Chapter 268: You bitch! Ill kill you! Hoyts face twisted with rage, his eyes zing like scarlet mes.


    Any pretense of civility shattered.


    Novas heart sank.


    She hadnt expected Ken to turn on them so publicly.


    Stop! Youre taking this too far! Nova looked at Ken, her disappointment palpable.


    She had expected to see him suffering after everything shed put in motion, but instead, he stood unscathed, unaffected.


    After all her efforts in orchestrating the kidnapping, she was left with nothing but failure.


    Gritting her teeth, Nova moved to support Hoyt as he struggled to rise.


    Ken, no matter what, you cant treat your brother like this.


    Kens lips curled into a mirthless smile.


    Brother? He let out a harsh, mockingugh.


    What gives you and Hoyt the nerve to throw that word around? His gaze swept over them, icy and disdainful.


    Need I remind you that this is the Lloyd family estate? The one my grandfather left to me? His tone was cial.


    Even my father wouldnt dare set foot here without my permission.


    So what makes you think a couple of parasites like you have any right to waltz in? Y-You! Hoyts face flushed with indignation, but as he attempted to push himself up, Nova mped down on his already swollen wrist.


    Agh! Hoyt cried out in pain, but Nova ignored his whimpering, her eyes never leaving Kens.


    Youve got it wrong.


    Were not here to make trouble.


    We only came because we heard Lorna was kidnapped and wanted to check on her.


    Whatever disturbance we caused was unintentional.


    She knew better than anyone that, despite having a son, she stood no chance against Ken.


    He held most of the shares and controlled several sessful enterprises.


    He was one of the top five wealthiest people in Ontdale.


    To remove him and pave the way for Hoyt, shed need to bide her time wait for the perfect opportunity to eliminate Ken and make him disappear from this world forever.


    Or she needed to prove to Brook that Hoyt was far more capable than Ken.


    For now, she had to keep up appearances.


    Ken, I know you hate me.


    But you dont have to hurt Hoyt to prove your point.


    Your father and I got together, and that was it.


    If you need to me someone, me me.


    Our son is innocent.


    Every word was carefully chosen.


    She knew Brook had people watching the vi.


    One wrong move, one reckless word from Ken, and she could use it against him.


    Feigning a weary sigh, she lowered her gaze, as if wounded by his cruelty.


    Were still family, whether you like it or not.


    You dont have to call me Mom, but bullying Hoyt like this… If anything happens to him, your father will never forgive you.


    Her tone held a thinly veiled warning.


    She shook her head slightly.


    Lets just forget anything happened.


    We came here to check on you and Lorna, but since you dont want us here… Her words were kind and considerate, apanied by a warm smile, but her true motive was to irritate Ken.


    However, Kens expression remained calm, almost indifferent.


    His dark eyes were unreadable, offering no hint of his thoughts.


    It made Nova feel like she was a fool.


    He tilted his head slightly.


    Are you disappointed that were still alive? The casual cruelty in his voice made everyone shiver.


    Nova felt a cold sweat trickle down her back.


    It was as if Ken had transformed into someone else so distant and emotionless that it sent a chill down her spine.


    She thought back to Allison.


    The same cold, calcting aura surrounded both of them, making her want to instinctively step back.


    Her chest tightened as she realized todays n had been aplete failure.


    Neither Ken nor Lorna appeared injured.


    Taking a deep breath, Nova softened her voice.


    Ken, how can you think of me like that? Im still your stepmother… at least in name.


    .


    .


    .