?<strong>Chapter 789:</strong>


    That was when a crash echoed through the room.


    Joelle had sent a set of cups ttering to the floor, showing no concern for their ownership or value.


    “Consequences? My daughter is at risk. You think I’m worried about consequences?”


    “Joelle,” Anita Dury, Lucian’s mother, interjected, her voice choked with emotion. “Please, you’re a mother too, try to understand my feelings. I’m worried for my son too. Call off your crew, and the moment we get any word about Lucian, we’ll let you know without dy.”


    With a dismissiveugh, Joelle shook her head. “You really are generous, epting your husband’s children with another woman as if they were your own.”


    The color drained from Anita’s face.


    Before Katy could respond, her father, Colby Dury, ovee with anger, eximed, “What are you trying to say with that?”


    “Do you think I’m talking nonsense?” Joelle snapped back without missing a beat. “Isn’t Lucian scheming to get his hands on Raelyn’s inheritance? Are you going to tell me you knew nothing about it? If a child makes a mistake, it reflects on the parents. You’re all involved, whether you admit it or not!”


    “You…” Colby faltered, struggling to form words.


    The revtion of Anita’s secret left her struggling toe to terms with it.


    She could not bear children, and during that time, such a condition was a source of mockery, even from her mother-inw, who deemed her worthless.


    Therefore, when Raelyn gave birth to twins on Anita’s behalf, thetter finally gained eptance within the Dury family.


    Yet, this was not a proud revtion, and neither she nor her husband wanted to broadcast it.


    Their attempts to keep this a secret failed when, three years ago, they identally disclosed Raelyn’s role in a conversation that Lucian happened to overhear.


    Since then, he harbored ill intentions, coveting Raelyn’s wealth.


    Six months ago, Lucian moved out, and shortly thereafter, Raelyn met her end.


    They were too fearful to link these events or ponder their implications.


    “Mom!” Even Katy, who was usually slow on the uptake, felt that something was amiss. “What’s happening? What is she saying? Aren’t my brother and your own kids?”


    Joelle had no interest in their familial conflict. “I’ll leave you to resolve your issues. Regarding the inheritance, I’ll speak inly today. Make sure Lucian hears exactly what I say.”


    All eyes in the Dury family turned toward her.


    Considering the size of the inheritance at stake, it was naturally enticing.


    Standing against the backlight, Joelle positioned herself assertively, more so than at any time since she had arrived. “We didn’t force Raelyn to give us this inheritance. I don’t care for it, and Adrian cares even less.”


    A spark of hope ignited within the Dury family.


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