Chapter 221: What Is On His Cheek
The Shepard family was embroiled in a heated argument. Camila's parents were furious, blaming Audrey for exploiting their naive daughter and demanding an explanation from George and Helen. Audrey's parents were equally enraged.
"If it weren't for your foolish daughter," George thundered, "things wouldn't have reached this disastrous state!"
"That's absurd, Helen!" retorted Helen. "If it weren't for your daughter's shameless actions—dating Josiah, marrying Caleb, having a child out of wedlock, and deceiving everyone—she wouldn't have been cast out by her husband's family!"
The argument escalated, and only the intervention of other relatives prevented a physical altercation. Just then, the phone rang. It was Caleb's assistant.
George's face hardened. Before he could speak, the assistant announced, "This is formal notification from Mr. Caleb. Divorce proceedings begin tomorrow. Ms. Shepard receives nothing. Failure to appear, or any further complications, will result in legal action and a demand for compensation. Please act accordingly." The call ended abruptly.
George reeled. Before he could speak to Camila, his work phone rang.
"Mr. Shepard, we're in trouble," a frantic voice said. "Hampton Group is canceling our contract. The Xaven Project is halting collaboration. Our suppliers are threatening to pull out. Hampton Group is spreading the word that they won't work with anyone who does business with us. They're trying to destroy us!"
Overwhelmed, George fainted. News of Caleb's ruthless actions spread quickly. He had forcibly removed Audrey, making her kneel and beg for forgiveness. Audrey, unable to contact Caleb, Noah, or Lorelei (who only offered insults), found herself arguing with relatives, leading to a chaotic scene at the Shepard residence, with ambulances and police cars constantly arriving.
Meanwhile, Caleb dealt with Josiah, who lay unconscious after being beaten by their father. Coldly, Caleb addressed Noah and Lorelei: "Arrange for him to leave the country tonight. He'll stay abroad permanently. Unless it's crucial, he's not allowed to return."
Noah and Lorelei, torn between guilt and heartbreak, felt as if they were abandoning their eldest son.
"Do you want everyone to be reminded of our family's scandal every time Josiah appears in public?" Caleb asked.
They fell silent.
"His assets will be managed," Caleb continued, "and he'll receive a basic allowance. I hope you won't provide additional financial support."
"Isn't this too harsh?" Lorelei protested. "Josiah has never known hardship."
"Does modest living equal suffering?" Caleb countered. "He believed money ruined his relationships, that he could rely on a woman's support. I'm giving him a chance to find true love. He's foolish; he doesn't realize his charm is built on wealth."
"His foolishness could cause immeasurable damage," Caleb explained. "He deserves this."
Had Josiah spoken up sooner, they would have prevented Caleb's marriage to Audrey. Relieved by his parents' acceptance, Caleb clarified, "If he proves his worth and makes people forget his past, he can return." Helpless, Noah and Lorelei watched as Josiah was sent abroad.
Upon awakening, Josiah found himself unable to pursue Dakota or return home, consumed by impotent rage and regret. Dakota, meanwhile, was relieved, anticipating only compensation.
The Quirk family, through Isabella's thoughts, learned of Caleb's actions. While satisfied, they worried about Alexander, whose friendship with Josiah and Audrey caused them concern. Alexander sighed, his gaze clear and bright. It was a cycle of cause and effect.
Then, Isabella's inner thoughts were heard again: "What is that on Alexander's cheek?"
A glint of light revealed a smudge on Alexander's cheek. Christopher, noticing it, blurted out, "Alex, is that lipstick?"
His surprise was evident. Isabella mentally berated him: Wait, did I just kiss you? This is so embarrassing!
Everyone's attention focused on the lipstick mark, even Dakota. The Quirk family thought, They kissed! How did we miss that? Dakota vaguely remembered seeing a hug between Jeannette and Alexander.
Alexander responded vaguely, stealing glances at a seemingly unconcerned Isabella. The Quirk family silently celebrated. Christopher offered wet wipes, embarrassed at the thought of Alexander with a lipstick mark at Hampton Manor. Caleb, however, refused them. Just then, his phone vibrated wildly. Various thoughts from the Quirk family filled the silence: "Are you out of your mind?", "There's a reason you're still single", "Should this even be wiped off?", "This represents their love story!", and finally, "Why don't you just have him tattoo it on his face?"