Chapter 40 All That Was Buried
+8 Pearls
“Gavin, how could you speak to your sister like that? She just got home–can’t you show her a little kindness?” Diana stepped between them, her voice full of scolding concern.
“Mom. “Gavin frowned. “But—
“No buts!” Diana waved him off, then turned to Adeline. Her voice softened instantly. “Adeline, don’t take it to heart. He just doesn’t know how to express himself. He cares about you, that’s all.”
Adeline stared at that familiar, disgustingly false face and felt a wave of nausea. This woman had always been the same- pretending to be warm and nurturing while quietly enabling her children to do whatever they pleased.
“Ma’am,” she said with a cold laugh. “I’m flattered, really. But I’d never dare expect any real concern from you. After all, in your eyes, I’ve always been an outsider, haven’t I?”
Diana’s expression tightened for just a second before she forced a smile. “What are you talking about? You’re part of the family.”
“Family?” Adeline raised an eyebrow and looked toward Michelle, who was standing silently nearby. “If that’s true, then why. has someone been trying so hard to destroy me?”
Her words landed like a bomb. The room froze. Servants halted mid–step and turned their eyes toward the group, but no one dared move closer.
“Sis…” Michelle finally spoke, her voice trembling as her eyes welled with tears. “I know I made a lot of mistakes. But I’m still your sister. Can’t you forgive me, just once?”
“Forgive you?” Adeline let out a short laugh, one filled with nothing but scorn. “Forgive someone who sent me to prison? Someone who nearly ruined my life? Sorry–I don’t have that kind of grace.”
The silence thickened. Even Diana, usually so composed, seemed lost for a response.
“That’s enough!” Gavin suddenly snapped. He looked at Adeline, anger and pain in his eyes. “Do you really want to blow this up until it can’t be fixed?”
“No,” Adeline answered, voice calm and cutting. “That’s what you did. Three years ago, when you chose to sacrifice me, you should’ve known this day would come.”
Smack.
The sharp sound echoed through the room. Everyone froze–including Gavin, whose hand had been raised midair until Eden stepped in front of Adeline, blocking the strike.
Eden stood tall, shielding Adeline with her body, her eyes blazing as she stared Gavin down.
“Sir, control yourself.”
The entire room fell into a stunned hush. Even Michelle looked rattled.
Adeline gently patted Eden’s shoulder, then stepped past her to the center of the room. She looked around at every person in sight, her voice cold, edged with ice.
You don’t need to work this hard to keep me here. I know why you really want me around–it’s just business. A pawn to bargain with.”
The shock was immediate. The servants looked down. Diana and Gavin were left speechless.
“So please,” Adeline continued, “keep up the show. You’ve all gotten so good at pretending”
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11:20 AM ·
Chapter 40 All That Was Buried
+8 Pearls
room.
Adeline barely blinked. She glanced at the shards, then back at him with utter indifference.
“Mr. Gavin, if you think throwing things proves you’re in control, I suggest you save your energy.”
“You-“Gavin’s voice caught in his throat. His chest heaved. He took a step forward, but a slender hand landed on his shoulder.
“Gavin. That’s enough.”
Diana’s smile was still there, gentle as ever–but her eyes were cold as frost.
“Mom, she–Gavin turned toward her, his voice shaking with rage.
“I said that’s enough!” Diana’s voice cracked like a whip. Her graceful face hardened, authority pouring off her in waves. “Look at yourself. The future heir of the Layton family, throwing tantrums in the living room like a child. If word gets out. what will people think?”
Gavin clenched his teeth and said nothing, but his fists curled tighter than ever.
