Chapter 31 The Price of Silence
+8 Pearls
“Brother?” Adeline curled her lips into a bitter smile. “Three years ago, you used that title to send me to prison. And now you want to use it to shut me up again?”
Her words landed like a hammer to Gavin’s chest. The anger on his face froze in place–but only for a second. Then, it was replaced by something even uglier. He stepped forward and grabbed Adeline’s shoulders hard, grinding out, “You brought that on yourself? If it hadn’t been for you-
“If it hadn’t been for me what?” she cut him off sharply, her gaze cold and sharp. “If it hadn’t been for me taking the fall for Michelle? Or if it hadn’t been for me stupidly believing your so–called family wouldn’t throw me to the wolves?”
The crowd began to gather, whispering, pointing, some raising their phones to record. It was a scene Adeline had seen before -one that had destroyed her life three years ago.
“That’s enough!” Gavin suddenly raised his voice, realizing just how far he’d lost control. He let go of her and turned to the crowd, shouting. This is a private matter. Layton family business. I’m asking all of you to stay out of it.”
But the more he tried to regain control, the more obvious it became that he’d already lost it..
That’s the Laytons‘ daughter? I heard she’s not even the real one.”
“Yeah, didn’t the whole city blow up about that? And now she’s back trying to claim the inheritance?”
“God, these rich family scandals never end…
Their words stabbed into Adeline’s ears, but she didn’t flinch.
She turned her head slightly, eyes sweeping over the crowd, her tone cold and detached. “Since everyone’s so interested, why don’t I tell you why I was kicked out of the Layton family!”
All eyes locked on her.
Even Gavin’s.
His face went pale. He spun toward her, panicked. “Don’t you dare.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Adeline gave a soft laugh, lifting her chin. Her eyes were dark and unrelenting. Three years ago, I was framed for stealing company secrets. My own parents threw me out. My so–called siblings worked together to send me to prison. I came back for one reason to settle the score.”
Her voice cracked like thunder.
The crowd froze.
“So that’s what really happened… No wonder she hates them so much.”
“And they managed to cover that up?”
The murmurs surged. Gavin stepped forward again, completely losing it. He shoved her. “Shut up! You think saying this crap. will clear your name?*
She staggered back, caught off guard, but quickly regained her footing. Before Gavin could come at her again, a slim figure stepped between them.
That’s enough!” Eden glared at him, her voice shaking with fury. “Mr. Gavin, you need to back off. Ms. Adeline is no longer the girl you could bully around.”
Instead of calming him, her words only pushed him further. Gavin lashed out and shoved Eden hard. She hit the floor, crashing into a chair on the way down. She clutched her arm in pain but still looked up at Adeline, her voice steady.
11:19 AM
Chapter 31 The Price of Silence
“Did he just shove a woman? Is he serious?”
“And this guy’s a socialite? What a joke.”
+8 Pearls
For the first time, Gavin realized just how far he’d gone. He stood frozen, sweat starting to gather at his brow. But then he forced the fear down, straightened, and glared at Adeline. again.
“You really think this little show is going to ruin the Laytons? I promise you, you’ll pay for this.”
Before Adeline could respond, a low voice came from the back of the room.
“That’s enough. The crowd turned.
A tall man stepped into the hall. He wore a tailored suit, his face striking and cold, carrying an air of danger that sent a chill through the room.
Justin had arrived. The moment he appeared, the entire hall went quiet. Even the people filming slowly lowered their phones. No one dared speak. The weight of his presence was enough to command silence.