A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 308

Silence settled over the room. Stephen and the others recalled the past. They had mistreated the timid girl all these years.

Ana kept her head down anxiously. Are they realizing now how much they ill-treated Demi? Will they try to make it up to her?

Would the scales slowly tip in Demi's favor? Would Ana have to walk on eggshells around them—around even Demi—so that they wouldn't hate her?

Tears welled up in Thomas' eyes as he spoke. "We thought Demi hated us for leaving her in that car. But now I see it was everything—every single day we failed her. The fire was just the final betrayal."

The Pitt family stood frozen.

Harold comforted Thomas, "Don't worry. Blood is the strongest bond in this world. Demi might be angry with us now but if we admit our mistakes and treat her as family, she'll forgive us. She saved you twice. That has to mean she still cares about us."

Ana clenched her fists. Her worries were finally coming true. They'd treat Demi like family, and she'd be pushed aside.

Her greatest fear since learning she wasn't a true Pitt was resurfacing. The family's past affection had lulled her into security, and she let herself believe she was safe. However, Ana realized she let her guard down too soon.

Thomas smiled and said, "From now on, I'll treat them equally. Whatever Ana has, Demi will have too."

Ana's head snapped up, her gaze flashing with a mix of panic, resentment, and hurt—before she quickly looked away.

Michelle, sensing her distress, said gently, "Don't worry, Ana. No matter what, you'll always be my daughter. You're part of our family."

Ana finally lifted her head, her eyes brimming with tears of grievance and unease. She then nodded with feigned understanding.

Michelle's heart instantly ached at the sight. She quickly stepped forward and pulled Ana into a tight embrace, murmuring soft words of comfort.

…

When Demi returned to the campsite, Nigel and the others immediately asked about Thomas' condition.

"He'll be fine," Demi replied.

"That's a relief."

Everyone sighed in unison. They had deliberately waited without eating breakfast until Herne's group arrived.

Soon after, Herne and the others joined them. By the time they finished their lively breakfast together, it was nearly 10 o'clock.