Chapter 18 Caroline? It’s You?
Caught between his grandfather, who raised him, and his biological mother, David knew he couldn’t afford to offend either of them.
Richard was adamant against the divorce. As the patriarch of the Ellison family for decades, he wasn’t accustomed to his decisions being overturned. Now that the marriage he had personally arranged was at risk of falling apart, he was furious.
To make matters worse, the one pushing for the divorce was none other than Harper, someone he’d always looked down on.
Harper, on the other hand, was set on having David marry the daughter–in–law she had chosen for him. She dreamed of a new marriage that would bring her the joy of holding a chubby grandson and basking in familial bliss.
“David, you tell us,” Harper said, looking at him. “What do you think? I’ll respect your opinion.”
She had already spoken to her son privately and was confident in his answer.
Richard, of course, understood that with David’s current status and power, Caroline was no longer a suitable match. But letting Harper have her way? That was a blow to his pride he couldn’t bear.
Thus, David’s grandfather calmly yet pointedly spoke up. “David, you’ve undoubtedly risen to great heights. But I know exactly how you managed to take control and climb to where you are now.”
David raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Please, elaborate, Grandpa.”
“You were taught by me–your methods, your cunning your strategies. I’ve seen it all. The battle for control, you won it. And you won it decisively and brilliantly. Andrew couldn’t match you; he’s a fool. The Ellison family could never be entrusted to him, or it would crumble in no time.”
“Throughout your struggle with Andrew, I stayed out of it and didn’t intervene. Why? Because I believe in one thing, to the victor goes the spoils. But, David…” Richard’s tone grew sharper. “Don’t think for a moment that my silence meant ignorance. I may be old, but I’m not blind.”
Richard had laid it bare. He was fully aware of David’s entire plan, including his staged death.
For a moment, David’s lips curled into a slight smirk. His grandfather was indeed a shrewd man.
Caroline, on the other hand, felt a chill run through her as she listened to their exchange, The Ellison family was terrifying. She was no match for any of them, not even close.
If she hadn’t stumbled upon David’s secret when she did, she would have remained oblivious to everything.
Now she realized the full extent of the family’s ruthlessness. Richard had been a silent observer, watching his grandsons vie for power without interference, knowing only the strongest would emerge victorious.
In this family, blood ties meant little compared to the pursuit of power.
“That’s enough,” Richard said, his words measured as if to assert control over the conversation. “David, while it’s true you married her during a low point in your life, she didn’t abandon you when you had nothing. Trust my judgment–I chose your bride for a reason. She’s the right match for you.“.
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Chapter 18 Caroline? It’s You?
David’s expression remained unreadable, but coldness lickered in his eyes.
Finished
Abandon him? Be there for him at his lowest? What a joke. Caroline had married him thinking she’d be a widow soon, and she’d admitted it herself.
The audacity of this woman.
Meanwhile, Harper turned her gaze to Caroline.
Truthfully, she had never met her daughter–in–law in person before. Seeing her today, Harper couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity. The girl stood silently with her head bowed, her face hidden behind strands of loose hair.
In Harper’s eyes, this girl was just another victim, swept up in the whirlpool of the Ellison family’s power struggles.
“Perhaps we should hear her opinion,” Harper suggested. “A divorce requires both parties to agree, all.”
Immediately, all eyes turned to Caroline.
David casually cleared his throat, a subtle yet unmistakable warning in his posture.
She’d better not try anything foolish.
after
“My opinion is…” Caroline lifted her head slowly, her pale, delicate face resolute. “I’m willing to div…”
Before she could finish, Harper suddenly gasped in shock.
“Caroline? What are you doing here?”
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