Chapter 20

"Clifford!" Isabelle had been waiting on the couch the moment she heard Clifford was coming home. "Where's Tessa?" she asked anxiously, glancing behind him, but found that he'd come home alone. "She's not coming back, Grandma." The bruises on Clifford's face hadn't healed yet. The moment she saw them, her heart ached. He held something out to her. It was the emerald bracelet that was still held together with gold threads. "She told me to give this back," he said softly. "She didn't take it?" Isabelle froze for a second, then started pounding her fists in frustration. "That damn woman, Tania! She's the one who drove my granddaughter-in-law away!" Clifford stayed silent as she ranted. "She's completely lost it now! Wetting herself and defecating all over the house. I couldn't take it anymore. I had someone send her off to Mr. Grey. I don't want to see her ever again! "If it weren't for her, my sweet Tessa never would've left…" She paused, then leaned in closer, lowering her voice.