Kayden glanced at Kelvin in confusion before turning his head toward Memphis John. He asked, “Mr. John, what does this mean?”
The question left Memphis John momentarily embarrassed. Quickly, he explained everything Daphne had said and done.
After hearing the explanation, Kayden frowned and firmly denied it. “We’re not in a relationship. She’s just a child.”
To Kayden, Daphne was indeed just a child. Even though she was an adult now and not much younger than him, her maturity level still reflected that of a child in his eyes.
His statement extinguished the excitement that had just filled the John family. Even Memphis John felt a faint sense of disappointment.
In truth, he had hoped his granddaughter could be with such an extraordinary man. When Daphne had spoken earlier, he had doubted her words, but a small part of him had held onto hope.
Especially considering Kayden’s dramatic entrance, which seemed directed at Daphne, hearing him now claim they had no connection left Memphis John deeply dispirited.
Mary, on the other hand, felt an unexpected wave of relief upon learning that Daphne had lied. She understood that love was selfish-who wouldn’t be drawn to a man as remarkable as Kayden?
If Daphne wasn’t with him, it meant she still had a chance.
In a family this large, there were always those prone to jealousy and mockery. Kelvin’s eldest daughter was a prime example. She had never liked Daphne, who held a high position in the family and lived like a princess, constantly by Memphis John’s side.
Meanwhile, she herself was almost invisible. Despite being a granddaughter as well, she was overlooked. When the family head showed favoritism, how could anyone feel content?
So, at moments like this, she couldn’t resist making a few sarcastic remarks.
“So, Daphne lied about dating Dr. Scott, didn’t she?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Daphne was definitely lying! She ran off because she was afraid her lie would be exposed,” another relative, equally envious of Daphne, chimed in.
“I actually believed Daphne had found such an impressive boyfriend. Who knew she’d make up such a story to fool us all?”
An elder from the John family sighed. “I thought it was true. If it had been, our family would’ve been so proud.”
“It’s such a pity. Daphne just doesn’t have that kind of luck.”
“Heh.”
The mocking laughter filled the room, making Memphis John’s anger erupt. He scolded sharply, “What do you mean by that? Are you implying Daphne did something wrong?”
Kelvin’s daughter raised her brows defiantly and replied, “No, Grandpa! We just think Daphne shouldn’t have lied. She made us all think she found a great man. We’re only expressing regret for her.”
“Hmph!” Memphis John snorted coldly. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re really thinking. Without Daphne’s quick thinking to buy time, would Dr. Scott have arrived when he did? Daphne stepped forward to shield me in a moment of life and death. And you? Would any of you have dared to do the same?”
His reprimand silenced everyone. They lowered their heads-not out of guilt, but out of fear of Memphis John.
Memphis John’s face was filled with disappointment. “I don’t expect you to protect me. Your lives are your own, and you have the right to decide for yourselves. But why do you mock Daphne? She told a lie that saved all our lives, and now you use it to ridicule her?”
His words struck a nerve, and his anger was clear. No one dared to speak further. Heads remained bowed, knowing full well that Memphis John was furious.
Turning back to Kayden, Memphis John’s tone softened, and he said with embarrassment, “Dr. Scott, I apologize for the poor conduct of my family.”
Then, he continued, “Dr. Scott, Daphne’s actions were only meant to protect me. If she hadn’t stalled for time, I might not be standing here now. I hope you won’t hold it against her.”
“It’s fine,” Kayden replied calmly.
He had no interest in wasting time on this topic. Directly, he asked, “Mr. John, I came here today to ask you something. Five days ago, did a woman come to see you?”
This was his true purpose for visiting. Mr. Roberts had told him about it, and he needed to confirm it for himself.
Hearing the question, Memphis John quickly nodded. “Yes, a woman did come to see me.”
So it was true. It seemed Mr. Roberts did have some skill.
“What did she come for?” Kayden asked.
“She said she was here to deliver a gift,” Memphis John replied. “Then she left. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But after she left, many things started happening here.”
Memphis John proceeded to recount the recent events to Kayden.
After listening, Kayden frowned. “So, she brought you quite a few benefits, didn’t she?”
Memphis John nodded. “Yes, she did.”
“Then why are you so nervous? Isn’t this a good thing?”
Memphis John wasn’t foolish. He understood the implication behind Kayden’s question. He also understood Kayden’s identity and his position in the country. If Kayden had tracked down the woman, it meant he was now aware of the organization behind her.
“Dr. Scott,” Memphis John said solemnly. “I may not be a saint, but I believe a man must know what to do and what not to do. If something belongs to me, I’ll take it. If it doesn’t, I won’t touch it. Accepting favors comes with consequences. The John family has stood strong not by scheming but by staying grounded.”
Kayden chuckled. “It seems the John family’s success is well-earned.”
Memphis John shook his head modestly. “Dr. Scott, you flatter me. Compared to you, we’re nothing.”
Kayden waved his hand dismissively and asked, “Did she come back after that?”
Memphis John shook his head. “No, but the people she sent kept coming. They brought many valuable gifts, all of which I refused. It was because I rejected their gifts that they decided to destroy the John family.”
Kayden’s expression darkened as he processed this information.