Chapter 322: A Stillborn
"Just to protect Ines from harm? What right do you have?" Caesar and Gloria, fiercely protective of their daughter, were enraged. "You used a stillborn child to falsely accuse our daughter! Your intentions are malicious, your words are lies! We demand a proper explanation from the Burke family to the Deleon family."
Ralph demanded, "Aiden, is this true? What's going on? Did you know the child was gone?"
Aiden looked at Yvonne coldly and lied calmly, "Initially, I was deceived, believing it was an accident caused by Ines. I kept it secret to investigate. However, I discovered Yvonne's medical history and learned the child was a stillborn; a miscarriage was inevitable."
In truth, Aiden was uncertain. He lacked evidence; the situation seemed unbelievable. His conjecture was based solely on Alexander's information. But Yvonne's reaction confirmed his lie. Her deception and Ines's distress enraged him. He felt she deserved punishment. Lying, therefore, felt weightless.
Ines, naive, believed Aiden had uncovered the truth swiftly. Remembering Yvonne's schemes, she glared at her.
Overwhelmed by Aiden's accusations, Yvonne wept, feigning heartbreak. This was directed at Aiden, but Ralph, standing near Aiden's father, misinterpreted it as affection. His shattered heart felt a flicker of pity.
Many sympathized, but their gazes subtly shifted to Isabella, the "Gossip Queen" and "Justice Upholder." Her support signified innocence; her disapproval, guilt. Past gossip had followed this pattern. Despite Yvonne's pitiful display, everyone remained cautious.
"Stop crying!" Ralph pleaded, desperate to salvage his pride and hoping for a miracle. "Tell me what happened!"
Yvonne, internally strained, defended herself smoothly, but her words trailed off: "It was me I found out the child wasn't growing I was scared too scared to take responsibility I had a disagreement with Ines, and I used that to" She couldn't bring herself to confess without concrete proof against her.
She felt melancholy. Aiden had abandoned her, yet she shielded him while he protected another woman. She felt a strange, karmic debt to him. Isabella's unintentional glance made her nauseous.
Isabella's inner thoughts: Haven't you gotten over your victim complex yet? If anyone didn't know better, they'd think Aiden and Ines were shameless!
The Quirks, seasoned observers of such dramas, wondered if Yvonne hoped Aiden would tire of Ines and pursue her again. Alexander was relieved Aiden couldn't hear Isabella's thoughts; it would disgust him.
Elijah, previously a coward, felt a mix of emotions. He realized Yvonne had used their unborn child to get closer to Aiden, a realization that disgusted him profoundly. His earlier sympathy vanished; he wouldn't wade into this mess.
Ralph struggled, unsure how to handle the situation.
Yvonne quickly added, "This woman found out about our child's death and used a fake report to ruin me. She knows I can't prove my innocence."
Ralph's eyes lit up; this explanation salvaged his dignity.