Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1236

Lillian looked at Sabrina with deep amusement. "You actually dared to show up? It seems yesterday's beating didn't scare you enough."

Hearing Lillian's words, how could Sabrina not be terrified?

Of course she was scared.

But she also knew that even if Lillian genuinely wanted to beat her to death, the people around her wouldn't let her commit a crime and go to prison. They would intervene.

And since they would intervene, meaning she wouldn't die, what was there to truly fear?

What she feared most was not having enough money, spending the rest of her life destitute and wandering just like she had in her early years.

She feared dying without ever living in a premier mansion like Halfridge Villas.

She feared fading away into obscurity, rotting away without ever enjoying the absolute power and glory of being a top-tier society wife.

She feared that after spending a lifetime scheming to climb into a wealthy family like the Mercers, she would end up with a bankrupt family and be thrown back into poverty.

She absolutely refused to return to those wretched days, living at the mercy of others, constantly maneuvering between men to survive.

Moreover, she wasn't young anymore; even if she wanted to survive that way again, she no longer had the assets for it.

Knowing exactly what she truly feared, Sabrina plastered on a careful, sincere expression.

"Lillian, your father and I came with absolute sincerity to apologize to your mother.

In the past, I was reckless and made many mistakes.

Now I understand that we are family, and we should be tolerant and care for one another.

I recognize the errors of my past.

I am willing to apologize and do whatever you ask.

As long as you and your mother can forgive us, we will still be a family moving forward."

Having committed such atrocities in the past, Sabrina was now willing to completely abandon her shame for the sake of profit, easily uttering such sickeningly hypocritical words.

While she had no problem saying them, Lillian couldn't stand listening.

Alright, let the performance begin."

Martin had mentally prepared himself before coming, but when the moment arrived for him to bow deeply before Eleanor, he felt an insurmountable hurdle in his mind.

Lillian had already told them to start, and Eleanor was sitting directly across from them, waiting.

Yet, Martin's knees completely locked up.

Brandon nudged him, his voice low. "Dad, what's wrong with you? You already did this yesterday. What's the holdup? Are you backing out halfway?"

Naturally, Martin didn't want to back out. He was just terrified that humbling himself today might trigger a repeat of yesterday's violence.

Brandon was growing so anxious that he looked ready to do it for him.

Noticing Martin's hesitation, Lillian's voice turned glacial.

"Mr. Mercer sure places a high premium on his pride. Don't tell me you're backing out already?"

As soon as her words fell, Martin, terrified of being misunderstood, didn't even pause to brace himself. He completely yielded, dropping heavily to the ground and bowing in ultimate humiliation.