Chapter 28
After Henry offered an easy way out, Raymond quickly seized the opportunity and nodded repeatedly.
“Yes, of course. Shawn and Kathleen, thank you both for being so understanding. Please don’t take offense at my foolish son. After all, we’re relatives. We shouldn’t let this ruin our relationship.”
Shawn said indifferently, “You care about Ryan, but if he doesn’t learn to behave, he’s just going to cause you more trouble. Next time, if he messes with the wrong person, they might not be as forgiving as we were today.”
Raymond’s expression stiffened briefly before he forced another smile. “You’re right. This time, we will give him a good lesson.”
Having no interest in continuing the conversation, Shawn turned toward Kathleen. “Do you have anything else you’d like to say?”
Since she was the one most affected by Ryan’s actions, he was willing to let her speak if she needed to.
Kathleen shook her head. “No, I’m done.”
She knew when to stop. Besides, after today, the Page family would likely have Ryan on a shorter leash.
“Thank you,” Raymond sighed with relief. “We’ve caused enough trouble today. We apologize for disturbing you.”
Just then, a maid approached Judy and informed softly, “Madam Smith, lunch is ready.”
Judy nodded.
Seeing this as a cue to leave, Raymond quickly stood up. “We’ll take our leave now. We’ll visit again in a few days.”
She followed suit with a polite smile. “Why not stay and have lunch together?”
“No, thanks,” Raymond hurriedly refused, backing away toward the door. “You don’t have to send us off. Merry Christmas!”
Judy didn’t insist further but walked them politely to the door, only dropping her smile after the Pages had driven off.
In the car, Ryan clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles cracked, anger simmering inside him.
“I’ve never been so humiliated,” Raymond said darkly, equally upset.
Elena gently held Ryan’s hand, speaking earnestly, “That woman isn’t good for you, Ryan. She looks like a scheming gold–digger. She claims she married Shawn because she saw you with another woman, but who knows if she was already involved with him beforehand?
“She clearly married Shawn for money. Everyone knows Shawn won’t live long. The Vance family must be desperate for an heir.”
Scoffing bitterly, she continued, “She’s acting high and mighty now, but wait until Shawn dies. With no heir, we’ll see how arrogant the Vances remain.”
“When Shawn dies, I’ll make Kathleen kneel before me!” Ryan hissed through gritted teeth, eyes blazing with resentment.
Meanwhile, Kathleen felt embarrassed facing Judy and Henry after the awkward confrontation with the Pages. Troubled, she couldn’t fully enjoy her lunch.
“Kat, is the food not to your liking?” Judy asked.
“No, it’s delicious,” Kathleen quickly replied.
“Don’t worry about it,” Judy mentioned, smiling knowingly.
Kathleen bit her lip, aware that the Vances understood exactly why she was uneasy. “Henry, Judy, I’m really sorry for causing you trouble.”
Henry gave her a reassuring glance. “It’s not your fault. Ryan went too far, Protecting you is exactly what we and Shawn should do.”
Kathleen felt her eyes tearing up from the warmth. She tightened her grip on her fork and lowered her head. “Thank you.”
Since her mother’s passing and her father’s remarriage, she had forgotten what it felt like to have someone protect her.
Although she hadn’t known the Vances for long and wasn’t very close to them yet, the way they stood up for her made her feel truly safe.
Shawn glanced over and noticed Kathleen’s eyes shimmering with tears.
“We’re family. There’s no need to be so formal,” Judy said gently, placing some food on Kathleen’s plate “If you ever run into trouble again, don’t besitate to tell Shawn or us. Most importantly, never put yourself in danger.”
Kathleen managed to hold back her tears and smiled, nodding gratefully. “I understand.”
