His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 311: The Foster Mother's Plea

"Ever since you took off, that ungrateful girl Selena completely washed her hands of me. She threw me out of the estate, stopped treating me like a mother, and went on social media to tell her fans I sold her off. She played the victim just to get attention, and now I'm getting dragged online by her followers.

"And that wicked Celeste—ever since she married your brother, she's shown her true colors. She tosses me a pitiful allowance each month, refuses to let me live in their new house, and won't lift a finger to help me. I'm old, a lonely old woman with nowhere to go. Iris... you were always the one who treated me best... you wouldn't just turn your back on me, would you?"

Iris responded with a calm detachment. "Have you forgotten? You aren't my birth mother."

Grace struggled to suppress her fury. "I raised you. You owe me for that."

"You'd better enjoy whatever freedom you have left before I dig up the proof that you stole that baby."

"Is that how you repay kindness? You're an ungrateful brat. I never should have shown you mercy back then, and I never should have swapped you with those parents who only cared about having a son. I should've just stood by and watched your real parents drown you in a bucket."

"Do you really think I'm stupid? We both know exactly what happened—whether it was stealing or swapping. It's only a matter of time before you land in prison," Iris said coldly, turning to walk away.

But the moment she turned, she found Julian standing behind her. His expression was icy, his gaze dark and unreadable.

He must have heard everything, hadn't he?

Iris was at a loss for words.

She hadn't chosen to tell him the truth three years ago, but frankly, it made no difference now whether he knew.

She sidestepped Julian and slid back into the car.

Grace tried to chase after her, but she froze the moment she spotted Julian. "Julian, don't listen to a word Iris says. I'm her foster mother; I did so much for her, I..."

Before she could finish, Julian gave a subtle signal to his bodyguards.

They immediately stepped forward, seized Grace, and hauled her toward the bushes. No matter how much she screamed or struggled, it was futile. They simply dumped her by the side of the road like trash.

Julian got back into the car without saying a single word. He started the engine and drove off, his detail following close behind.

It was a four-hour drive from the city back to the countryside. By the time they arrived, it was already noon.

The cars cruised slowly along the main rural road. Harper was fascinated by the green fields stretching out on both sides and the rolling hills in the distance.

Iris began to explain their surroundings.

"Harper, this is your great-grandfather's hometown. Your great-grandfather and great-grandmother were both brilliant university professors. Even though they came from this remote little village, they changed their lives through education and raised entrepreneurs like your grandfather and your father."

"Who was my great-grandfather?"

"He's gone now, Harper. But you'll get to meet your great-grandmother very soon."

"Okay." Harper beamed, her eyes filled with anticipation.

In contrast, Iris felt an increasing sense of dread.

Back when she was still married to Julian, every visit to this place was a nightmare. His relatives never welcomed her, and she never felt like she belonged. Julian had been cold and indifferent, leaving her to endure the gossip and judgment of the neighbors.

The last thing she wanted was to return to the countryside with him again—especially not as his ex-wife.

The village was picturesque, dotted with charming white clapboard houses. Under the massive oak tree at the entrance, a group of local women was gathered.

As the luxury convoy passed by, their eyes sharpened with interest, and whispers immediately began to circulate.

The cars pulled into the driveway of a rustic country manor.

Julian cut the engine, unbuckled his seatbelt, and turned to Iris and Harper. "We're here."

Hearing the cars approach, the family hurried out of the house.

Iris stepped out of the vehicle, holding Harper in her arms.

When she recognized the faces waiting at the door, a wave of anxiety washed over her. She stood there, stiff and awkward.

Beatrice stood in the center, beaming. Her eyes were bright with hope, and her hands trembled with excitement.

Supporting the grandmother were her eldest son, Frederick, and her second son, Martin.

Behind them stood Vivian, Gloria, Jenny, and Jenny's husband, Luke.

Caleb also sauntered out of the house.

"Well, well... look who's back. My brother returns, and he's brought his ex-wife too. Who's this pretty little girl?" Caleb swaggered toward Iris. "Don't tell me she's yours?"

Iris nervously stepped back.

Julian reached her side first. With a single cold glance, he stopped Caleb in his tracks. Caleb quickly swapped his smirk for a fawning grin. "Julian, haven't had lunch yet, right? You came just in time. We were about to eat."

"Julian, Iris..." Beatrice cried out emotionally, shuffling toward them. "This is wonderful. The whole family is finally back together..."

Beatrice shoved Caleb aside, then bypassed Julian to reach Iris. Her wise, watery eyes brimmed with tears.

"Grandma," Iris greeted her politely. Then she turned to Harper. "Harper, this is your great-grandmother."

Harper's voice rang out sweet and soft. "Hello, Great-grandmother."

Beatrice's trembling hand reached out to stroke Harper's cheek, tears glistening in her eyes. "I finally get to see my precious great-granddaughter. Oh my God, for three years I've thought about you two day and night... I really hate my oldest grandson... Why did he let you leave with the baby? And why did he go three whole years without coming to find either of you..."