Chapter 317

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With that thought in mind . Abigail snorted derisively . “ Well , isn’t this a surprise . Lincoln , you didn’t get the memo ? Dad publicly disowned her . Arta hat registered herself as an independent household she hasn’t been part of our Saxon family for a long time now . ”
Lincoln’s eyes darkened in an instant . “ What the hell happened ? ”
He was never particularly close to Silvia , let alone Aria , his niece he’d never even met . The only thing he ever did for her was to have someone send a gift when she was first brought back into the family .
The Saxon family is filthy rich . Taking in one more daughter wouldn’t have made a dent in our fortune . Why would Dad go to such extremes ? Lincoln thought , unable to understand Joseph’s decision .
Abigail shrugged nonchalantly , her expression cold . “ Why don’t you go ask your dad ? ” she said , making no effort to be polite .
Luke immediately shot back , “ You don’t even know the whole story – how can you just blame everything on Dad ? ”
Abigail sneered , “ Do us all a favor and shut it . You’re equally responsible for Aria’s departure . ”
Luke , who normally never missed a chance to argue with Abigail , fell uncharacteristically silent this time . His face flushed with alternating shades of red and pale , lips parting briefly before closing again without uttering a word .
Joseph’s leg didn’t bother him all winter , thanks to the family’s staggering $ 130 million expenditure .
And the one who pocketed all that money was none other than his own granddaughter , Aria .
Looking back , Joseph had grown displeased with Aria’s aloofness , convincing himself that sacrificing her interests was a necessary move for the family’s sake .
He thought to himself , ‘ As long as Aria knows how to fall in line , I certainly wouldn’t shortchange her !
Only later did Joseph realize that Aria had never needed the Saxon family – if anything , the family was beneath her station .
By now , all Joseph could do was hope that as Aria grew older , she might remember their family ties and return home .
Joseph cut in firmly , “ Enough about this . Let’s eat . ”
Caleb kept eating with his fork , as if none of this had anything to do with him .
He was the only one who remained composed .
After dinner , Lincoln wanted to speak with Caleb privately , but Caleb simply brushed him off with , “ I got to work overtime , ” and left .
Left with no other choice , Lincoln sought out Nathan . After Nathan laid out the entire chain of events , Lincoln stood rooted to the spot , utterly
dumbfounded .
Joseph severed ties with his granddaughter Aria over some measly benefits , only to discover later that she possessed formidable connections and exceptional talents .
That was what Joseph’s style was like – counting pennies while the fortune slips away .
Joseph was just the spark – the real issue lies with the entire second branch of the Saxon family .
Lincoln couldn’t believe what he was hearing . “ She’s the child you went through hell and back to find . Even if she asked for the moon , you sha moved heaven and earth to get it for her . So why give her the cold shoulder ? ”
Nathan pursed his lips . The usual defiant look in his eyes was gone , his face now clouded with silent regret .
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Lincoln looked at him , let out a long sigh , and said , “ You made your choice . Might as well act like you never found her in the first plic v
Half an hour earlier , Aria and the other three rode the elevator up to the 18th floor .
Owen was the first to ask , “ Mono , Gael , have you had dinner yet ? ”
Mono remained silent . Gael shook his head . “ Not yet , ” he replied .
Owen smiled warmly and suggested , “ Why don’t we go to my place ? I can cook . ”
Before Mono and Gael could respond , Aria interjected , “ No way . You just got over a fever . Go home and rest properly . I’ll order takeout from Mavoron Restaurant . ”
Owen nodded without hesitation . “ Sure thing , ” he said .
‘ So obedient ? ‘ Mono mused , a bit surprised .
Mono gave him a once – over , quietly sizing him up . Deep down , he couldn’t help but feel a hint of satisfaction at his performance .
‘ He can cook – ten points for that .
‘ He doesn’t talk back but listens . Plus five points .
‘ He’s tall , handsome , and in great shape – that’s another twenty points . ‘ Mono inwardly rated Owen .