Chapter 287: Everyone Is in Shock
The Quirks were speechless, sensing that Lydia had been gravely wronged. Up until then, Lydia had been unaware of Jared's secret affection. Even after his marriage, he had never crossed any boundaries. Consequently, Ava blamed all her failures on Lydia. She should have examined her own actions.
Alexander hadn't considered these matters until hearing the truth. Then, he understood Ava's audacious plan. It had a precedent; she knew how the Winters family would react, giving her the audacity to frame Damien and Deborah. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Faced with her daughter's rebellion, Ava panicked, resorting to the same tactics she used on Damien to control Ruby.
"Are you leaving or not? If not, I'll disown you!"
Ruby, however, could have noticed her mother's breakdown—the crazed look in her bloodshot eyes. But, spoiled and rebellious, she shoved Ava away. Sergio intervened, grabbing Ava's arm. "Enough! This isn't the time for a scene," he hissed.
He ignored Ava's pleas, turning to Lydia, whose expression remained unchanged. He smiled. "I believe you've considered this thoroughly. Your thoughts on this marriage, Madam Lydia?"
Lydia began a cold laugh, but Oliver interrupted.
"Did you not hear your wife? Nothing happened between me and your daughter. Are you still trying to frame me?" Oliver sneered. "Marry her? In your dreams!"
Sergio, an elder, was humiliated by the young man's disrespect. His usual tact was useless against Oliver's bluntness. He had no choice but to push his daughter forward. Emboldened by her father, Ruby launched into a dramatic performance.
"Oliver, how could you?" Ruby, aspiring actress, instantly adopted a theatrical tone, accusing him of heartlessness.
The performance, however… If she auditions like this, the director will certainly fire her.
The Quirks nodded silently, agreeing with Isabella's unspoken assessment: Ruby's performance was awkward.
Oliver finally understood Ruby's scheme.
"What? There's nothing wrong with me! What evidence? Don't think just because I broke off my engagement, you have a chance to become my fiancée. You're Damien's sister, and I'm not interested, even if there were a hundred of you!" He adamantly denied any involvement.
No one expected this turn. They had been united against Damien and Deborah; now, they were at each other's throats. It was almost comical.
Isabella felt compelled to criticize but was speechless. She simply observed Ava's fascinating expressions, finding the whole situation absurd.
Ava likely felt mortified. Witnessing her children's public argument over an incestuous relationship was unbearable. They were embarrassing themselves, frantically burning bridges after failing to harm others.
Ruby hadn't anticipated Oliver's complete denial, realizing he had been using her. Furious, she pulled out her phone. "You're denying everything, right? Fine!"
Wait, is she actually—Don't tell me she's actually—It seems she's truly ready to nail herself to the pillar of disgrace.
The Quirks were confused by Isabella's unfinished thoughts. What? What is it? Is it some suggestive text, or…?
Ruby displayed a picture. Those nearby could see it clearly. Oliver's face changed; he lunged for the phone, cursing silently. He hadn't expected Ruby to take secret photos.
Sergio was pleased, impressed by his daughter's resourcefulness, oblivious to the ensuing trouble. Ruby, avoiding Damien, proudly showed the photo.
Isabella and the Quirks, knowing the truth, were dumbfounded. Is this what they call…digging one's own grave? Well, curses always come home to roost.
Ava, previously in denial, was stunned. Her regained composure shattered; she retched uncontrollably. Her beliefs crumbled; she let out a maniacal scream. Her reaction left everyone bewildered.
They wondered if Ava despised Oliver or Lydia. Then, seemingly possessed, Ava slapped her daughter and snatched the phone.
Are they trying to eradicate the evidence?
Isabella wondered as Ava froze, staring blankly at the phone, a wild glint in her eyes.
"No, this isn't Oliver."
Ava burst into laughter. Pointing at the photo, she insisted, "This isn't Oliver! This is Damien!"
This bombshell stunned everyone. Even Isabella and the Quirks were dumbfounded. Oliver was confused; Ruby was shocked; Damien's anger surged.
Many had seen the photo. Taken secretly, it showed only Oliver's bare upper body and side profile. He bore a striking resemblance to Damien—about sixty percent similar. To an outsider, the photo could suggest Damien.
But the onlookers weren't fools. They'd seen everything. Did Ava think they were idiots? "Mom!" Ruby cried, unable to comprehend her mother.
Ava held Ruby, seemingly frantic. "I know you've been wronged. Your brother forced himself on you, and you're scared to face it. That's why you want to marry Oliver, pretending he's responsible, but that's not right. If your brother wronged you, we should call the police. I won't harm you!"
Ruby's face contorted. How can she call this not harming me? Are affairs between half-siblings more scandalous than her relationship with Oliver?