Everything that was happening happened so fast that Annabelle didn't even get the chance to speak and when she tried to, she was not given a chance by Samantha and Lilian until Judas Marudas walked in and silence fell as if it had come along with him.
Her heart began racing and hand sweaty as fear crept in despite knowing she was innocent and the culprit was right in front of her. She could just point at her and explain what happened and everything would be settled, but her stomach twisted at the knowledge that they wouldn't believe her. Not with Lilian crying like she was given a death threat and denying everything.
Judas' eyes found her, and for a moment, their eyes met. 'What was that?' Although briefly, Annabelle saw a different emotion in them, before he averted his gaze and looked around the room and on the floor where the pearls were scattered.
At his side was his daughter-in-law barely holding her emotions in check and granddaughter who was a crying mess. On the other side was Annabelle, who besides having all odds against her stood strong and unbending.
"All servants, leave," Judas said coldly after assessing the situation.
They scattered, moving as if that's what they've all been waiting for.
Once the servants were all gone, he stepped further into the room and stood in front of Annabelle. "I will let this slide, but only this time," he said, his gaze once again cast down on the floor. "In exchange for letting this slide, you are no longer welcomed in this household. This is my mercy to you."
Annabelle, who was ready to explain despite knowing it would be pointless, lost all the strength in her body. She couldn't even open her mouth to speak anymore. Maybe it was better to say she didn't want to say anything anymore.
"Grandfather…?" Lilian screamed from behind him. "You can't do that. Where would she go? This is the only place that Anna is familiar with…"
Juads cast her a fleetongglance, his eyes bearing a warning within them.
"Stop, Lilian!" Samantha interrupted. Lilian looked at her with jotted brows and glassy eyes. "Never interrupt your grandfather while he speaks and never oppose him." Samantha added, her tone stern.
"But…" Lilian muttered, blinking her eyes as if trying to gain sympathy.
"Do you accept this punishment, child?" Judas continued as if Samantha's and Lillian's interruptions never happened.
"Do I have a choice?" Annabelle asked. Judas didn't respond and Annabelle smiled. "Before I give you my answer, I have two questions that I would like to ask you, Mr chairman."
Judas was silent, his gaze never leaving her face. He nodded.
"Have you ever considered a member of your family?" Annabelle asked. Just like him, she held his gaze. "Perhaps I should rephrase that," she said when he remained silent. "Have I ever been anything more than just another person to you? A tool thay can be used and discarded anytime."
"What is your next question?" Judas asked. "I will answer after I hear them all."
On the side, Samantha frowned. She had a lot to say but as she had told Lilian, she didn't dare interrupt. Lilian felt like all her efforts were starting to pay off but still couldn't help the bitter taste in her tongue that came after being told not to talk.
"Very well," Annabelle nodded. "Do you believe I did this?" She asked and Judas furrowed. "Do you truly believe I would do this to Grandmother's possession? To the only thing she entrusted me with?" She asked.
"Do not try to pull off sentiments now, Annabelle," unable to keep silent anymore, Samantha uttered through gritted teeth. Judas cast her a glare and she nearly shrunk but continued nonetheless. "You said nothing earlier and now that father is here you want to lie?"
"Samantha, leave this room," Judas ordered and the woman flinched. She didn't know what the man was thinking and wasn't able to read him since he stepped into the room. "Take that child with you." He added.
Samantha paused, brows frurrowing even deeper. Her gaze shifting between Judas and Annabelle. When she ordered to call the patriarch, she expected him to explode or at least show a little anger and resentment towards Annabelle but it seems it was the other way around. Why else would he order them to leave while Annabelle remains. He was yet to answer her question as well. Or perhaps he did not want them to hear his answer?
Glancing once more at Annabelle with growing resentment, she grabbed Lillian's hand, "Let's go. Your grandfather will handle the rest."
Lilian looked at Annabelle with a pitiful expression, but eventually nodded her head and followed Samantha out of the room.
"I have a proposition for you," Judas started almost immediately the moment the door was shut. "If ypu accept my terms, I will adopt you as my daughter and your name will once again be among the Marudas. All that you have worked for, all ypur achievements will still be yours. All except the position of the family's heir."
"What?!" Annabelle couldn't believe her ears. Just what was those old man going on about?
"Become my adopted daughter instead and of a deposed granddaughter," he said as if to emphasize a point.
"I am to move from being the fake heiress who was ousted by the true heiress to an adopted child who never stood a chance but worked harder than anyone to prove that she could do what any borne Marudas can," Annabelle mused, an amused smile on her lips but Judas' expression remained unchanged. "What's your proposition, Mr Chairman?"
"I have chosen a groom for you. Marry him and this will become official," replied Judas. "Lilian's succession will announced in six days. During that time, I will introduce my adopted daughter and her finace to the world as well."
Annabelle was stunned, but surprisingly, her expression remained controlled. "And if I decline?"
Judas closed his eyes, breathed deep and thoughtful. Then he answered without hesitation. "You will leave everything behind and be exiled from the household. All that your possessed as Annabelle Marudas must be returned to the Marudas."