Chapter 272: Novas hand struck Hoyts cheek with a sharp p.
Without hesitation, she seized his hand, her brows knitting together tightly.
Your father is already drowning in work every single day.
Do you really want to add unnecessary headaches to his load? Her tone shifted swiftly, as sharp as her instincts.
Over the years, she had studied Ken enough to know he rarely missed a step in his actions.
If he had Jim summon Brook, he must have already put measures in ce, perhaps even pieced together part of the puzzle regarding the kidnapping.
There was no way he would ask that question unless he had some cards up his sleeve.
With that thought swirling in her mind, her gaze narrowed on Ken, calcting.
We came today unannounced, I admit, and yes, we didnt bring any gifts for Mr.
Pierce and Ms.
rke.
But well make it up next time, without fail.
Nova swallowed her anger, forcing a smile that didnt quite reach her eyes.
I was just… upset a moment ago because of how you two brothers were carrying on.
If Brook saw you two at each others throats, it would break his heart.
So how about both of you take a step back? She used the phrase take a step back, though in truth, she was preparing to push Ken into a corner.
Ken, youre the elder here, the firstborn.
No matter what Hoyt has done, its on you to show restraint, especially in front of the servants.
Hitting him like that only shames him.
Lets do this why dont you both apologize? She let out a well-timed sigh, retreating strategically to gain the upper hand.
From now on, lets remember you two are still brothers.
Every word she spoke dripped with forced concern, but her real aim was to unsettle Ken.
Hoyt, still smarting from the p, bristled with indignation.
Mom, why should I apologize to him? he protested, voice tight with frustration.
Novas eyes shed dangerously.
Because hes your older brother, she snapped.
She knew Brook had people nted in the vi, listening, watching.
Her words were meant for his ears, not Hoyts.
After all, Brook valued appearances above all else.
Even though Hoyt had taken a beating, Novas goal was to push Ken to the brink.
And just as expected, Kens face darkened with every mention of their brotherly bond.
But before anyone could react, the unexpected happened.
Allison, in one fluid motion, picked up her coffee cup and, with deliberate ease, hurled its contents across the room.
The cup shattered on the floor with a loud crash.
Effortlessly slipping into the role of the wicked woman, Allison feigned surprise, ying the role of innocence with exaggerated clumsiness.
Oops, seems like my grip isnt what it used to be.
Did I ssh anyone? Had it not been for the need to maintain appearances in front of so many witnesses, she would have chosen something far more damagingboiling oil, perhapsto mar both mother and son.
Allison had intended to share the clues shed gathered with Ken, but it was clear now that Ken had already followed the trail.
He had figured out that Nova and Hoyt were entangled in the kidnapping plot.
Aside from the security footage from the port, all other evidence had been destroyed.
There was not a single trace left.
Allison was not a kind-hearted person.
There were things Ken couldntor wouldntdo.
But she? She could execute them effortlessly.
Her smile was sugary sweet, but it carried a razor-sharp edge.
But as Nova wisely said, peace is the best course.
So, how about we all step back? Allison calmly wiped a drop of coffee from her fingers, her voice echoing Novas earlier trap.
Lets apologize to each other, shall we? After all, spilling that coffee was just a harmless mistake on my part.
And Im sure Mr.
Hoyt Lloyd and Mrs.
Lloyd, with their generous hearts, wont bear a grudge against me.
Her smile was dazzling, but beneath it, her words cut like ss.
At that moment, her charm felt especially lethal.
.
.
.