No Way Back

Chapter 20 I Don’t Deserve To Be A Fowler

Diane’s voice was soft as she smiled brightly at Anna and tugged her arm lightly.

“Sure…”

Anna replied reluctantly.

Her face was lined with weariness.

“Come up, cheer up. I know you had an argument with your daughter. But it’s for the best, right?

“Your family has never cared for Jane. You already have Maddie. Now, her place in the Fowler family will be

secure.

“This is God’s will. Jane simply isn’t destined to be a part of the Fowler family. Don’t be too hard on yourself. After all, she’s alive. Besides, your family gave her a chance to come back. She was the one who rejected you.”

Diane said patiently.

Diane and Anna had been best friends for decades.

They had known each other in school.

Friendships like that were hard–won, and Diane treasured hers with Anna deeply.

Diane had married into the Croft family. Hugh’s uncle, the legendary Raymond Croft, was the head of the Croft family.

After her marriage, Diane remained close friends with Anna.

She often visited the Fowler family and spent time with Anna.

Diane had watched Madelyn grow up.

She loved Madelyn and was adamant about having Madelyn as her daughter–in–law.

Diane knew everything there was to know about the Fowler family.

She didn’t want a money grabber like Jane, who had come out of nowhere to tear her best friend’s relationship with Madelyn apart and turn the Fowler family upside down.

Diane had persuaded Anna not to recognize Jane as her daughter.

She had been missing for 19 years and had never received the education of an elite. Young women like her

were irredeemable.

She wasn’t worthy of being a member of the prestigious Fowler family.

The Fowler family had been doing fine until Jane appeared out of nowhere. The nobody ruined their lives.

Diane had seen it coming from a mile.

Fortunately, Jane had only spent two weeks with the Fowler family.

That was too little time to do too much damage.

In fact, she ended up doing her family a favor by disowning them.

“Diane, I know you have my interests at heart. But Jane is still the daughter I carried for nine months in my womb. She was taken from me when she was born and spent 19 years away from home. How can I pretend

exist now that I know

we were the ones who wronged Jane without digging deeper. She got upset and

Anna grimaced.

Jane had gone after leaving the

Anna considered sending Jane

been when she realized

have Jane’s

didn’t even have

heart had sunk

texts in

those texts were from Jane, her biological

help but think to

she neglected her

decent mother do that to

matter how much more Anna cared

but Anna

by blood, she was like a stranger

bond Anna shared with Jane could not compare to that she

she didn’t feel guilty

me and just let it go. Tonight, we’re going to have a feast and discuss the marriage

The sooner she was out

to a marriage between Jane and Layne. Maddie had turned down Layne multiple times because of this. Now that we know that Jane is alive, Maddie will never

as their mothers, we have to step in. Jane has disowned the Fowler family. That means that Maddie doesn’t have to worry about her anymore. I

never agree to the marriage

an elite. Diane would never let her marry

froze in her tracks

of utter shock on her

What are you doing

that she must

afford to

she took a second look and realized

“What?”

Diane seemed similarly stunned.

Jane disowned the

get you a table at

to make a reservation two weeks

table at the restaurant!

ordinary person

not spare a single glance

she didn’t know the

eyes are seeing things, you’re

Fowler, please mind your

with each other now. Don’t be too eager to call someone your daughter. I certainly don’t deserve to be a member

could you say that? That’s enough, Jane. Must you hurt me with your words? I’m your mother!” “My

Jane burst into laughter.

What irony.

her eyes was

rather have no mother than

can’t possibly shoulder the weight of your maternal

commotion caught Hugh’s and

woman you’re interested in is arguing with someone. Isn’t the other woman Jack Fowler’s wife? Isn’t that your

across