Chapter 1097

Scott's indifference was the final straw. Juliana snapped.

She let out a raw, furious scream and snatched a vase off the living room display shelf, smashing it to the floor.

These weren't just any vases—they were prized collectibles, each one worth a fortune.

Crash. Crash. Crash.

One after another, more than a dozen vases shattered, the sound of breaking porcelain ringing through the whole house.

Upstairs on the balcony, Scott watched Juliana's meltdown with a look that was equal parts helpless and cold. The gentle, kind Juliana he once loved was nowhere to be found.

Now she was suspicious of everyone, her face twisted with anger, acting like a stranger-irrational and impossible.

He'd promised her after she lost their baby: nothing would change, their marriage would carry on, with or without children. For years, they'd lived together childless, and Scott never thought kids were a necessity.

But Juliana didn't see it that way.

Juliana's rage was so terrifying that Layna clamped her hands over her ears. She didn't dare go near her aunt, not even to comfort her. Deep down, though, she didn't think she'd done anything wrong.

After all, as long as her aunt stayed childless, Layna would remain important.

Half an hour later-

Scott took a shower, got dressed, and headed downstairs, ready to spend the holiday with his parents at Salstrom Manor.

"Where are you going?" Juliana demanded, grabbing at his arm. "All dressed up- what, going to see another woman?"

Scott pulled his hand free, his voice flat. "I'm going to Salstrom Manor."

"I don't believe you. Take me with you if you're telling the truth." Juliana's eyes were wild; she looked unhinged.

Scott glanced at the mess on the floor, then back at Juliana. “You need to calm down. Please, just stay home. Don't make any more trouble, Juliana. My parents are getting old-they can't handle your drama."

"What drama? I'm your wife! Of course I should visit your parents for the holidays! Or are you lying? You're not going to Salstrom Manor at all. You just don't want me to catch you."

Scott rubbed his forehead, exhausted. "Believe whatever you want." He walked out without another word.

There was no way he'd take Juliana with him—not with the state she was in. She'd only cause a scene.

"Scott, you jerk!" Juliana screamed after him.

When she heard the car drive away, Juliana broke down sobbing. Then she saw Layna on the stairs and rushed over, grabbing her in a tight hug.

"Layna, sweetheart, you're all I have left now. You have to fight for me, okay? The Stranz family

fortune one

day it all be yours

You'll beat the Salstroms, you'll be

better than that brat Paradise. You'll

avenge your brother, do you understand?"

Layna nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be even better than Paradise.”

Inside, Layna was thrilled. With her aunt's help, the Stranz fortune would be hers one day. She'd be the real heiress.

At Salstrom Manor-

Scott joined his parents for dinner. The moment Mrs. Goad saw him, she started in on Juliana, making not-so-subtle suggestions that maybe it was time for a divorce.

Scott had just escaped the nagging at home, only to get ambushed again at his parents' place. He felt completely drained.

Aiden noticed and cut in. "Let's not talk about this now. It's the holidays-no need to bring up things that'll ruin the mood."

Mrs. Goad grumbled, "Why shouldn't I say something? Wesley, the Stranz family can't end with you. Of all the things you could do wrong, not. having an heir is the worst. You're

no

I.ne

young anymore. If Juliana can't

give us a grandchild, then ever if you

don't divorce her, at least have a

child with someone else and bring me a grandson."

Scott said nothing, just tossed back a shot of whiskey.

He was starting to think maybe alcohol had it right—at least it helped him forget.

After Juliana's miscarriage, plenty of women had started throwing themselves at him. Their intentions were obvious.

It was at times like this Scott envied Herman, who had a loving, gracious,

warmhearted wife who always looked out for him.

Everyone they knew was jealous of Herman.

After all, he had a wife who would do anything for love.

Scott thought about his own marriage—a wife who'd gone completely off the rails.

After leaving Salstrom Manor, Scott couldn't bring himself to go home. He told the driver to pull over, sent him off to enjoy the holiday, and sat alone in the cattle didn't want to be at his parents', and he definitely didn't want to go home.

A little drunk, Scott picked up his phone and called Herman. “Herman, come out for

a drink with me."

On the other end, Herman immediately picked up on the slur in Scott's voice and

shot him down. "I've got a wife and kids and a warm house. It's the holidays, man— who wants to go drinking with you? Go entertain yourself."

Scott was left in silence.