Chapter 329: Why Her

Aiden knew Ines couldn't get pregnant, so his actions weren't strictly necessary. However, he'd taken precautions against future pressure to have children. If the Burkes questioned Ines, he would be her shield. "Why didn't you tell me?" Ines asked anxiously.

Aiden offered a series of carefully constructed excuses. Smiling, he said, "Thankfully, I was prepared. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to clear my name."

Ralph reacted with shock. "Aiden, have you lost your mind? You need to reverse this procedure!" He couldn't have children, but that didn't mean he couldn't have grandchildren.

The rest of the Burke family, while not eager for more children to divide the inheritance, felt compelled to persuade Aiden.

Amid the persuasion, Ines's face was pale. Unable to bear Aiden shouldering the blame alone—especially since she was partly responsible—she tried to confess. However, Aiden embraced her, preventing her from speaking.

"Given your example, why would I want children? I'm still dealing with the scars you left," Aiden retorted casually to Ralph. "Instead of worrying about me, perhaps you should address your own issues. You almost caused me trouble by not properly vetting your wife. If not for luck, we would have been the town's laughingstock."

Aiden's rebellious nature left everyone unsure how to advise him. They decided to address the situation later, focusing on the immediate problem.

Yvonne, however, continued to stare intently at Aiden. "You actually went this far for her"

"Stop spouting nonsense, or I'll slap you!" Aiden warned.

Yvonne's bitter laugh revealed her understanding of Aiden's actions. She was forced to confront his unwavering love for Ines.

"Why her? Does she love you like I do? Has she done as much for you as I have? I've worked so hard for you. Why won't you even glance my way? What does she have?" Yvonne cried.

Holding Ines close, Aiden stated firmly, "Is it wrong to love her? Ines's existence means everything to me."

To outsiders, Ines, a sheltered princess, might seem to have done little for their relationship. But for some, the mere presence of a loved one is the greatest gift. Ines's arrival had rescued him from a dark, despairing world. She hadn't performed any grand gestures; a simple smile had changed his life.

Aiden considered Ines's love his greatest fortune, given his past. He cherished their present and wouldn't allow anything to disrupt it.

His words shattered Yvonne. She broke down, fainted, and appeared to begin bleeding again, possibly due to a relapse or injury.

Ralph called an ambulance and accompanied her, given their marriage. The wedding ended abruptly amidst the chaos.

The departing guests, excluding the Burkes, seemed oblivious to the gravity of the situation. They suppressed laughter, their phones aglow. High society was likely already feasting on the juicy gossip. Conversations centered on Isabella's presence—or absence—at the wedding. Everyone gossiped and searched for her, sensing a mysterious power. Only a few members of the Quirk family left, with no sign of Alexander and Isabella.