CH 21
Sophia’s voice rang out, commanding attention. “Let me make one thing clear today, James. As long as my son is happy, I will support whoever he chooses as his partner.”
The room fell into an uneasy silence, each occupant grappling with their own thoughts as Sophia’s declaration lingered in the air like an unyielding echo. Olivia listened intently to Sophia’s words, her eyebrow arching ever so slightly—a subtle signal of her growing admiration for her mother-in-law. Sophia’s deep affection for Ethan was unmistakable, radiating in every word she spoke. It became increasingly clear that in the Cole family, Sophia’s influence far surpassed that of James.
James’s expression darkened, his authority within the family visibly eroding. He was caught in a dilemma, unable to refute Sophia’s statements. After all, Smith was his illegitimate son. Defending Smith openly would only provoke Sophia’s ire further.
“Please, don’t argue because of me,” Smith interEmily Grantcted, his face pale as he stepped into the tense exchange. “Simply being back here is a blessing I could never have dared to dream of. I ask for nothing more.” His words carried a quiet resignation, and when his gaze briefly met Ethan’s, his smile held a faint warmth. “It’s clear Ethan truly loves Olivia. His happiness is all that matters to me.”
“Smith, you’re so compassionate,” James said, sighing heavily. “Such an understanding soul! Unlike another son of mine who seems determined to rebel at every turn.”
Sophia cast a thoughtful glance at Smith, her earlier sharpness softening. Despite her biting remarks, Smith had taken no offense, continuing to display empathy for others. She found herself lamenting that such a gentle spirit was born of a mistress—an inescapable barrier to her full acceptance of him.
Olivia’s lips curved into a wry smile, her eyes sparkling mischievously as she regarded Smith. There was something in his tone, in that faint air of melancholy, that strikingly resembled Sophia.
“Smith, would you mind taking Ethan to the garden?” James suggested, his voice heavy with expectation. “Sophia and I need a private word with Olivia.”
“Did I agree to that?” Ethan’s head snapped up, his defiant tone carrying an authority that rivaled James’s own.
“You ungrateful brat!” James bellowed, his patience fraying. “Since when do I need your permission to speak to Olivia?”
“She is my wife,” Ethan replied coolly, though his voice carried an edge of steel. “And as her husband, it’s my duty to protect her.”
Before the tension could escalate further, Olivia leaned closer to Ethan, her voice a soft murmur meant only for him. “It’s alright,” she reassured him, her tone calm and composed. “This might be the perfect opportunity for them to see my worth.”
Ethan frowned, his eyes searching hers for any sign of unease. Yet her tranquil demeanor reassured him, even as he hesitated.
“Ethan, don’t worry,” Sophia interEmily Grantcted, her voice firm and resolute. “I won’t allow your father to intimidate Olivia.”
With an unreadable expression, Ethan maneuvered his wheelchair toward the garden, his movements deliberate. Smith followed closely, his concern etched in his features.
Once they were gone, James signaled for the household staff to leave, and the living room emptied, leaving only him, Sophia, and Olivia.
James’s gaze hardened as he began, his tone dripping with condescension. “Olivia, you must understand the weight our family places on social standing. Once, you were the esteemed heiress of the Edwards family, engaged to Ethan and considered a fitting match. But now, estranged from your family and stripped of your title, do you truly believe you’re still worthy of him?”
Sophia sat silently, her eyes fixed on Olivia as she awaited her response. While Sophia had grown to accept Olivia as her daughter-in-law, she remained curious about the qualities that had so captivated Ethan.
Olivia’s voice rang clear and unwavering as she responded. “I am well aware of the Cole family’s formidable reputation, Mr. Cole. As the head of the leading family in Efrery, your influence is unmatched, your accomplishments undeniable. But I must ask—does a family of such stature still require alliances to sustain its strength?”
James’s expression darkened further. “What exactly are you implying?”
“I’m asking if the future heir to the Cole family is truly free to choose his own partner,” Olivia replied, her tone razor-sharp. “If not, then perhaps your claim of being the leading family is far more fragile than it appears.”
Her words struck James like a thunderclap, rendering him momentarily speechless.
Sophia, however, couldn’t suppress a glimmer of admiration. This disinherited daughter of the Edwards family was proving to be far more formidable than she had anticipated.
“The strong must align with the strong,” James finally retorted, his voice cold and unyielding. “That is a principle as old as time. What makes you think you are fit to stand among the strong?”
Olivia let out a soft sigh, her eyes meeting his with quiet intensity.
