Tessa remained silent at the side, her eyes fixed on Julian’s every move.Something didn’t sit right with her—he was being far too quiet today.Wasn’t he supposed to be mentally impaired?Why wasn’t he spouting nonsense or acting erratically? He almost seemed normal.And was he eavesdropping on their conversation?Tessa’s eyes flickered with suspicion. She leaned closer and quietly shared her observation with Grace.Hearing this, Grace also turned to look at Julian.Sure enough, she too began to sense something was off.Julian was unusually calm, almost as if he fully understood what they were talking about.Albert’s gaze, meanwhile, never left the stack of contracts on the table.He knew exactly what signing those papers would mean for the company.The outcome was clear—either bankruptcy or a slow death.In any case, it would never be the same again.“I… I failed to raise my son properly. I apologize,” Albert said, sweat beading across his forehead.His fists were clenched tightly at
Tessa held her throat, looking as if she couldn’t bring herself to speak.It lined up perfectly with what Grace had just said—the mother and daughter were in complete sync.Grace followed up seamlessly, “My daughter, who used to be so lively, now won’t even speak. All of this… is because of your son.”And just like that, all the blame shifted squarely onto Julian.Everyone turned to look at the fool behind them.Julian gave them a dopey grin, vacant and clueless.Carol, who had been helped up by the butler, looked at her son and felt nothing but deep resentment.Why was this old woman in front of her so lucky?Her children were not only successful but also deeply filial.That was something everyone in the industry already knew.But now, no matter what she said, it was too late.Their children were already grown.Grace looked at Julian, clearly unable to even speak properly now, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.He had once been such a promising young man, and now he had become like
Albert wiped at his temple, though there wasn’t a drop of sweat there, and didn’t know what to say.Grace continued for him, “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?“How about this—if you won’t speak, I’ll help you out.“When we were throwing harsh words at your wife just now, you were upstairs like a coward, hiding and watching.”She glanced past him at Julian, whose eyes darted around like a child’s. She added, “Oh right, and you were protecting your little fool of a son. Such noble fatherly love. Honestly, I’d almost say you’re a great dad.”At first, it almost sounded like praise.But then Grace’s tone sharpened suddenly, her voice cutting through the air. “But you’re definitely not a good husband.”She pointed at Carol, whose face was expressionless on the floor. “Is this how you treat your wife?”Albert’s face flushed red and pale all at once under her barrage.He was, after all, a well-known figure in Ravenshore. And now he was being publicly scolded like this?If word got out, whe
It was precisely because he knew this so well that Julian understood—unless it was absolutely necessary, Albert would never show his face.Seeing Julian staying silent, Albert’s temper flared again.Just as he was about to lash out once more, a loud commotion erupted downstairs.Among the noise were sharp cries from a woman."Ah! Stop it! All of you, stop it right now!"This is outrageous! Lawless! In broad daylight, not only are you trespassing, now you’re even smashing our things?"Carol’s screams did nothing to stop Grace.In fact, Grace seemed to enjoy the look of panic on her face."What’s wrong? Still worried about your dear husband and son at a time like this?"Grace raised her chin slightly, deliberately pausing between each word. "Look at this. Even as I tear apart your home, those two—father and son—are hiding behind you."And they send a woman out to face all of this. What’s left for you to protect?"Carol collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. Hearing those words only made her
Grace let out a cold snort and sat down on the sofa with bold defiance. “My patience is limited. You’d better go get him out here now.“As for trespassing, you’re welcome to call the police. I’ll gladly deal with them.”Grace had never been afraid of confrontation, but she didn’t seek it either.But now that these people had pushed her to the edge, how could she possibly stay quiet?She had only two precious daughters, and both had been hurt by their son.Did they really think they could just play dumb and walk away unscathed?Their son might be out of his mind, but they still had a father and a mother.And behind them, a family and a corporation.None of this was make-believe.They were all adults, and sooner or later, they’d have to pay for their actions.Sitting here doing nothing and refusing to acknowledge the truth wouldn’t lead anywhere good.Carol stood frozen, trembling where she was, unsure of what to do in the face of Grace’s dominance.She was nothing more than a pampered s
They were headed to the Hayes residence, and it was certain they'd be facing a war of words with those two.Albert and Carol were no easy opponents.Seeing the bodyguards Grace had brought along, Tessa finally understood her intention.As expected, age brought wisdom.When they arrived at the Hayes residence, Grace watched as Tessa got out of the car.The bodyguards quickly positioned themselves around the mother and daughter, their presence imposing and aggressive, clearly not here for a friendly visit.Tessa was pleased. Only with such force could she successfully call off the engagement.And she didn’t have to worry about the Hayes family going back on their word.Their purpose today was loud and clear.If anything more was said, it would be a complete falling out.Tessa held onto Grace’s arm as they walked ahead together.The line of bodyguards followed behind in unison, marching straight into the house.The Hayes family’s butler was frightened at the sight.He went straight to the