Which one? Cristelle thought distastefully.
“You don’t need to beg him,” Mrs. White snapped, “Everyone knows that you wouldn’t be a real Bradley if you didn’t have some cold blood running in your veins. Let’s see how they’re gonna handle this!”
Mrs. White looked at Linford silently, her eyes placid yet vicious.
Don’t forget I also know your secret, Linford Bradley.
Linford acted like he didn’t even care, “Pop, Candace almost lost her leg. I hope you can think about this when you make the judgment.”
Darwin’s head drooped, “Father, this is all my fault. But I swear that I’ve never received any bribes from the Wayne House. I helped them because our families have been friends for generations. I didn’t expect it to turn out to be this bad.”
Of course, you didn’t expect this. Linford rolled his eyes, silently scolding his father. Have you ever expected anything before you made a stupid decision?
“Darwin, that’s an easy way to brush things off,” Mrs. White sniffed, “They tried to use agricultural land for business. It broke the law.”
Mrs. White was basically telling everyone that if anyone dared to touch her granddaughter. She would report to the Bradley House and the Wayne House as well. No one would escape.
That was a vicious yet effective way to threaten them.
Mr. Wayne knew he must choose a side at this point. He stood up straighter, “I was the one who cheated Darwin into getting the piece of land for us. He didn’t even know that I was about to build a mall. The Bradley House has nothing to do with this.”
“What a good dog,” Mrs. White snorted, “Not only did you get the land. You even committed bribery. I can’t imagine what your father would say if he were still alive.”
Bribery… The harsh word rang in Mr. Wayne’s ears.
Tanya thought about the diamond bracelet Mrs. Wayne gave her. Her knees almost buckled.
Linford wasn’t scared of the bold threat Mrs. White blurted out. He thought what Mrs. White said was only an empty threat. She didn’t even have any evidence to prove that they accepted any bribes.
“Don’t think there’s nothing I can do after you destroy that evidence. There always will be a trace for things you did,” Saying that, Mrs. White shot Tanya a look.
Tanya looked like she was gonna faint.
Pop weighed the whole thing for a second, shooting his useless son a disappointed look.
Things were pretty complicated at this point, but he would never put his son’s political career at any risk.
So the old man cleared his throat, “What Clara did was wrong. But she’s been a Bradley member for many years, and she didn’t marry another guy after my grandson passed away. I respect her love and loyalty. But since today, Clara, you’re not a Bradley member anymore. Go back to your family. Don’t come back ever again,” Pop shook his head, “Your husband would also make this drastic decision if he were here.”
Clara broke into bits as she heard this, crying and crawling on the floor like a mad woman, “No! Pop! You can’t kick me out! Please don’t! I’m still a Bradley family member! I love your grandson and your family so much! I can’t leave this family.”
Clara knew that if she left now, she would never be able to see Linford forever. It would be hell for her.
Pop turned away in disgust.
Cristelle couldn’t bear hearing her cry anymore. How could she be so naive for not being able to notice Clara’s feelings for Linford?
Cristelle wanted to walk out of the room. But a big hand suddenly grabbed her small arm. It felt safe and warm. Cristelle looked up and saw the concerned look on Linford’s handsome face. She heaved a deep sigh.
Mrs. White looked at her granddaughter as if she was looking at some low creature.
Was this mad woman really her sweet and smart Clara? Why did she still insist on staying here after everything?
“Mom… Nanny… Please say something nice to Pop. I want to say. I can’t- I can’t…”
Slap!
Beth was both heartbroken and angry as she slapped her daughter again, “Shut up, Clara! SHUT UP!”
Hadn’t she humiliated herself in front of everyone enough?
Clara crumpled on the floor. Her hair and dress were both a mess. She felt dizzy, and she couldn’t even breathe.
But Linford only had his eyes on Cristelle.
She had loved this man since they were both teenagers.
Why couldn’t he understand and see her affection?
“Thank you, Pop, for being so kind,” Beth pulled Clara up, “I’m taking my stupid daughter back right now.”
Mrs. White sniffed and followed.
The room felt more spacious after those people left.
Now, the three families had officially fallen out with each other. Linford wasn’t scared of this result. For him, being openly hostile was safer than fake peace.
Franco turned to Cristelle, “Sorry for what you must go through, dear. That was such a farce. I’ll keep an eye on you and the babies, so you won’t be bullied by those bad people again.”
Cristelle shook her head, “You don’t have to say this, Pop. I know you’ve done your best.”
Franco needed to try his best to balance everything. Delivering justice to everyone was a challenging task. In addition, he still had the prosperity of the Bradley House to take care of.
“You’re an intelligent and kind woman, Cristelle,” the old man smiled, “I’m glad that Linford chose you as his partner.”
They were not even partners as they were not married yet. Cristelle went blushing as she looked away. The gentle squeeze on her hand brought Cristelle to raise her face. Linford was smiling down at her.
Cristelle looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Her mood was still quite gloomy when they got home.
Candace had fallen asleep. Before Cristelle could close the door, however, Linford suddenly pulled her in, “You didn’t even have much food during the family dinner. Are you hungry now? We can grab some snacks.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it,” Cristelle said coldly.
Linford touched her cheek, “But you look pale and down.”
Cristelle suddenly pulled away, “I told you I’m fine! Can you not touch me?”
Linford blinked suddenly, “Why? What’s wrong? Do you not like the way Pop dealt with Clara Palton?”