Chapter 207
Chapter 207:
Before anyone could react, Aiden’s eyes locked on Ellie’s exposed arm, visible where the sleeve had torn away. “Ellie… your arm p>
Angry welts and dark bruises covered her skin, raw evidence of repeated blows. Ellie instinctively tried to shield the marks with her free hand, but there were simply too many to hide.
Gracie gasped dramatically, nestling closer into Brayden’s side, her voice trembling. “Ellie, what happened to you? Please… don’t tell me p>
Her gaze darted to Theo. “Theo, I know marriage isn’t always smooth, but violence isn’t the answer p>
At that single word, the entire room froze, tension thick enough to cut.
Ellie shrank into her chair, trembling, her eyes flicking up at Theo for a split second before dropping away in terror.
That fleeting glance said more than any words could.
Theo’s voice cracked as he faced her. “Ellie, you need to be honest with us. Where did those bruises come from? Is this why you’ve been avoiding me lately? Please, tell me—who did this p>
For a moment, Ellie just stared at the floor, scrambling for a lie.
“I… tripped down the stairs a couple days ago. I didn’t want anyone to fuss, so I kept it to myself p>
Theo shook his head, determination in his voice. “That’s not good enough. We’re getting this checked. You might have fractures. I’ll take you to the hospital right now p>
Gently, he helped Ellie to her feet, addressing the family as he led her toward the door. “Sorry to interrupt dinner. I’ll make sure she’s taken care of p>
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Kevin gave a curt nod. “Keep this quiet. The Stanley name must never be tainted with accusations of abuse p>
There was a sharp edge in his stare when he looked at Theo. Theo’s pulse stumbled, and he instinctively tightened his hold on Ellie’s hand.
Ellie’s face drained of color from the pain, yet she stayed silent, too afraid to make a sound.
Once Theo and Ellie had slipped out, Aiden broke the silence. “Those bruises… they didn’t look like they came from a simple fall. More like someone used a whip p>
“That’s a strangely specific observation, Aiden. You see a lot of those?” Brayden said, arching an eyebrow as he eased Gracie back into her seat.
Aiden gave Erik a quick, meaningful nod. “Back when I was a kid, I got bullied plenty. They’d call me names and single me out, so I know what causes which scars p>
Erik’s voice trembled. “Aiden… I should’ve been there for you. I missed too much p>
Aiden’s smile was gentle but firm. “That’s old history, Dad. I’m just grateful I finally get to be part of this family p>
He glanced Kevin’s way, voice steady. “All I want now is to spend time with everyone and help however I can p>
Erik let out a breath, his eyes warming. “You’re a good boy. I promise, no one in this family will ever treat you unfairly again p>
He almost went on, but most of the table had already dug into dinner, their attention drifting away from the father-son moment.
After the meal, Kevin paused on his way out and offered Erik a pointed reminder. “You’ve got three sons. Don’t let guilt make you show favoritism. Theo needs watching. See that he doesn’t repeat his mistakes p>
“I hear you, Dad,” Erik replied, watching Kevin disappear down the hall.
Turning back to the table, Erik’s demeanor cooled. “Brayden, I’m not asking for the moon. Just treat your brothers fairly. Aiden’s been with the company for some time now, but he hasn’t handled a single project. Why not put him in charge of the North Hills project p>
Brayden’s lips curled in a measured smile. “Are you sure about that, Dad? It’s a major contract p>
Erik shot him a look. “What, you don’t trust your own brother? Or do you believe everyone else here is beneath you p>
Brayden kept hold of Gracie’s hand and nodded. “If you want it that way, Dad, then that project is Aiden’s p>