Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1181

Nothing else mattered to Beatrice right now. With that confirmed, she began plotting the Winthrop family's next moves.

Returning after years abroad had made her realize that re-establishing their foothold in Northwyn wasn't going to be easy.

She had her own share of frustrations.

But she had to push past them to support her grandson while she still had breath in her lungs. Otherwise, they might never secure their place.

The Mercers' situation was even more dire, and panic was quietly setting in.

Lillian was completely out of their control, dictating terms that forced Martin into a corner he had no choice but to accept.

By the time the two families parted ways, it was late.

While the Mercer men were out, Sabrina and Bella were huddled at home, strategizing.

"Mom, I've got the doctor sorted out," Bella said. "Just make an excuse to go for a checkup, and I'll get you a forged medical record.

With a heart condition as your shield, he'll feel too sorry for you to ever force you into a difficult spot again."

Sabrina nodded approvingly. "I can always count on you, Bella. This document is going to be my get-out-of-jail-free card.

But honestly, Martin really does care about me. He wouldn't just stand by and watch me get backed into a corner."

"Don't be too naive, Mom," Bella warned. "There are massive financial interests at stake here.

Martin might defend you for a while, but there's no guarantee he'll protect you forever.

Relying on his feelings isn't a solid insurance policy.

Besides, those three went out tonight, and I bet they were meeting Lillian.

And guess what? Seeing Lillian just made Noah hate her even more!

He's been sneaking calls to me, saying how much he misses me."

Sabrina beamed with delight. "So Noah is rejecting Lillian entirely and only wants you?

That's perfect! It's practically another layer of insurance for us."

Bella smiled smugly. Whether it was solid insurance or not, one thing was absolutely clear: she held a powerful bargaining chip.

Just then, they heard a commotion downstairs. Guessing the Mercer men had returned, the mother and daughter cut their conversation short and headed out.

As they reached the top of the stairs, they heard Martin asking a maid, "Where's Sabrina? Go get her. I need to speak with her."