Chapter 427: Dylan’s Judgment

Dalton kept his head down, looking dejected. Lydia’s nails dug into her palms, turning white.

She had stayed at home ever since she got pregnant, but Dalton had avoided her completely, not even giving her a chance to get close. Lydia wasn’t sure what had happened between them, but something about the atmosphere felt off when she saw them together this time. Her gaze toward Meryl was filled with hostility.

She thought, “Why is it Meryl can easily get everything I’ve dreamed of? Meryl is already married to Chandler; what more could she want? Yet, she still entices Dalton!”

Now that Meryl was accusing Dalton, Lydia saw it as her chance to win him back. “Meryl, you’re claiming Dalton tried to harm Chandler? But they’re both part of the Aniston family. Why would Dalton do such a thing? I believe my husband is innocent!”

Dylan rapped his cane forcefully, and the room immediately fell silent. “The Aniston family had a strict code, and they would never allow any of their descendants to go astray. If someone conspired with outsiders to harm their own family, it would be a grave offense."

Morton quickly interjected, “Dad, I think…” “I’m asking your son, not you. Keep quiet!” Dylan cut him off.

Charlotte frantically shot Dalton a look, urging him not to admit anything. Meanwhile, Cameron, who had been watching silently, added fuel to the fire. “Dalton, your grandfather’s always been fond of you. Just tell him what happened. He won’t really blame you.” She was eager to see them argue, knowing this would not hurt her own family.

Dalton was torn, caught between his mother and the woman he loved most. His gaze shifted back and forth between the two. He pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

Charlotte seized the moment. “Dylan, what is there for Dalton to say? Look at him. He’s been gravely injured. If he were really in cahoots with the criminals, would they have hurt him this badly? No one treats their accomplice like this.” It sounded reasonable, and Dylan’s tone grew heavier. “So, you’re saying Meryl’s lying?”

Charlotte turned to Meryl, her expression displeased. “I never said that. I just think Dalton’s being wrongly accused. I don’t know what’s going through other people’s minds.” Though she hadn’t outright called Meryl a liar, her every word implied that Meryl was making it all up.

Meryl found it amusing. She had almost become Charlotte’s daughter-in-law once. Thankfully, she’d woken up in time. There was no way she wanted to be tied to this family. Dylan watched on, his eyes cold. He could tell something wasn’t right.

He didn’t know whether Dalton was involved with the criminal, but he could see that Dalton still had unresolved feelings for Meryl. After all, ever since Meryl had entered the room, Dalton’s gaze hadn’t left her face. That kind of obvious longing couldn’t be faked. Moreover, Morton and Charlotte clearly avoided certain issues. Many times, when Dalton should have spoken, they seemed desperate to keep him quiet. Dylan had already pieced things together.

He knew young men, in moments of recklessness, were capable of anything. It was clear Dalton had crossed some serious lines. And if this situation had escalated to the point where they had dragged him into it, whatever Dalton had done was likely unforgivable. Dylan fell silent.

Dalton was an Aniston, the grandson he had watched grow up. His bond with Dalton was deeper than anything Meryl could compete with. After weighing it all, Dylan said nothing more. The Aniston family members were sharp. When they saw Dylan remain silent, they understood exactly where he stood.