Vanessa stared in disbelief, her eyes wide open, unwilling to believe that these words were coming from an elder. How could she casually slander someone else?

At this moment, Mrs. Radcliffe seemed to be in a state of desperation, continuing, “Vanessa, how could you refuse to help us at such a critical moment, especially after all the good Daxton has done for you?”

The words from Mrs. Radcliffe, coupled with Mr. Radcliffe's disappointed gaze, pierced Vanessa’s heart like sharp ...