Chapter 282: Whatever Deborah Desires

Oliver was initially stunned by the attack. However, he quickly regained his senses; he wouldn't let a frail woman hit him. Before he could react, Damien seized his wrist. Turning, Oliver found Damien standing behind him.

Oliver's anger intensified. He wanted to attack Damien. "You're so protective of her! You two are having an affair! I was tricked into saying those things earlier. You've been coveting my fiancée, and you're having an illicit affair! You have no shame!"

Damien was astonished. "Do you think everyone is a fool?"

Oliver, determined to blame them, ignored Damien's question. "You dare say you didn't touch her? I don't believe you! You two must have!"

Another slap landed, this one harder, knocking Oliver to the ground. Dazed, he looked up at Lydia.

"Drugging, scheming, framing, and throwing tantrums to defend yourself? Oliver, you've truly disappointed me," Lydia said, her heart wounded. She knew her son was a disappointment, but she never imagined he would be so depraved.

Oliver's resentment toward his mother turned to hatred. He had expected her support, believing that with her help, he could turn the situation around. Instead, she condemned him, defending Damien. This favoritism cut him deeply. "Mom, why do you treat me this way?"

Lydia, unable to meet his resentful gaze, stepped forward. "Apologies for the spectacle. It's my fault for not raising my son properly. I formally announce the cancellation of Oliver and Deborah's engagement."

Deborah visibly relaxed. While many anticipated this, the announcement still felt abrupt—the wedding called off barely an hour after confirmation. Both the Carney and Winters families wore complex expressions.

Lydia then apologized to Deborah. "You're a good person. We, the Winters family, owe you. As compensation, if your family wishes to form an alliance through marriage, you may choose any of our unattached males."

Deborah was shocked, Damien stiffened, and the other family members rejoiced. Isabella thought, "As expected of Madam Lydia. Replacing Deborah's fiancé on the spot!" A buzz filled the room. Many wondered if Damien was the intended choice.

Lydia stated earnestly, "You may choose the heir."

The room erupted. Deborah looked up at Damien, their eyes meeting. The Carneys exclaimed, "The heir?"

The Carneys hadn't pursued the heir previously, not due to unworthiness, but because Deborah preferred her own pursuits and wasn't suited to be a family matriarch. The matriarch of a prominent family must participate in the family business and social engagements, something Deborah wouldn't do. She and Oliver, similarly disinterested in the family business, had been a suitable match.

Lydia's offer implied a willingness to compromise. Deborah could retain her freedom while assuming this position. It was their amends. This made it difficult for the Carneys to demand justice.

Lydia formally announced, "The future heir of the Winters family has been chosen: Damien." She nodded to Winters family elders, then pointed at Damien. "Damien, step forward."

Damien stepped forward. Lydia declared, "Damien will gradually take over my responsibilities. I hope everyone will continue to support our family."

The atmosphere shifted dramatically. Oliver had lost everything. Isabella mused, "Damien got lucky! I want to interview Oliver and ask him how it feels to be so thoroughly defeated."

Oliver jumped forward, furious. "Mom, how can you be so biased? Am I not your son? You want to play matchmaker for them! How can you treat me like this?" The annulment and loss of his position were bearable, but not this. Ruby seized the opportunity. "I know! You must be aware of their affair and are using this to clear their names! I've seen them together!"

Alexander thought Ruby was in denial, refusing to accept defeat.

Damien sternly warned Ruby, "Have you forgotten Oliver's confession about your drugging and framing?" Ruby, spreading rumors, was a minor nuisance.

Lydia stepped forward. "We haven't addressed your actions yet. And I wasn't finished. I wasn't playing matchmaker, I was giving Deborah a choice." She looked at Deborah. "It's a suggestion. If you don't wish to marry into the Winters family, I'll gladly accept you as a goddaughter. If you wish no contact, you will be compensated."

Lydia didn't consider a new partner compensation. True recompense was giving Deborah the confidence to choose. Even a goddaughter relationship would maintain family ties; otherwise, other methods existed. Whatever Deborah desired, the Winters family would accept.