Chapter 157
157 A Dangerous Misstep
“ Cough, cough, cough!”
Franklin clutched the spot where he’d been kicked, rage bubbling in his chest. He pointed a trembling finger at Hudson but couldn’t force out a single word.
“What’s going on here?”
A deep, commanding voice rang out behind the crowd.
“Mr. Grayson!”
Hudson’s expression shifted the moment she saw the man. The hostility in her eyes faded by half.
“Mr. Grayson,” she greeted respectfully.
The Joyner family, battered and humiliated, straightened up instantly. Of everyone, only Connor managed to maintain his composure and quickly stepped to their side.
In truth, he’d been quietly observing the entire scuffle. The woman’s combat skills were far beyond anything he could handle. If he’d stepped in, he’d have ended up as another casualty. So he waited, biding his time. Now that Grayson had arrived, it was the perfect moment to act.
“Thank goodness you’re here,” Connor said politely, with a warm and courteous smile that made him seem impeccably well–mannered.
Grayson gave him a brief glance. The man looked well–groomed, like someone who’d just barely earned the right to attend a gathering like this. And now he had the gall to approach Grayson directly?
What the hell was security doing today?
Before Grayson could speak, Aurora stepped forward.
“Uncle Grayson, this is Mr. Connor from Trenwýn.”
Her explanation made Grayson pause. He recalled the current situation in Trenwyn, as well as Scarlett’s previously broken engagement. His displeasure only deepened as he shot Connor another cold look.
“Hmm.”
Connor responded with an even more eager smile, now tinged with a hint of sycophancy.
“The people who were assaulted just now are from the Joyner family in Trenwyn,” he said earnestly. “They came all this way to attend Madam Lane’s birthday banquet.”
He spoke with such sincerity that it was easy to believe him.
“They even went to great lengths to find an authentic painting by Gu Kaizhi as a birthday gift.”
At that, Franklin quickly signaled for Eugene to present the painting.
Connor continued smoothly. “As for this woman–I don’t know her background. But seeing that the Joyner family had found something that would please Madam Lane, she tried to steal the painting and attacked them.”
157 A Dangerous Misstep
I’ve always heard that Mr. Grayson is fair and just. I ask that you uphold justjee today and punish this troublemaker for deliberately stirring up chaos.”
By the time he finished, Connor was already convinced the situation was in the bag. Grayson despised bullies—he’d surely come down hard on this so–called attacker and appreciate Connor’s initiative in stepping up.
A perfect two–for–one.
Hudson’s jaw clenched. Her cars were practically ringing from the sheer nonsense.
This bastard could spin a story like no one else. The lies were so well–packaged, even she almost believed them.
With her hands on her hips, she let out a series of cold laughs. She was just about to snap back when Martha finally found her voice.
“In truth,” Martha said, “we of the Joyner family only wanted to express our goodwill, to bring joy to Madam Lane on her special day.”
“I don’t mind being attacked,” she added with an aggrieved expression. “But this woman tried to sabotage the banquet. Her intentions are beyond wicked.”
Hudson couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Not only were they twisting the truth, they were doing it so shamelessly.
“No wonder Scarlett suffered so much at your hands,” she said, laughing in disbelief. “You people really know how to turn the truth on its head.” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
She rolled up her sleeves. “Looks like I missed a spot earlier. Maybe now’s a good time to knock your teeth
out.”
Grayson reached out and stopped her with a sigh.
This was Scarlett’s personal bodyguard. And now that his sister–in–law had become the family matriarch, Hudson’s status had risen accordingly. He couldn’t just scold her like any other subordinate.
“Miss Scarlett,” he said mildly, “when are you going to get a handle on that temper of yours?”
The entire Joyner family froze.
Did Grayson just call that woman… Miss Scarlett?
Had they misheard him?
Was he joking ?
Connor turned pale, glancing awkwardly at Aurora. “Ms. Aurora, this woman…”
In truth, Aurora had wanted to stop him earlier. But he moved too fast, and she hadn’t made it in time. If not for the fact that Connor still had some potential use, she would’ve washed her hands of him already.
She took a deep breath and lowered her voice. “That’s my aunt’s personal bodyguard. Hudson.”
Connor’s expression crumpled.
157 A Dangerous Misstop
He wasn’t a novice in business he knew exactly how these things worked . People like drivers housekeepers , and bodyguards who served the powerful were never to be offended. They were around the time, and even if their praise didn’t matter, their complaints certainly did.
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. His heartbeat nearly flatlined.
Back at lunch, Martha had already offended this bodyguard.
And when she returned, beaten and furious, she had told them…
Wait.
A chill ran down Connor’s spine.
Martha had said Scarlett was the long–lost daughter the Lane family was bringing home.
They hadn’t taken it seriously at the time.
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