Chapter 9
Kane’s smile froze instantly at the sound of her voice.
But being the seasoned manipulator he was, he quickly plastered on an even more ingratiating expression. Tugging Leo forward half a step, he began to grovel.
“Mrs. Redwood, please calm down. It’s all because of my ignorant son…”
“Ignorant?”
My aunt let out a cold laugh before pulling out a thick stack of documents from the coffee table drawer and tossing them onto the floor.
“Kane, do you really think I’d go to this extent over some petty squabble between the younger generation?”
She pointed at the scattered documents. “It’s time we settled accounts for all the shady dealings you’ve been up to behind my back over the years!”
The papers fluttered to the floor, and Kane glanced down. His forehead began to glisten with cold sweat as he took in the damning evidence—clear records of embezzled funds, fraudulent promotions, and other illicit activities he had orchestrated.
“This, this… Mrs. Redwood, let me explain!”
“Explain what? Using the Redwood family name to deceive and defraud while you secretly engage in such despicable acts—and now, your son dares to bully my niece? You should count yourself lucky I haven’t sent you straight to prison!”
Kane was in full panic mode now. He grabbed the frozen Leo by the arm and shook him.
“Apologize to Miss Redwood, now!”
At those words, Leo lunged toward me, reaching for my hand.
“Gloria, I was wrong! I… I was blind and disrespectful to you. It’s my fault!”
“It’s all because of that wretched Aubrie stirring up trouble! Whatever you decide to do with me, fine—but please don’t let her ruin the harmony between our families!”
I watched coldly as the man who had so staunchly defended Aubrie in front of me not long ago now so effortlessly shifted the blame to save himself.
Like father, like son.
I stepped aside, avoiding his touch, and retreated a few paces.
“Sorry, but I have no intention of forgiving either of you.”
Seeing this, Kane suddenly dropped to his knees with a loud thud, the impact of his kneecaps hitting the marble floor echoing through the room.
“Miss Redwood, please, have mercy…”
My aunt, noting my resolute stance, no longer held back.
Her expression shifted to one of utter disdain as she pressed the call button with her elegantly manicured fingers. Moments later, two black-suited bodyguards appeared.
“Throw these two out,” she ordered curtly. “And inform all our business partners—anyone caught working with the Tanke family from this day forward will be considered an enemy of the Redwood family.”
“No, no… Mrs. Redwood! Miss Redwood! Please, give me another chance!”
Kane, now devoid of his once-polished appearance, was dragged toward the door by the guards, struggling desperately.
Leo, no less pitiful than his father, broke into sobs as he wailed my name.
“Gloria! I’m begging you…”
The heavy sound of the door slamming shut cut off their pathetic pleas.
Silence settled over the living room, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock.
My aunt let out a long breath, the tension in her shoulders easing. She turned to me with a gentle smile.
“Feeling better now?”
I walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the scene in the yard.
Kane and Leo stood in utter disgrace outside the Redwood family’s house. A swarm of reporters seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, their cameras flashing furiously as they captured the duo’s humiliation.
I watched as Leo covered his face, futilely trying to shield himself from the relentless onslaught of lenses.
A faint smile curved my lips.
“Yes, much better.”
