Chapter 152

Seline clutched her aching cheek, her mind buzzing in chaos. Panse gripped her arm. Ignoring the pain, she quickly got up from the couch, her tear-filled eyes looking at Henry as she pleaded, “Dad, this really isn’t my fault; it was Suzanne who hired someone to do this.”

Mandy, distressed for Seline, immediately stepped in to shield her from Henry. “If Suzanne hadn’t hired someone, none of this would’ve happened. How can you blame Seline for this? It’s that wretched Suzanne who simply obeyed and slept with Todd; things wouldn’t have spiraled out of control. Seline had done nothing wrong!”

Henry, his frustration mounting, shot Seline a sharp glare and pointed a stern finger at her. “Humph! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re after. If you want the Yates family’s inheritance, then behave yourself and stop stirring up trouble!”

Seline’s and Mandy’s expressions shifted ever so slightly—just enough to betray a flicker of guilt in their hearts. Henry had hit the mark, striking the very core of their intentions. But no matter what, they couldn’t admit it.

Tears streamed down Seline’s face as she sobbed in grievance. “Dad, is that what you really think of me? I only want what’s best for this family.”

Mandy gently wiped Seline’s tears away. “I know, sweetheart. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have tried so hard to please Mr. Lambert.”

Henry, the old bastard, dared to slap Seline? Did he not realize they needed her to build ties with the Lambert family?

Sure enough, Henry’s expression darkened slightly, and his anger was tamped down by Mandy’s words. Still, he let out a disgruntled huff. “As a member of the Yates family, isn’t that her duty?” He turned on his heel and strode toward the main couch, sinking heavily into the seat.

Seeing that Mandy’s words had softened him, Seline quickly lowered her head and obediently apologized, “I’m sorry, Dad. I should’ve been more careful.”

Henry’s expression eased just a bit. “Forget it. Just think things through more thoroughly next time.”

However, the moment he thought about the Lloyd family, his head throbbed again.

Mandy and Seline exchanged glances, their eyes filled with resentment toward Henry. That night, they couldn’t come up with a solution despite their many discussions. Henry, consumed by his frustration, ended up smashing half the furniture in the living room. Mandy and Seline sat frozen on the couch, not daring to utter a single word for fear of becoming his next target.

At 5:00 am the next day, Suzanne was already out of bed. Sensing her movement, Austin opened his eyes and asked, “Why are you up so early?” Her condition barely stabilized yesterday, and now, she wasn’t even resting properly.

Suzanne pressed her lips together and said firmly, “I won’t be able to suppress my anger until I go look for the Yates family.”

Austin’s gaze darkened. He sat up as well, but before he could say anything, Suzanne quickly added, “You should rest. I just want to make sure they don’t enjoy a peaceful breakfast today.”

He pressed his lips into a thin line. He knew she didn’t want him to interfere, so he refrained from insisting. But when she finished freshening up and was about to change and leave, Austin insisted on having breakfast together.

Suzanne was caught off guard. Usually, Rita wouldn’t prepare breakfast this early. Could it be that Austin had instructed her while she was freshening up? A trace of warmth flickered in her gaze. After exchanging a few words with him, she finished her meal and set off.

At 7:30 am, the round dining table in the Yates residence was set with an array of freshly prepared breakfast dishes—fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and buttery croissants. Once the maids finished arranging everything, they said respectfully, “Madam, breakfast is ready.”

Draped in a silk purple loungewear set, Mandy descended the stairs, idly playing with the gemstone ring on her finger. She responded lazily, “Okay.” She let out a yawn, still weary from barely getting any sleep last night.

The maids quietly exited the dining room, and soon after, Henry and Seline came downstairs from their respective rooms. Just as the three of them sat down, a noise from outside the villa caught their attention. Henry frowned, irritation creeping into his voice. “What’s that noise?”