Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 255

Chapter 255 

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At first, Edward leveraged his seniority and resources to ruthlessly push Briana and Charles out of the Lane Group. 

Wrenley could do nothing but watch. She couldn’t persuade Edward, and she had no say in the matter. 

Now, Briana and Charles made a comeback and sidelined Edward. So it is clear. It all came down to their abilities. This was survival of the fittest. 

Edward was ruthless back then, didn’t spare anyone. Now, he had it coming. 

If Edward had ever shown Briana even a bit of kindness, she wouldn’t have been so ruthless with him. 

Wrenley raised Briana herself, so she knew exactly what kind of person Briana was. 

Briana always remembered those who helped her and repaid their kindness. She was gentle and kind–hearted. But as for Edward, he had only himself to blame. 

Edward was momentarily stunned by what Wrenley said. Diana was also surprised, her mouth slightly agape. Soon, the couple exchanged glances. 

After sharing a look, Edward replied, “Mom, the way you put it. No matter how capable I am, I could never measure up to Mr. Carter. No matter how, I still wouldn’t be able to match him.” 

“Then admit defeat,” Wrenley said. 

“But we’re family,” Edward protested. “Family shouldn’t fight over winning or losing.” 

Wrenley asked, “Why don’t you ask Briana if she even considers you family?” 

Edward was left speechless again. His expression turned sour. He thought, ‘It’s one thing not to speak up for me, but why is she taking Briana’s side now? Isn’t she just kicking me when I’m down?‘ 

“Of course, we are,” Sophia jumped in. “Briana and I grew up side by side, always together at school and after. We were inseparable. 

“It’s just that in the past few years, I went abroad for college and Briana got married, so we haven’t been as close.” 

Sophia grinned, “Briana, do you remember when we were kids and used to-” 

“Yes,” Briana cut her off. “I remember the time you grabbed a cockroach and slipped it into my backpack.” 

Sophia’s smile froze. 

“I also remember when you snatched my doll, stomped all over it, and then tossed it in the trash,” Briana continued. “And how could I forget the time you secretly wore Diana’s jewelry, lost it, and then blamed me for stealing it. 

“Oh, and there was that time on the way to school when you bought a fake plastic snake and tossed it at me. I was so scared I fainted right there and ended up missing three days of school.” 

Briana remembered every single incident, as if it happened yesterday. But clearly, Sophia had no recollection at all. 

Sophia had teased Briana so many times that she couldn’t even keep track. 

Back then, Sophia used to get a kick out of putting Briana down. 

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Chapter 255 

People who bullied others always forgot what they did. Those scars stayed with the victim forever. 

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“You don’t remember, do you?” Briana said, her voice calm. “It’s okay, Sophia. I’ll remember every bit of it for you.” 

Sophia couldn’t force a smile anymore. 

Diana tried to lighten the mood. “Kids always squabble and play pranks; it’s perfectly normal. Sophia’s just a little mischievous, not as mature and well–behaved as you. Briana, don’t let it bother you.” 

“But when she got into trouble and blamed it on me, Diana,” Briana said calmly, “you never took my side.” 

Diana rubbed her nose in embarrassment. 

Edward, Diana, and Sophia had been utterly ruthless. Now, hoping for any leniency from Briana was a lost cause. 

The living room fell into an awkward silence once again. 

Wrenley let out a sigh. 

“Grandma, cheer up,” Briana said with a smile. “No matter what happens, you’ll always be able to enjoy your golden years. With Charles and me by your side, you’ll never be alone.” 

Wrenley didn’t say anything. She just gave a small nod. 

“Grandma, if you ever feel uncomfortable living at the Lane residence, you can always move in with me,” Briana said. “Your staff and caregivers can come, too. How does that sound?” 

Briana was thinking about Wrenley’s well–being. 

Edward hadn’t gotten a single benefit out of this, had been sidelined for years, and watched all the Lane Group’s resources slip away. Of course, he’d be bitter about it. 

With all that bitterness, Edward might just take it out on Wrenley. 

Briana couldn’t bear the idea of her grandma suffering, not even a little. 

“I’ve been living here for decades. If I move somewhere else, I might not even be able to sleep,” Wrenley replied. “But I truly appreciate your offer.” 

Shepard spoke up, his tone casual, “It’s getting chilly these days. Wrenley, how about staying on the island for a bit? The weather there is always warm, perfect for winter.” 

“Yeah, that’s right, Briana chimed in. “Grandma, just think of it as a little getaway.” 

Wrenley didn’t say no. 

I’ll have someone set it up,” Shepard said. “What day works for you? Maybe this weekend?” 

Wrenley paused for a couple of seconds before agreeing, “Alright.” 

Briana shared a knowing smile. 

“Grandma, what’s for dinner tonight?” Briana asked, catching a familiar scent in the air. “It smells just like home.” 

“All your favorites,” Wrenley replied. 

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Chapter 255 

“That’s perfect,” Briana said, standing up and helping Wrenley up. “Grandma, let’s go to the dining room.” 

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Right as they were heading to the dining room, Edward stood up. “Briana, about what we talked about earlier, have you thought it over?” 

Briana didn’t even spare him a glance. “The way you dealt with me back then, that’s exactly how I’m dealing with you now. Uncle Edward, what goes around comes around.” 

Edward was about to speak, but Shepard shot him a cold, warning glare. 

It was icy and cutting. Shepard’s aura was downright intimidating. 

Edward bit back his words, unable to utter a single sound. He could only watch helplessly as Shepard and Briana stood on either side of Wrenley, escorting her into the dining room. 

“Dad, look at her! She’s so full of herself!” Sophia snapped, practically grinding her teeth. “I’ve never had to put up with this!” 

Diana was wringing her hands, worry all over her face. “Edward, she’s not even giving us a chance to talk things out. What are we supposed to do now? 

‘Are we just supposed to sit here and watch everything fall apart? Once Lane Group loses all its business and clients, we’ll be broke. If we go bankrupt-” 

Edward stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his face clouded with mixed emotions. His eyes shifted restlessly, clearly deep in thought. He was trying to figure out his next move. 

‘Let’s give it another shot,” Edward said. “After dinner, I’ll have a private talk with Briana.” 

Sophia asked, “What if she still won’t agree?” 

Then don’t blame me for being cold–hearted,” Edward said. 

Dad,” Sophia murmured. For some reason, seeing the expression on Edward’s face made Sophia feel a chill run down her pine. 

But Edward quickly regained his composure. 

Just keep flattering her, stay humble, and make sure you play along,” Edward instructed. “No matter what happens, we need o keep up appearances tonight. Don’t let things blow up.” 

Sophia nodded. 

Diana asked, “What if Briana makes things awkward for us?” 

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