Chapter 985:
Paola begged Rylie. “Rylie, I know I’ve wronged you before. I plotted against you, even tried to have you killed more than once. But I didn’t have a choice. My mother kept telling me I had to be the best, that I had to marry into the upper class. I just… obeyed her. I shouldn’t have chased after such delusions—I’m just an ordinary woman. Please, Rylie, I’m begging you, help me.”
Her composure broke completely, her voice rising into a choked sob. “I can’t stand my husband anymore! He’s old, disgusting. Every time he touches me, it feels like something vile crawling across my skin. I can’t take it! It makes me feel gross!”
That so-called marriage had never been one of love; it was a deal forced upon her by her parents, who traded her youth for influence and status. Now she was the object of mockery, her once-glamorous name reduced to scandal and scorn. Everything she’d fought for—her pride, her wealth, her reputation—had turned to ash.
Laurel, however, could no longer contain her fury. She stormed forward, grabbed a fistful of Paola’s hair, and yanked her upright. “You can beg anyone, but not her!” she hissed. “I decide what becomes of you! Come home this instant. Stop disgracing me like this!”
The scene dissolved into turmoil as the family left in disarray, their shouting echoing down the hall.
“Paola had so much potential once, yet she’s fallen deeper with every misstep,” Kendrick said with a weary sigh.
Brad’s reply came in a low, steady voice. “Someone who’s caused that much harm doesn’t deserve compassion.”
Kendrick inclined his head in agreement. To him, forgiveness was out of the question. After all, Paola was merely a branch member of the family, not even true kin, and she had tormented his granddaughter without remorse.
Marcus broke the heavy silence with a calm, reassuring tone. “Enough about them. Let’s not let outsiders ruin our Christmas spirit.”
At that, Kendrick waved dismissively, as though brushing away the final remnants of their presence. His expression softened into a genial smile. “You’re right. The bad luck left with them. Let’s enjoy our evening properly.”
𝘖𝘳ga𝘯𝘪𝗓𝘦 𝗒𝘰𝗎𝗿 𝗹i𝘣𝗿a𝗿𝘺 oո 𝗀𝗮l𝘯о𝘷𝘦l𝘴.соm
Moments later, a military convoy arrived to escort Lucilla home, its headlights cutting through the night. Brad stepped forward to greet her, his posture straight and measured.
One of the soldiers, having finished his formal report, broke into a wide grin. “Rumor has it you’re finally bringing your girlfriend to this year’s celebration. Everyone’s eager to see you again, Admiral Morgan!”
Brad’s lips curved faintly, his tone composed. “My post hasn’t been restored yet.”
The soldier laughed, pressing two tickets into Brad’s palm. “That’s only a matter of time, sir. We’re the ones hosting this year’s party. It’s going to be lively, maybe even a bit rowdy. You have to be there!”
He gave a quick salute, then hopped into the vehicle and sped off into the night. Inside the car, his pulse still raced as he turned to the teammate beside him, voice trembling with excitement. “Did you see that? Did you see him up close?”
His partner chuckled. “What, your hero?”
“He seems so approachable now! His presence feels so calm and kind. If I hadn’t sensed that, I never would’ve dared to get close!” the soldier exclaimed, excitement lighting up his face. “See? Even the toughest man can be softened by love!”
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