Chapter 25 Would You Blame Me

"You're grounded for a month. Stay in your room and think about the mess you've made," Vernon commanded. While his voice wasn't loud, its authority left no room for argument. Serena tried to speak up, but Austin caught her arm before she could take another step. All she could do was watch as the butler led Erin away. Once that was done, Vernon finally turned to Lila. He walked up to her, his wrinkled hand shaking slightly as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Come home with me, Lila," he said softly. "It was my fault all these years. I let you suffer." Lila's throat tightened, and her eyes burned. She nodded, letting him take her hand, and they walked quietly out of the hospital ward. Neither of them looked back at the Harts. … Back at the Hart family residence, Vernon guided Lila to sit beside him on the couch. He then personally poured her a cup of coffee. "You've been through enough," he said. Lila shook her head. She wrapped her hands around the warm cup but said