Chapter 1276

"Dad—!" Esme cupped her burning cheek, staring at Lachlan in utter disbelief. Tears welled in her eyes, a mix of shock and grievance.

"You..." Yvonne immediately rushed forward, clutching her daughter's arm. "Luella is the one causing trouble! Why would you hit Esme?!"

"This is all because of how you raised her." Lachlan unbuttoned his suit jacket, pointing a trembling finger at Esme. "Jimmie Tate is a prominent figure from Borealia and Orient Country! If something happened to him on Stellara soil, and they traced it back to this idiot, how exactly was I supposed to explain that to Orient Country?"

"Is it really that serious?" Yvonne looked skeptical. "He's just an actor."

They were an independent, powerful nation. Crushing a man like that should be as easy as stepping on an ant. Was this really worth such an overreaction?

"Ignorant woman!" Lachlan barked, entirely out of patience. He pointed at Esme. "I want you confined to the Memorial Hall for two days to reflect on your stupidity."

"Lachlan," Yvonne frowned, trying to intervene.

"Don't worry, you're next," Lachlan snapped, pointing at Yvonne without an ounce of mercy. "There is no way she organized this without you knowing."

"For covering it up and indulging her, you can keep her company in confinement!"

"Lachlan Langley!" Yvonne's face drained of color, her eyes reddening with sheer indignation.

"You don't want to go? Fine. Pack your bags and get out of the Residence!" Lachlan roared.

Yvonne and Esme jolted, instantly snapping their mouths shut.

Confinement versus getting kicked out entirely-they knew which was worse.

"Let's go, Esme."

Before the mother and daughter left, they shot Luella a vicious, hate-filled glare. Luella stared right back, her eyes dark and unreadable.

*Did they think this was over?*

*In their dreams.*

"You handled things well today." Lachlan patted Luella on the shoulder, displaying a rare moment of patience and approval. "If you acted this mature every day, I'd gladly be a loving father."

Luella's lips twitched into a bitter smile.

*Loving father?*

She was way past the age of needing a father's love. She hadn't had it before, and she certainly didn't want it now.

"You mentioned there was hope for the Orient Country deal. Give me the details." Lachlan turned toward the stairs. "Come to the study."

He glanced down at Jared, who had been standing off to the side, completely silent Why are you still standing there? Are you going to beg for mercy for your mother and sister?"

"No, no." Jared shook his head like a rattle, his large eyes wide and earnest. "Mom and Esme definitely did something wrong. They deserve to be punished!"

Lachlan smiled, looking genuinely pleased.

Even though Jared was young, he never threw tantrums alongside his mother and sister. It brought Lachlan a great deal of comfort.

"Come along to the study, then. You might learn something."

"Yes, Dad." Jared nodded obediently. He immediately reached out and grabbed

Luella's hand, beaming. "I want to walk with my brother."

"I don't." Luella tried to shake him off, but the little shadow held on tight. She sighed and just let him hold her hand.

Jared's smile grew even wider.

In the study.

After hearing Luella's report, Lachlan frowned slightly. "A partnership with the Schwartz Group?"

The Schwartz Group basically

controlled half of Borealia and had

massive global presence. If they

could fand this partnership, Stellara

Country's development would

skyrocket.

"If you can secure this deal, I'll give you a seat on the Political Council," Lachlan promised.

It was perfect timing, anyway. The Council was filled with stubborn old fools, and he needed someone fresh to clear them out. Luella was the perfect weapon for the job.

"Understood, Father." Luella offered a slight nod.

As she turned to leave, Jared immediately scrambled after her. "Wait for me! Wait

up!"