that's why you could avoid a prison sentence. Isn't this what's best for her? Isn't this what's best for you?" . . .