Chapter 199 199 Chapter 199 - Severed Ties Monica's POV 1 Seven days had passed since Jasper's hospitalization. Despite his serious injuries, he was thankfully no longer in critical condition. Our daily video calls reassured me, though I couldn't say the same about Mr. Eddie's continued disappearance. My parents were scheduled to depart tomorrow, leaving only Jasper's parents behind. I'd grown accustomed to the bustling household and their doting attention, but they'd promised to return soon. I was stretched out on a poolside lounger beside my mother when her phone shattered our peaceful afternoon. She answered with visible irritation, spat out a curt "no" and disconnected immediately. "What was that about?" I asked, adjusting my sunglasses. "Someone important enough to disrupt your legendary composure?" "Nobody of consequence," she replied dismissively. "Mom," I pressed, studying her tense expression. "What's happening?" "It's nothing, Monica." We remained locked in silent tension until Morris and my father arrived, noticing the strained atmosphere immediately. Morris, ever the diplomat, gently encouraged her to share her troubles. "Fine!" my mother exclaimed. "My sister won't stop hounding me to connect her with Monica." My father's face darkened instantly. "What business does she have with me?" I questioned. "She wants to discuss Tyler," my mother explained as my father released an exasperated breath. "That woman has been tormenting your mother since that criminal was arrested," my father added bitterly. "Call her, mom. Hand me the phone," I requested firmly. "Monica, absolutely not!" my mother protested. Morris intervened softly, "Perhaps it's better to address this directly, mother-in-law. She'll continue until she gets what she wants." "Very well," my mother conceded, dialing her sister's number before passing me the device. I activated the speakerphone immediately. "Lillian, you must understand that family stands together-" a woman's voice began. "Now you remember we're family, Myra?" I interrupted sharply. "Monica! Mind your tone. I'm your aunt," she admonished. 15:37 199 Chapter 199 - Severed Ties "You're nothing to me except my mother's sister. What do you want? Why this persistent harassment?" "Disrespectful girl! Now that you've secured a wealthy husband, you've forgotten your roots. You didn't even invite us to your wedding-" "If you're calling to complain about wedding invitations, save your breath. Don't expect inclusion in any aspect of my life moving forward. If that's all, goodbye." I moved to end the call but was halted by her desperate shout. "Wait, Monica! Please don't hang up!" "Say what you need to say," I demanded coldly. "Tyler is your cousin's husband. My grandson was born without knowing his father. You must help him!" "I owe him nothing, Myra. He should have considered consequences before participating in my son's kidnapping and imprisonment." "Monica, show some compassion!" "Compassion for someone who caused me nothing but pain? For a monster who mistreated an innocent child-MY CHILD?" My voice escalated with each word. "No. I have no compassion to offer." "If not for him, then for my son. Help me free his father from jail," she pleaded. The phone apparently changed hands, as my cousin's voice suddenly came through. "Monica, we were like sisters once." "I considered you a sister, Grace, until your betrayal. You humiliated and mistreated me at every opportunity. I feel for your innocent son, but I won't lift a finger to help the man who kidnapped mine." "He's remorseful, Monica. He wants to apologize to you personally," Grace's voice dripped with artificial contrition. "I need to apologize too. Give me your address-I'll visit and bring my son to meet his little cousin." "Don't you dare, you manipulative snake!" My fury exploded. "Show your face at my home and I'll have security throw you into the street. I'll call the police. I could destroy you both. Stay away from me-" Morris suddenly took the phone from my trembling hand, "Ladies, this is Monica's husband speaking," he stated with deadly calm. "Consider this your only warning: keep your distance from my family, or I'll ensure you join Tyler and his accomplice behind bars. You're well aware of my resources and influence-I get what I want. If my mother-in-law wishes to maintain contact with you, that's her prerogative, but you will not approach my wife or children. Is that perfectly clear?" He ended the call, returned the phone to my stunned mother, and knelt beside me. "My angel, are you alright?" 15.37 2/3 199 Chapter 199 - Severed Ties "Yes," I sighed. "These people have caused me so much suffering, and now they demand family loyalty they never showed me." I turned to my mother. "I'm sorry about that, mom." "Lillian, forgive me," Morris addressed my mother, "but I won't allow them near Monica or our children." "You have nothing to apologize for. I support your position completely. That's precisely why I avoided this conversation. Myra and I may be sisters, but our relationship fractured permanently when Austin was kidnapped. She persists in contacting me despite my wishes," my mother explained apologetically. "Are you certain you must leave tomorrow, father-in-law? I'm concerned for your safety," Morris questioned my father. "We need to resume our normal lives, son. We'll manage," my father reassured him. "But you'll maintain the security detail I've arranged?" Morris pressed anxiously. "Yes, we've agreed to keep your security personnel until this dangerous individual is apprehended," my father confirmed, bringing visible relief to both Morris and me. 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