Chapter 309: She Is Quite Unfortunate

"It wasn't our fault," Yvonne said, righteous indignation filling her voice. "It was yours, the Burke family, and your oppression. Aiden had no choice but to get involved with Ines, and I only wanted to gather resources to help him escape your shackles."

Elijah was genuinely baffled. Despite their limited interactions, he knew Aiden was fond of Ines. Aiden had been pretending all these years. No wonder he kept delaying marriage.

Suddenly, he looked at the distressed Yvonne. His heart ached at her sorrow. Unable to contain himself, he blurted out, "Don't worry. They won't end up together."

Isabella and Alexander, who had been eavesdropping, were startled.

Yvonne's head shot up, hope flickering in her eyes. Elijah continued, "I also found this out by accident. Ines can't get pregnant."

Isabella thought, Damn. He actually knew. She realized Yvonne's mother was deeply involved in family politics, cunning and secretive. She had targeted Aiden and Ines, the family's favored couple for a marriage alliance. Initially aiming to sabotage them, she discovered Ines' health issues. According to Burke family tradition, a daughter-in-law with health problems was useless. So, Yvonne's mother kept the secret, hoping Aiden and Ines would remain childless. Unexpectedly, her son exposed it.

The Quirk family frowned. This was the Deleon family's secret, and Elijah seemed to have no filter. They guessed he might be trying to impress Yvonne. Alexander, too, was curious about Yvonne's reaction.

After Elijah finished explaining, Yvonne was silent for a moment before saying, "I got it," her voice hoarse.

Elijah realized he shouldn't have revealed the secret, but reassured himself: At least he knew about the "stepson-stepmother" relationship and could still manipulate Aiden. Besides, Yvonne didn't seem like the type to use secrets for leverage.

Isabella thought, Tsk, Yvonne's probably scheming to break them up, seeing herself as Aiden's rescuer. What a hassle! But I'm curious to see her reaction if Aiden still chooses Ines. No, better not. That's Ines' sore spot.

Isabella felt Ines trembling. She realized she hadn't noticed it earlier, engrossed in the gossip. Ines' emotional distress was now too intense to ignore.

Isabella immediately looked at Ines, her heart aching. The usually radiant girl looked lost and agonized. Her eyes were lifeless, her face flushed, and the veins on her forehead bulged. Isabella felt helpless.

Alexander sighed. Ines probably hadn't even realized the extent of her situation. Her innocence and health issues had gone unnoticed. Her family and Aiden had shielded her from her pain, to the point of her not even caring anymore. Yvonne's revelation shattered everything. She was truly unfortunate.

Ines' phone buzzed. Isabella saw the incoming call. She dismissed it and texted Aiden to come quickly—to comfort his wife before it was too late. Aiden, though innocent, had inadvertently caused this, and needed to take responsibility.