Chapter 61
Chapter 61:
Aiden shook his head with a wry smile, too tired to warn this unpredictable woman. “The Edwards family’s future depends on this bid—it’s a turning point for them. You’re raising this now just to leverage me to disrupt them, aren’t you?”
“Sharp as ever!” Janice remarked, her eyes sparkling with witty amusement. “You help me just now, so consider this a repayment. Fair’s fair.” Janice swept her hair back with a graceful gesture. “Conversing with the astute is always a relief.”
Suddenly, Alcott’s thunderous voice boomed from outside. “Aiden! Get out here!”
Janice and Aiden shared a knowing look, their silent exchange speaking volumes. With Alcott and Nina’s arrival, Bart was bound to stir up chaos again.
“Nina, if we let this go on, Bart will be tormented mercilessly.” Alcott’s face twisted with frustration as he looked at Nina. “Today, Aiden must face consequences.”
Nina remained silent, merely accepting a cup of coffee from a servant. She took a thoughtful sip, her gaze settling on Bart, who sat sullen, the weight of injustice heavy upon him. “Let’s wait for Aiden and Janice to emerge and hear their side of the story.”
“Would their words change anything?” Alcott sighed with frustration. “Those two are just throwing their weight around. Despite Bart’s status as an illegitimate son, it doesn’t give them the right to mistreat him.”
He rubbed his face, a wave of regret washing over him. “In the end, it’s all on me. If I hadn’t messed up back then, he wouldn’t have to endure this humiliation.”
Nina set her cup down with a mocking sneer. “So, you’re finally ready to own up to your mistake? Fine, I’ll grant your wish. Just say the word, and I’m out of here. You two can play the loving father and son.”
“Nina, what are you talking about?” Alcott hastily donned a placating grin, aware he had struck a sore spot. “Look, even though I messed up, it wasn’t on purpose. You’re the only one for me.”
“Whether it was intentional or not, only you know the truth.” Nina shook her head, clearly done with the conversation. “Anyway, let’s wait for Aiden and Janice to clear the air. I’ll decide then if Aiden needs to be disciplined.”
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Hidden slightly behind the door, Janice caught glimpses of the tension in the living room.
Spotting Bart’s battered face, Janice involuntarily clicked her tongue in astonishment.
“Aiden, your brother sure doesn’t hold back.”
“I don’t have a brother.”
Ignoring Aiden’s scowl, Janice pressed on. “He’s gone and battered himself like that?”
“He’s always been like that.” Aiden scoffed dismissively, absentmindedly caressing the bracelet on his wrist. “Ever since he came back, he’s used his victim act to sow discord between me and my parents.”
Janice let out a sharp, irritated sigh. “Bart has absolutely no sense of shame, does he?”
“If we step out now, we’re practically begging to get torn apart. Got any bright ideas?” Aiden asked with a grim smirk.
Janice’s eyes narrowed, and a mischievous grin played on her lips. “Ever heard the old saying?”
“What?”
“Beat the schemer at his own game,” she declared with a wink. Aiden, caught off guard, was speechless for a moment.
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