Chapter 28

Chapter 28:

“She is my wife. As her husband, it’s my responsibility to protect her,” Aiden responded, his tone casual yet firm.

“It’s alright, Aiden,” Janice interjected, her voice a soft whisper in his ear. “This could prove to be a perfect chance for you to recognize my value.”

Aiden’s brow furrowed as he turned to look at Janice, his eyes searching hers for any sign of apprehension. Yet, she seemed serene, her demeanor undisturbed by the situation.

“Aiden, don’t worry. I won’t let your father intimidate Janice,” Nina chimed in, her declaration affirming her acceptance of Janice as part of the family. Without another word, Aiden maneuvered his wheelchair towards the garden, his face set in a stoic expression. Bart hastened to keep up with him.

With a subtle gesture, Alcott dismissed the household staff lingering nearby. The room soon emptied, leaving only him, Janice, and Nina in the tense atmosphere of the living room.

“Janice, surely you understand the importance our kind places on social standing,” Alcott began, his tone patronizing as he attempted to unsettle Janice. “Once, you were the heiress of the Edwards family, engaged and deemed a worthy match for Aiden. Now, estranged from your family and stripped of your title, do you truly believe you still deserve him?”

Nina observed in silence, her gaze fixed intently on Janice. While she had come to accept Janice as her daughter-in-law, Nina was eager to understand what attributes Janice possessed that had so thoroughly enchanted Aiden.

Janice maintained her composure, her voice steady and clear as she addressed Alcott. “I’m quite familiar with the formidable reputation of the Green family. As the head of the leading family in Efrery, your influence and valor are unrivaled. But I must ask — does a family of such stature still require alliances with others?”

Alcott’s face clouded over at her question. “What exactly are you implying?”

“I’m questioning whether the future heir to the Green family even has the freedom to choose his own partner. If not, then perhaps the claim of being the leading family is more fragile than it seems.”

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs﹒𝚌o𝗺 is where stories live

Her words visibly shocked Alcott, leaving him momentarily speechless. Nina, however, couldn’t help but display a flicker of admiration in her eyes. This cast-aside daughter of the Edwards family was proving to be quite fascinating.

“The strong should ally with the strong, a principle as old as time itself,” Alcott’s demeanor was stern, unforgiving. “What makes you think you are worthy to stand among the strong?”

“Mr. Green, I once held you in high regard, believing only a man of strategic genius and vision could raise the Green family to its eminent position,” Janice sighed. “However, seeing you today, I’m deeply disappointed. What principle are you speaking of? Is it not merely a convention crafted by the strong of old times? Those who cling to such outdated principles cannot truly be considered strong.”

“You…” Alcott stammered, jabbing a finger at Janice, his words faltering in disbelief.

He had grossly underestimated her; Janice’s sharp retorts cut deeper than he had ever anticipated. Her composed facade and articulate responses belied her reputation as the family’s underdog.

“Alright,” Nina intervened, her voice a soothing balm over the flaring tempers. “I now see what Aiden sees in you, Janice. I accept you as my daughter-in-law.”

“Thank you,” Janice replied, offering Nina a warm, grateful smile.

“Nina, how can you so readily accept her? This is about our family’s honor,” Alcott protested, his frustration evident as he raked his fingers through his hair.

Nina fixed him with a stern glance. “Our family’s honor is shaped by our deeds. Should anyone challenge it, they’ll face our full might.”

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