Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1196

Even Lillian was caught off guard. Her mother had practically taken Brandon’s head off with that slap. It was a crisp, resonant strike, delivered with absolute, unrestrained force.

Brandon was completely paralyzed with shock, and the rest of the garden descended into stunned silence. Lillian herself hadn't anticipated this—it was a glorious, unexpected bonus.

As everyone stood frozen, Eleanor casually lifted her stinging palm and blew on it. She then extended her hand toward Lillian, pouting. "Blow on it. It hurts..."

Lillian snapped out of her daze. "Oh... Mom, did you hurt your hand?"

"Blow on it, please," Eleanor whined softly, acting exactly like a child seeking comfort.

Lillian immediately took her hand, blowing gently on her palm. "There, there. All better now."

Brandon slowly stood up, clutching his rapidly reddening cheek, staring blankly at Lillian. "Lillian... what..."

Lillian glanced at him, feigning innocence. "Well... Mom doesn't usually hit people. This was clearly an accident. Just... an accident. Don't take it personally."

Martin watched the scene unfold in absolute terror. It had been years since he had been this close to Eleanor.

After he had accidentally caused her traumatic brain injury, the elder Mrs. Mercer had taken complete control of Eleanor's care. Though his mother demanded he spend time with his injured wife, Martin couldn't stomach the guilt. Seeing Eleanor wake up completely detached from reality had broken something in him. For months, he suffered from horrific nightmares of Eleanor standing over him, her face covered in blood.

When the best doctors money could buy failed to cure her, the Lancaster family had furiously demanded justice. The elder Mrs. Mercer had personally sworn to care for Eleanor until her dying breath, promising that if she passed away before Eleanor was cured, she would force Martin to stay married to her and care for her forever. Her unwavering dedication eventually appeased the Lancasters. She even promised that if Martin were to pass away before Eleanor, their three children would be there to care for her.