After an eternity of resentful contemplation, Irene suddenly straightened and contacted her eldest son, Jason Evans, who was currently overseas.
When the connection was established, Irene lamented dramatically, “Jason, if you don’t come back soon, I’m going to get trampled!”
Jason was merely two years younger than Cole. He commanded tremendous respect among the younger generation, rivaling even Cole’s standing.
Though Cole had been groomed for leadership, Jason excelled in tactical skills. He supervised the Evans family’s security apparatus, maintaining authority over their extensive covert protection network. His influence and status loomed large.
Jason had been abroad for specialized training over the past two months, missing even Cole’s wedding ceremony.
Devoted to his mother completely, Jason grew concerned immediately. “Mom, what’s transpired?” he asked urgently.
Irene embellished shamelessly, weaving a narrative about Elliana being an insufferable tyrant who systematically disrespected her at every opportunity. She emphasized how everyone had bullied her after her downfall. Essentially, she painted Elliana as the quintessential villain.
Jason listened attentively before reassuring her, “Don’t distress yourself. My return is approaching quickly. Despite Elliana’s position as matriarch, I won’t permit her to dominate our family.”
Irene’s heart swelled with triumphant satisfaction. “That’s precisely why I rely on you, Jason. You’re my steadfast support.”
“Rest well,” Jason said softly.
“Goodnight, my son,” Irene responded.
After disconnecting, Irene’s lips curved into a calculating smile. Though Bertram might disregard her entirely, she possessed an exceptional son. With Jason supporting her cause, she would maintain control within the Evans household. If Elliana anticipated a smooth tenure as matriarch, she would first require Irene’s blessing.
Meanwhile, chaos engulfed the Jones residence.
Paige had returned from the gallery battered, her face bruised and her attire disheveled. She had fled to the Jones estate and remained secluded since.
Currently, Paige slumped dejectedly on the sofa, still wearing her damaged clothing, tears streaming unchecked. Her customary elegance and confidence had vanished completely. She resembled someone utterly defeated.
Darin paced relentlessly, radiating frustration with each labored exhalation.
Kiara attempted repeatedly to reach Merritt without success. Eventually, she hurled her phone down, exclaiming bitterly, “Where has that wretched Merritt disappeared to?”
Darin halted abruptly at Merritt’s mention, directing a hostile glare toward Kiara.
Merritt had previously worked as a rough-edged dockworker, employed by a wealthy older gentleman with whom Kiara maintained a liaison while simultaneously conducting affairs with Merritt himself.
Following that man’s demise, Merritt and Kiara had conspired to secure a portion of his substantial estate, providing Merritt with his initial financial windfall.
Therefore, when Kiara requested his assistance with Paige’s predicament, Merritt had readily agreed, even referring to Paige as his goddaughter-a gesture repaying his long-standing debt to Kiara.
Any reference to Merritt affected Darin profoundly, resurrecting memories of Kiara’s questionable history. Though it revolted him deeply, Merritt’s considerable influence and potential benefit to the Jones family compelled his silence.
But now, with circumstances deteriorating rapidly, Darin’s suppressed anger threatened to erupt uncontrollably..
Kiara frantically tried reaching Merritt when a sudden, frigid sensation washed over her. She glanced up to discover Darin’s murderous glare boring into her.
Kiara instinctively recoiled in fear. She had strutted confidently under Merritt’s protective influence, flaunting her advantage over Darin. But with Paige’s entertainment aspirations collapsing and Merritt’s sudden disappearance, her power had evaporated completely. Should Merritt abandon her permanently, her existence within the Jones household would transform into unbearable torment.
“Darin…” Kiara manufactured a feeble smile, desperately attempting to diffuse the tension.
Darin wasn’t placated. He surged forward, rage emanating from every pore, and struck Kiara’s face with devastating force.
“Ah!” Kiara stumbled backward, disoriented as crimson droplets escaped her split lip.
“You manipulative viper!” Darin growled through clenched teeth. “Don’t delude yourself into thinking I’m blind to your sordid relationship and machinations with Merritt!”
Fury consumed Darin entirely. “I’ve tolerated your presence solely because you convinced Merritt to advance Paige’s professional prospects. Now that everything has disintegrated spectacularly, you still parade around with unearned entitlement?”
“I-I wasn’t-” Kiara faltered, cradling her scorching cheek. Her voice trembled as she attempted to pacify him. “Darin, please calm down. I’ll continue trying to reach Merritt. He’ll rectify this situation, I promise you.”
He retorted, “Merritt just messed with you. By dawn, tabloids will dissect our family mercilessly. He’s deliberately ignoring your calls because he’s abandoned this catastrophe. He avoids controversy at all costs!”
Kiara’s gaze dropped dejectedly. Deep down, she recognized Darin’s assessment as accurate. Merritt prioritized self-preservation above everything. When ventures soured, he vanished without hesitation.
Darin fixed Kiara with contemptuous eyes before striking her again, the impact reverberating throughout the room.
Kiara’s arrogant demeanor, sustained through Merritt’s influence, had tormented Darin endlessly. Right now, Darin refused to restrain himself any longer, desperate to expel days of accumulated resentment.
Understanding she was out of moves, Kiara didn’t fight back. She simply shielded her face while retreating, tears streaming uncontrollably. “Darin, I beg you, restrain yourself…”
Yet, his rage had merely begun to surface, fueled by long-suppressed grievances. “You’ve systematically destroyed everything worthwhile!” he exploded. “I’ve warned you about Elliana’s intelligence, which reminds me of Rita herself. But you just dismissed Elliana as inconsequential and poisoned my perspective against her! Look at the consequences! Elliana has emerged as an internationally acclaimed designer without us even knowing! Her connections could have elevated the Jones Group immeasurably. Thanks to your interference, communication between us barely exists. How are we supposed to capitalize on her success now?”
Seething with uncontrolled wrath, Darin violently kicked Kiara, sending her crashing across the floor. “You’ve contaminated every potential opportunity!”
Kiara collapsed painfully. Glancing at Darin, she saw his preparation for continued violence. Desperately, she scrambled upright and confronted him with raw desperation. “Darin, confront reality! Is your fractured relationship with Elliana entirely on me?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.