Chapter 63

Chapter 63:

Nina’s eyes narrowed. She turned on her heel and strode up to Bart.

Bart’s anxiety spiked at her approach, and he bristled at her icy gaze.

Before he could defend himself, Nina raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. “How dare you lay a hand on my son?”

Both Bart and Alcott were stunned into silence. Even the servants who had been milling around nearby were left dumbfounded.

“Nina, what are you doing?” Alcott cried out as he jolted back to his senses. “How can you believe them so easily? You’re buying into a one-sided story!”

Nina turned and glared at him. “But wasn’t Bart’s claim a one-sided story as well?”

“Aiden and Janice said it themselves—Bart did nothing. Aiden fell on his own!” Alcott said through gritted teeth, looking over at Bart with a pained expression. Unfortunately, this reaction only fueled the flames of Nina’s fury.

“Alcott, don’t you know your own son’s character?” Nina’s eyes grew red in the corners, but she refused to let a single tear fall. “Aiden has always been steadfast and headstrong. He never bows to anyone. When he said he fell, he meant that Bart actually assaulted him. You are Aiden’s father, but not only do you not care about him, you actually choose to believe the lies of your illegitimate son. Aren’t you afraid of damaging your relationship with Aiden for good?”

“What are you saying, Nina?” Alcott asked, looking flustered despite himself. “Aiden is my son. Of course I care about him. But…”

“But? You actually dare to say ‘but’? When Aiden had an accident and was declared permanently disabled, what did you do?” Nina raised her hand and pointed a finger at Bart angrily. “You brought your bastard son into our home!”

She had to pause and take a deep breath to steady herself. “I knew of your intentions, I always did! But out of respect for our marriage, I told myself I could endure it as long as you behaved yourself. But a line was crossed today. My son was wronged, and I cannot let it slide!”

The sheer intensity of Nina’s unanticipated outburst took everyone in the room by surprise.

With a sly smile, Janice murmured into Aiden’s ear, “Did you ever imagine your mom could be so fierce? Are you touched?” Aiden remained silent, his gaze locked on Nina. Her delicate, slightly stooped figure strangely brought him a sense of tranquility. This rare display of fiery temper from Nina, all to defend him, was a poignant sight he hadn’t seen before.

“Let’s try to relax,” Janice suggested, stepping in with a soothing touch on Nina’s shoulder, her voice a comforting whisper. “Aiden’s confided in me quite a lot.”

She paused to send a playful wink in Aiden’s direction, sparking a mix of confusion and curiosity in him about her intentions.

“He often feels inadequate, like he might never be able to contribute to the Green family. His deepest hope is simply for the family to live in harmony and thrive.” Janice spoke with such heartfelt emotion that tears streamed down Nina’s face. “Despite his struggles, he keeps them hidden, bearing them alone. He believes that if he can just witness the joy and contentment of his parents, his own hardships are worthwhile.”

“Aiden, my dear, the burdens you’ve borne are immense,” Nina responded, her voice laced with sorrow, her features quickly turning to resolve. “From this moment forward, I will not stand by and watch. If anyone dares to upset my son, they will answer to me.”

Assertive and commanding, she stood her ground. Janice couldn’t help but admire her. Indeed, who could resist loving such a fiercely protective mother?

“Nina, this is just beyond unreasonable!” Alcott protested, feeling that if this continued, he would become a laughingstock.

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