Everyone in the living room stiffened the moment they heard that cold, deep voice. Only Tyler could speak with such charisma. All of Yurella City knew that if a voice alone could make one’s skin crawl and breath hitch, it had to be his.
Rachel froze on the spot. It was as if her feet weighed a million pounds. She couldn’t move. She hadn’t expected Tyler to show up at the Lloyd residence, especially not at this hour. Even if Yvette had drugged him, it hadn’t done any real harm. She had assumed Tyler’s words to Yvette earlier had just been an empty threat. She had never thought he’d actually come here to confront them.
Dressed as always in a black suit, Tyler looked even more formidable tonight. His defined features and cold aura gave him an almost inhuman edge. His tailored suit hugged his tall frame perfectly, and the dark tie only emphasized his elite demeanor. His usually tousled hair was slicked back today, adding an even fiercer edge to his brow line. He strode in and sat down with his legs crossed. His gaze was unreadable. Every inch of him radiated aloof dominance.
The moment Gerald saw Tyler, his stern expression turned into a smile. “Mr. Hunt! What a surprise! If we’d known you were coming, we would’ve prepared something ahead of time.”
Tyler nodded. “Gerald, how’s your health these days?”
Gerald nodded eagerly. “Pretty good.”
“That’s good to hear. I’d hate for you to collapse later.” Tyler placed one elbow on the armrest, lazily tapping a finger against his cheek. Despite the casual posture, his voice made the entire room hold their breath.
Rachel snapped out of her shock and took a deep breath. This man really said whatever he wanted. In the Lloyd family, Gerald was the undisputed authority. He’d served in the military, and that tough, unyielding personality of his had never changed. He didn’t tolerate opposition. That was why Jim had never been able to convince him to let Rachel move in after they got married. Jim couldn’t defy Gerald, and Rachel wasn’t someone who liked being controlled. Living under the same roof would’ve only brought Jim more trouble. In the end, she had chosen to move out and enjoy her freedom.
Gerald was clearly taken aback by Tyler’s blunt words. The smile on his face began to fade, and his tone turned solemn, laced with a tinge of anger. “Mr. Hunt, what’s the meaning of that? Are you not here as a guest? Or are you here to settle a score?”
Tyler lightly drummed his fingers against the table. His gaze was sharp and unreadable, and although he sat calmly, the air around him felt tense. “I’m sure you already know what your granddaughter did. It seems that after switching heiresses, not only has the Lloyd family failed to rise in prestige, it’s now dragging its name through the mud.” He smirked and let out a soft chuckle. It wasn’t loud, but everyone in the room heard it clearly.
Yvette’s face went pale. Gerald, hardened as he was by his years in the military, still held on to some traditional values. That was why bloodline and reputation mattered so much to him. Now, his tone softened a little.
“Yvette is still young. She must’ve been misled by bad influences outside. Since I hear you weren’t seriously affected, perhaps we can put this whole thing behind us. Could you agree to that for my sake? She’s long admired you, Mr. Hunt, and just wanted to get to know you better through her sister. Really, it was Rachel who introduced the two of you in the first place.” As he spoke, Gerald turned to Rachel with a frown. His voice was full of reproach. “Rachel, what’s wrong with you? Your sister may be immature, but you? How could you go along with this nonsense too?”