Chapter 245: Vanessa Ward and Agnes Ward Returned to the Ward Family Courtyard

Vanessa Ward and Agnes Ward returned to the Ward family courtyard, cursing under their breath the entire way.

The moment they stepped over the threshold, they nearly collided with Caleb Ward, who was slouching through the gate with his head down.

The sight of Vanessa made Caleb's temper flare instantly. "What are you doing back here again? Running home every single day—no wonder Derek Harlan can't stand you! Serves you right that he beats you!"

Vanessa exploded. "Caleb! Are you even my real brother? Instead of helping me after I got beaten, you're just rubbing salt in the wound!"

Agnes bristled. "Caleb! How can you talk like that? Look at what your sister's been through! Tomorrow, you and Calvin are going to confront Derek and make him pay!"

Caleb scoffed. "Mom, don't count on me. Look at the state of this family. I can't even afford a wife, and you want to bring Vanessa back? Who's going to feed her?"

He jabbed a finger at Vanessa. "If you hadn't stolen the family's money and squandered it, I wouldn't still be single! Tessa Wilson's family said if I don't send the betrothal gifts by spring, they'll marry her off to someone else!"

Agnes snatched up a broom and swung at Caleb. "You ungrateful brat! How dare you talk back to me! If it weren't for your grandmother's meddling, would I be in this state?"

Caleb dodged, shouting, "Whose fault is that? You're the one who treated Grandma like dirt! Now she's hoarding all the money from the harvest, and I don't have a penny for my wedding!"

The thought made him seethe. He should've been married right after the autumn harvest, but now everything was ruined—all because of his mother and his troublemaker sister.

"Beat me all you want, I'm not going!" Caleb squared his shoulders. "Derek was her choice! A married daughter is like spilled water—none of my business!"

Vanessa trembled with rage. She'd thought Calvin would stand up for her when he returned, but even her own brother was turning his back on her.

"Caleb!" She suddenly dropped to her knees. "Derek is a monster! He gambles all day and sleeps with that widow. The Harris family only survives on his uncle's charity, and now even he's cut them off!"

She rolled up her sleeves, revealing dark bruises. "I cook and clean for five people, then work the fields all day. Derek beats me for no reason—he even made me lose the baby!"

Tears streamed down her face. "If you won't help me, I'll go back and hang myself! Let the whole village see how The Wards drove their own daughter to her death!"

Caleb paled. If Vanessa really killed herself, his wedding would be called off for sure.

"No, no, don't!" He hurried to pull her up. "I'll go see Derek tomorrow! I'll make sure he answers for this!"

Vanessa wiped her tears, a glint of steel flashing in her eyes. This time, she'd make sure Derek Harlan learned she wasn't someone to be trifled with.