Aaron's gaze shifted to Lila, cold and piercing, carrying an unmistakable sense of authority.
The air grew tense under the weight of his stare.
"Lila, explain yourself. Is that really how things happened? When she gave you a gift, how did you react? During dinner, when you asked her those questions, did she even respond?
"It was me who scolded you-why are you blaming her? And when you were going up the stairs, why did she grab your hand? Wasn't it because you scratched her? Do I need to show everyone the marks on her arm for proof?"
His voice was chilling, leaving no room for argument, his protective stance over Selena unwavering.
The coldness in his eyes as he looked at Lila only deepened.
"Lila, what exactly are you trying to do? If you're that bored, find something useful to occupy yourself with-get a job, anything. But stop causing trouble at home."
"That's enough, Aaron!" Nathalie snapped, glaring at him.
"You know your sister's health. She can't work. How could you say something like that? And as her brother, shouldn't you be comforting her instead of scolding her? She's in tears, and you're siding with that woman instead of your own sister?" Aaron let out a bitter laugh. "Her health is my fault? If she knows she's fragile, then she should focus on resting instead of chasing after things she can't have.
"And she's not my real sister. We've barely known each other for a few years. The person I'm protecting now is my wife-the woman I love. Not someone who's trying to create drama and hurt my wife."
Lila's face paled in disbelief, her eyes filling with shock as she looked at Aaron. "Brother... why are you saying this? You used to care about me so much. You were never like this before." Aaron's voice was cold as ice. "If I'd known that caring for you would create a viper, I'd have never agreed to bring you into the Fletcher family."
"Aaron!" Nathalie's voice rang out, furious.
She turned to the servants. "Take Lila upstairs to rest."
"Yes, ma'am," the servants quickly responded, helping a tearful Lila up the stairs.
As Lila disappeared from view, Nathalie's gaze darkened as she turned to Aaron. "What are you doing? Are you really planning to defy this family for the sake of that woman?" Aaron met her eyes without hesitation. "Mom, have you forgotten that Selena is my wife? She's part of this family now too."
Nathalie's response was a harsh, scornful laugh, making it clear that she had never accepted Selena and didn't recognize her place in the family.
Kendrick's expression darkened as well, his voice sharp. "Aaron, is this how you talk to your mother? Are you trying to push your luck?"
Aaron seemed ready to respond, but Selena stepped forward, standing by his side with a calm smile directed at him.
Aaron frowned, clearly displeased, but held back.
Selena spoke up. "Dad, Mom, I know neither of you are fond of me. But unfortunately for you, your son does love me, so you're going to have to accept me one way or another.
"Trying to discipline or target me will only drive a wedge between you and him. I can stay out of your way and be as invisible as you like but stop making me the focus of your anger. Does that sound reasonable?"
"Who do you think you are to talk like this?" Nathalie snapped, her tone filled with disdain. "In front of me, you should be bowing your head, trying to earn my approval. Instead, you're standing here, bold enough to make demands. You don't deserve to be here." Selena smiled, undeterred by Nathalie's outburst. "Actually, I do. I'm his legal wife, which makes me part of this family. And one day, I'll be the mother of the next heir of the Fletcher family. So, if anyone here has the right to speak, it's me."
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