Chapter 506
Chapter 506
That morning continued as it normally would-or at least, that was how it appeared.
Riana settled back into her chair with measured movements, but anyone who knew her well would recognize the truth: her anger was being forced into submission by sheer dignity. The teacup in front of her had gone cold, and she had no intention of replacing it.
She let out a long breath, again and again.
“That woman went too far,” Riana finally said, her voice low but cutting. “I set boundaries. I explained the rules. And she deliberately crossed them p>
Nathan offered a faint smile. He leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced on the table.
“I didn’t expect her to be that bold,” he admitted. “Not just rude-she knows exactly when to provoke emotions p>
Riana turned to him. “And she did it at the family breakfast table p>
Nathan nodded. “Deliberately p>
Josh, who had been silent, slowly stirring his food, finally looked up. “I don’t regret what I did,” he said calmly.” If she had actually slapped Mom, I would’ve done the same again p>
Nathan looked at Josh and smiled-not a casual smile, but one filled with pride. “You acted correctly. You protected your mother, and you protected this house p>
Riana reached out and rested her hand over Josh’s. “Thank you for being brave, Josh,” she said softly but sincerely. “Not many people your age would dare to stand in that position p>
Josh returned a small smile. “I just did what needed to be done p>
After that, his expression dimmed. Something clearly weighed on him, and he made no effort to hide it. Even so, Nathan and Riana chose not to ask-not because they didn’t care, but because they knew. They would find out. Just not now.
The morning, usually peaceful and warm, had been stained by Selena’s actions. They continued breakfast, making a conscious effort not to mention her again-not out of indifference, but because doing so would only rob them further of their appetite. They ate while engaging in light conversation, as if nothing had shaken their morning at all.
Without a word, they worked together to restore a sense of normalcy.
Lydia arrived a few minutes later. The moment she stepped in, she sensed that something was off-an awkward calm that made her pause.
Althea set down her utensils and finished her breakfast by drinking the remaining water in her glass.
“You’re… finished already, Althea?” Lydia asked, surprised, “I thought p>
“Just now,” Althea replied briefly. “We’re heading back to the pavilion p>
Lydia nodded, glancing between Althea and Josh. “All right p>
After saying their goodbyes to Riana and Nathan, Althea and Josh returned to the right-wing pavilion.
“Did something happen?” Lydia couldn’t help asking, especially after noticing how subdued Nathan and Riana looked, both sighing repeatedly.
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Chapter 506
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“You should have breakfast first,” Nathan replied gently. “Don’t you have a meeting with a client at the Alrich Hotel today p>
The right-wing pavilion felt far more open, calmer, and free of tension. The moment the connecting door to the main house closed, Josh let out heavy breaths – as if only now could he truly breathe again.
“I don’t like that woman,” he said bluntly. “Not just because of the way she talks. Just her presence alone feels… disruptive p>
The blue-eyed young man dropped onto the sofa, stretching his arms along the backrest.
“Ugh. She’s irritating,” he muttered, his expression openly displeased.
Althea sat beside him, gently rubbing his shoulder to calm him. She studied her son carefully.
“In what way is she disruptive p>
“I don’t know.” Josh straightened his back. “It’s only her first day in this house, but she acts like she can do anything here,” he complained.
Althea didn’t answer right away. She weighed Josh’s words—not as a mother trying to soothe him, but as someone who trusted that instinct.
“If Eli really is Dad Chase’s child, I don’t know whether I can accept that or not. But it also feels unfair not to. Maybe I just need time…” Josh’s voice softened. “Still, I feel like this house won’t be the same anymore p>
“Peace is fragile,” Althea said at last. “And the presence of the wrong person can shake it. But your grandparents aren’t reckless in the decisions they make. I believe they already know what needs to be done by allowing them into this house p>
Josh turned away and let out a quiet snort. “If only that woman wasn’t so unbearable, I wouldn’t mind as much p>
“Be patient-for a little while p>
“I can’t imagine what Eli’s life must be like, living with such an unbearable mother p>
Althea wrapped an arm around Josh, letting him rest against her shoulder. “I understand you’re uncomfortable, but can you endure it for now p>
“Of course.” Josh offered a faint smile. “I just don’t like her attitude. If she truly becomes part of this family, then sooner or later, I’ll have to accept it, right p>
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Althea said gently, “You’re allowed to disagree. But you also have to trust that your grandparents may know things we don’t p>
Josh fell silent, his hand curling into a loose fist. “I just don’t want you to get hurt, Mom p>
Althea smiled softly, “I don’t either. And I think I have an incredible protector.” She ruffled her son’s hair, making Josh click his tongue in protest before they both laughed.
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