Chapter 173
Chapter 173:
“So what of it!” Valeria suddenly sprang to her feet. “Brayden nearly lost his life, and you’re worried about a bastard child living with a scar? Is that where your heart really lies p>
As their argument raged on, Kevin’s expression sank deeper into a stormy gloom.
The cane hit the floor with a crisp crack, making them both flinch. Conscious of the scene, they exhaled and sank back into their chairs, unwilling but compelled.
Kevin’s gaze fell on Brayden. “Brayden, you tell us p>
Brayden still wore the shirt blotched with dried blood, his eyes deep and cold enough to freeze the air. “Someone plotted against me today. I’m sure you’ve heard. Every strike has been meant to end me. The moment I die, my shares will scatter to new hands p>
“What are you implying? That it’s your own family who wanted you dead?” Erik’s laugh was sharp and bitter. “No, it seems you’ve crossed the wrong people, and now your enemies have tracked you down p>
“Erik Stanley, will you stop already? Do you have a problem with my son?” Valeria demanded.
Sitting nearby, Gracie saw the two on the verge of arguing again and quickly spoke up. “Why isn’t Ellie here p>
The room fell silent.
Kevin turned to Theo. “What do you have to say p>
Theo glanced at his silent phone, worry etching his features. “She has been unreachable since this afternoon. She didn’t attend the gala. At first, I thought she’d overslept after a spa treatment, but hours have slipped by without any news p>
“How can someone just vanish in broad daylight?” Kevin sneered. “Bring her back now! Let everyone wait for her p>
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Just then, a chorus of cries and wails rose from outside.
Suddenly, Ellie came rushing in, disheveled, her dress soiled with mud and her face streaked with tears. Her appearance made everyone frown.
Valeria asked, “What happened to you? You look like a mess—where have you been p>
“I-I was knocked out outside the banquet hall!” Tears streamed down her face as she recounted how she had arrived early, only to be knocked out the instant she stepped from the car.
“How convenient! Why on earth would anyone target you, Ellie? Seems a little suspicious.” Aiden spoke up just in time.
Ellie shot him a fierce glare. “You… you’re talking nonsense! No one is targeting me! The only person who would p>
She snapped her mouth shut, her eyes blazing as she glared at Aiden.
Was she really supposed to admit, in front of everyone, that she had conspired with Aiden to attack Brayden tonight—only to be betrayed by Aiden himself? Though she was seething with anger, not a word could pass her lips. One misstep, and she would be doomed.
“The only person who would what?” Gracie asked, a hint of amusement in her voice. “It seems like you have someone in mind p>
“I…” Ellie’s lips parted and closed, searching for words. “No one… I must have been attacked by accident p>
Gracie laughed aloud, shaking her head. “What a stroke of luck. Amid all the perils tonight at the annual gala, you’re the only one left relatively unscathed—neither frightened nor harmed p>
“Gracie!” Theo, who had said nothing until now, knit his brows tightly. “Are you accusing Ellie? She had no connections. Could she really have plotted tonight’s scheme p>
Gracie noticed Theo’s fidgeting, and a gentle curve touched her lips. “I didn’t accuse anyone; you seem a little too emotional. Yet Brayden and I are of the opinion that tonight’s incident was planned p>
“Throwing accusations without proof—are you two trying to tear the family apart?” Erik said coldly.
Brayden rose to his feet. “The attacker, the arsonist, and the hired killers who followed have all been handed over to the police. Soon, the full truth will come to light p>
At those words, everyone’s expressions shifted, revealing a spectrum of reactions.
Gracie’s gaze met Aiden’s, and he returned it with a subtle, knowing smile.