The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 56

Six years ago, Clarissa married Elias, becoming the eldest daughter-in-law of the Lehman family.

Five years ago, Annelise met Hackett through Clarissa's introduction.

Four years ago, Annelise married Hackett. That same year, during her honeymoon, she was sterilized by Hackett and Clarissa under the guise of an "appendicitis" surgery.

Three years ago, Elias "heroically sacrificed his life" overseas, leaving no remains.

Two years ago, Clarissa’s son, Manuel, was born.

Present day.

Annelise’s pen dug deeply into the node marking "Five years ago," circling it heavily.

A horrifying, bone-chilling hypothesis slithered out from the darkest corners of her mind like a viper.

If Clarissa and Hackett had been having an affair as early as six years ago...

Why did she marry Elias?

And why, after marrying Elias, did she push her "best friend" into Hackett's arms?

There was only one answer.

Clarissa needed a shield.

She needed a legitimate "second daughter-in-law" to absorb all the pressure and scrutiny from the family, allowing her to hide safely behind the unassailable role of the "eldest sister-in-law." It gave her the perfect cover to maintain her illicit affair with Hackett in the shadows.

And she, Annelise Sargent, was the perfect, handpicked pawn.

She was naive, kind, and valued loyalty.

She came from wealth, the sole heir to the Sargent Group, meaning she could bring massive financial benefits to the Lehmans.

More importantly, Clarissa knew her too well.

Clarissa knew that once Annelise fell in love, she would give everything without reservation.

She also knew that with just a little scheming, she could permanently strip Annelise of her right to be a mother without her ever suspecting a thing.

A wealthy, easily controlled "legitimate wife" who could never bear a rightful heir to fight for the family inheritance.

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