NovelFinishChapter 435 Meade frowned, feeling things had truly gone too far.
He glanced at Victor, hoping to use his own standing to plead for his daughter-in-law. But Victor stood there, face cold and impassive, radiating the kind of authority that made people instinctively hold back—a presence that demanded respect and brooked no defiance.
In that moment, Meade realized Victor was no longer the young boy who used to call him "Grandpa." He was now Victor Fitzgerald, ruthless in business, a man who could go toe-to-toe with Legacy National Bank. This was Mr. Fitzgerald, a force to be reckoned with.
For the first time, Meade felt the weight of his own age. The world really did belong to the next generation.
In this society, power and influence dictated everything. And tonight, it was painfully clear that Victor was the one in control.
Meade pressed his lips together, his voice heavy. "Catherine, go teach your daughter smanners." When Andrina heard this, her eyes widened in disbelief and she stumbled backwards, blood draining from her face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe had been the matriarch of this family for decades-her husband died young, but Meade had given her real authority. For over forty years, she had managed the household, maintaining her position and her dignity.
Now, she was being told to bow her head and apologize, lumped together with a mere girl. All those years spent cultivating her image, all the respect she'd earned, seemed to vanish in an instant.
Andrina's breathing grew shallow, her chest rising and falling with emotion.
But she held herself together.
Taking a deep breath, she walked over and grabbed Olivia's hand. Olivia tried to pull away, but Andrina clamped down and wouldn't let go.
Together, they walked up to Isadora. Andrina bent in a deep, formal bow, then forced Olivia's head down as well. Her voice trembled with humiliation and tears, but she forced out the words, one by one: "I'm sorry, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Olivia was out of line. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her." Then she hissed at Olivia to apologize too.
Olivia clenched her jaw, refusing to speak.
Andrina snapped, "Do you want your mother to stand here and share your shame?" Fury flickered in Olivia's eyes, but finally she spat out, "Sorry!" Isadora looked down at the two women bowing before her, her face calm. "I hope you'll think twice about your words and actions in the future. Next time, an apology might not be enough." Olivia's face twisted with resentment. "You" Meade cut her off. "That's enough! Both of you, leave. Now." If Olivia kept mouthing off, not even he could protect her.
At his command, Andrina dragged her daughter away, the two of them stumbling out of the room under the eyes of mocking and pitying onlookers, their once-proud backs now hunched and defeated.
Meade turned to Victor and Isadora, lowering his head slightly. "I apologize, Victor.
I failed to teach them properly. Isadora, please accept my sincere apologies on their behalf." Although Victor had stood up for her, Isadora didn't want anyone thinking he was abusing his power or disrespecting his elders.
"Mr. Walsh, there's no need for that. They've apologized. Let's put this behind us." The commotion finally died down.
Citing exhaustion, Meade excused himself to rest and asked his son to see to the remaining guests.
The mood in the banquet hall had shifted. Where just moments ago people had watched Isadora with gossip and envy in their eyes, now there was a new wariness, even a hint of fear.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSally and Leda had already slipped out the back the moment Olivia was made to apologize.
Night settled softly over the estate, the garden lawn bathed in the gentle glow of lanterns, carrying the crisp scent of dew.
Victor led Isadora by the hand, guiding her step by step across the lawn.
She tilted her face up, gazing at the in the sky crescent moon hanger her The moonlight spilled over her features, making her look even softer, almost ethereal. She asked quietly, "Did I get you into trouble just now?" Victor stopped, turning to face her. His eyes were dark and fathomless, unreadable as the night sky, and he stared at her for a long moment.
"I don't care about trouble," he said softly. "I only care if you're hurt." A warm tide swept through Isadora's heart, enveloping her completely.
This man, she realized, had always protected her-quietly, without m fanfarez Without even noticing, he had becher anchor, the reason she could face anyone's malice without fear. Victor reached out and tucked a windblown lock of hair behind her ear, his voice low and a little rough. "What's this? Are you moved?" A mischievous smile tugged at Isadora's lips. "Not at all. I'm just realizing that being 'Mrs. Fitzgerald' isn't as easy as it looks."
Victor pulled her closer, his arm tightening around her waist. His eyes glinted with an emotion she couldn't quite name, and when he spoke there was a subtle intensity in his voice. "Too late for regrets now. Because, Isadora, I'm never letting you go."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
