pter 21 Chapter 21 Conner missed his grab and went sprawling to the floor . Afraid that Noelle might run , he then reached up and caught the hem of her dress . While he tugged at the fabric , Noelle shielded her chest , calmly pulled out her phone , and called the cops . By the time the cops arrived , Conner looked defeated . His body slumped , offering no resistance as they led him away . As they reached the threshold , Conner glanced back at Mary beside Noelle . Resentment flashed in his eyes . Mary had no idea what to make of that look . " I know the Spencers have fallen on hard times over these past few years , but no matter how bad things get , you can't sell your daughter for status , " Conner spat . Mary ground her teeth . They had only one precious daughter , and they couldn't spoil her enough . How could anyone think they'd sell her off for status ? If that were their goal , they wouldn't have married her into the Ashford family . They'd have shamelessly tried to latch onto the Cole family instead . Noelle linked her arm through Mary's , frowning as she snapped at Conner , " What nonsense are you talking about ? " Conner lingered at the threshold , a nasty smile curling his lips . " You know exactly what I mean . You're a widow with fertility issues about to remarry . Who'd want you except some aging nouveau riche with a bit of money who needs a pretty trophy ? " Those old geezers can't get a normal woman to give them the time of day . They only want you because you're young . Do I really need to spell it out ? " He paused , then added , " Tell me how much that old man offered the Spencers . I know your family's strapped for cash . Name your price , and I'll pay it . Just don't remarry . " With that , Mary finally drove him out with a broom . Even after the patrol car pulled away , she was still seething , her hand pressed to her chest. " The Ashfords are a family of maniacs , each more outrageous than the last . They'll say anything . " Conner may be gone , but our families were once connected . Why would he say those things just to humiliate us ? " After Patrick's accident , the Spencers had been plunged into a financial crisis and had to seek help from the Ashfords . Chap ter 21 2/2 Despite their efforts to repay the debt in various ways , that single favor became a lifelong burden for the family . With that burden hanging over them , how fairly could they have treated Noelle over all these years ? That thought brought tears to Mary's eyes . She blamed herself and said , " Noelle , this is on us . We never should've gone to the Ashfords . It meant you could never hold your head high in that family . Your mother- in - law has always been dominating … " Noelle's eyes also welled up with tears at the sound of Mary's sobs . She wrapped her arms around her shoulders . " Mom , don't cry . Ever since that plane crash , Caleb hasn't been in his right mind . I think the trauma of surviving knocked something loose in his head . Don't take his words to heart . " Now that Dad's case is being handled , I'm going to remarry and cut all ties with the Ashfords . From here on , our family has a clear path ahead . " Mary took a long moment to collect herself , then drew a deep breath and said , " You're right . Since the Coles have been so attentive to your dad's case , I don't think they'll give you any trouble . Our family's finally on a clear road ! " Tomorrow , I'll take you shopping for your wedding . The Coles haven't asked for anything , but we're not sending you off empty - handed either . " Noelle smiled in relief at seeing Mary's spirits lift . Then , she gently declined her offer . " Mom , it's my second marriage . There's no need to make a big fuss of it . I've saved some money over the years , and I'll bring that with me as my nest egg . " Over the past few years , Patrick's medical bribery case had dragged the Spencers into the mire , and Noelle didn't want her family spending another dime on her . " Absolutely not , " Mary firmly said . " That money is yours . What we buy you is a gift from your parents . " Sweetheart , let us get you a few things . With more valuables in hand , you'll feel much more secure marrying into the Cole family . " Noelle didn't want to dampen Mary's mood , so she gave in and agreed with a smile . Chapter 22 1/2 Chapter 22