Chapter 800

Adrian uncrossed his legs, preparing to stand and leave.

Gianna reacted by lunging forward and grabbing his leg, looking up with wide, terrified eyes. "Dad, are we really just going away until things blow over? You won't disown me, will you? You'll bring me back, right?"

Her eyes were full of a daughter's desperate attachment and frantic insecurity.

Adrian eventually softened, leaning down to pat her head.

"Of course. You'll always be my daughter. Once people have moved on from this, I'll bring you both home."

By then, he hoped Pepper and Gianna would have reflected on their actions and learned their place.

Hearing this, Gianna realized that avoiding the trip entirely was impossible.

She stood up, wiping her tears. "Dad, you haven't forgotten, have you? This weekend is Grandma's eightieth birthday. I've been preparing her gift for a whole year. Can Mom and I at least stay until after the party?"

Adrian frowned.

Gianna's public apology had already brought enough shame to the Malone family.

His mother's eightieth birthday was going to be a massive affair. If Gianna and Pepper showed up, they'd be nothing but a walking joke, practically inviting people to gossip.

Pepper saw the hesitation on Adrian's face and knew exactly what he was thinking. He was embarrassed by them. This man is truly selfish and cold-blooded.

She and her daughter had been by his side for years, with Gianna acting as his perfect little girl, providing him with so much emotional support. And she herself had been nothing but gentle and submissive.

Yet now, over one mistake that hadn't even affected Steven, Adrian was treating them like social pariahs. He probably wanted to punish them severely just to prove his loyalty to his ex-wife, Wendy.

If he was going to be difficult, she wouldn't let him have his way so easily.

Pepper stepped forward, biting her lip with a look of pitiable shame. "Adrian, both Gianna and I owe so much to your mother. Her eightieth is a milestone. We just want to show our respect.

"If it's inconvenient, we don't have to make an official appearance. We can just slip in quietly to give her our blessings in private."

Gianna nodded quickly. "Yes, Dad! We won't show our faces. Besides, if I'm not there, Grandma will miss me. It wouldn't feel right for her."

The old lady had always been decent to Gianna. Seeing how "considerate" and sincere they were being, Adrian sighed and gave in. "Fine. I'll allow it."

"Oh? And what exactly has Mr. Malone agreed to now?"

Before Gianna or Pepper could celebrate, a cold, mocking voice rang out from the foyer.

Steven was back.

Pepper and Gianna exchanged a quick look.

Pepper gave her daughter a meaningful nudge, and Gianna immediately pivoted, rushing toward him with tear-filled eyes. "Steven you're home! Let me get your slippers."

She knelt down with practiced humility, reaching for his shoes to show her goodwill.

Steven looked down at her with a flat, emotionless gaze.

"Don't. I'm afraid anything you hand me might have a hidden blade."

After all, Gianna was a classic backstabber who felt no remorse for her betrayals.

Gianna's face went white, and she froze in place. Her tears splashed onto the slippers, but Steven didn't.

buy the act. He stepped right past

her into the living room without even changing his shoes.

Pepper forced a smile. "Steven, Gianna knows she was wrong. She's been crying the whole way home, saying she must have been

possessed. She feels worst abel net

Wheel

nvolving the big brother who always protected her. She's truly

devastated...

"Steven, you've always been the sensible one. Can't you give your sister a chance to make amends? Just this once?"

Gianna abandoned the slippers and hurried over, blocking Steven's path.

"Steven, I'm sorry! Hit me. If you don't hit me, I won't be able to live with the guilt... just do it!"

She reached out, trying to grab his hand to force it against her own cheek.

Adrian stood to the side, remaining silent.

However, as she pulled Steven's hand toward her face, Steven suddenly stiffened. His arm locked in mid-air, his fingers curling inward with a sharp, forceful tension.