Chapter 119

Adelina had another meeting to attend, so after dropping off the bags, she didn't linger.

As soon as she left, Citrine stared at the rows upon rows of handbags before her, feeling a headache coming on.

She turned to Salome, her eyes lighting up. "Auntie, why don't you pick a few? Take whichever ones you like," Citrine said, waving her hand generously.

Salome looked at her niece in utter disbelief.

"These are very expensive, Citrine," Salome said, her voice gentle but firm. "The one you gave me is more than enough." She really did love the bag, but these were all rare, designer pieces-far too extravagant to simply give away.

But Citrine just grinned and tugged Salome over. "Don't worry about it, Auntie. Go ahead, pick out your favorites-I still have plenty more at home."

"If you insist, I won't say no," Salome replied, her shock deepening, though she didn't refuse again.

Only after Salome had finished choosing did Citrine remember the matter at hand. She didn't spare Regina a glance, instead focusing on Weston.

Regina's only support in the Carmichael family was Weston. Citrine figured she'd have better luck getting answers from him.

"Weston, you heard what Regina just promised. Will she keep her word?"

Her tone sharpened at the end.

Weston could feel the pressure she was putting on him, and found himself caught off guard. He had always been the one laying down the law for the younger generation—never the other way around. This was the first time a junior had challenged him, and to his own surprise, he felt a surge of pride for his granddaughter.

That's more like it. She's a true Carmichael-fearless, like I was at her age.

A slow smile spread across his face, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Of course. A Carmichael's word is their bond."

He turned to Regina, whose face had gone deathly pale. His voice, though calm, left no room for argument. "Regina, do you have anything to add?"

Regina looked utterly miserable. She knew how much Weston despised those who went back on their promises.

But when she thought about what she had agreed to, her lips pressed together, and though she opened her mouth, the words wouldn't come.

Suddenly, Regina dropped to her knees before Weston. "Grandpa."

"What are you doing?" Weston's face darkened. Regina might not have been his biological granddaughter, but he'd raised her in his home for years. He had always admired her pride and fire. Now, seeing her throw away her dignity like this, he felt nothing but disappointment.

Regina's eyes reddened as she bowed her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Grandpa, I grew up in the Carmichael family. I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave you."

"You made this promise yourself. No one forced you," Weston said, turning away from her, his disappointment clear.

Refusing to believe he could be so cold, Regina shuffled forward on her knees and clung to his sleeve, desperation in her eyes. "Please, Grandpa, help me. I don't want to leave the family. I don't want to leave you."

Weston pulled his arm free. "Regina, stop this pitiful act. Remember what you swore. Or I really will regret ever bringing you and your brother home from that orphanage."

Weston had always despised weakness. Regina didn't realize that the moment she knelt before him, begging, she had lost his favor for good.

He cast her one last cold look. "I'll have someone arrange a new place for you. Tomorrow morning, you'll move out."

Vicente glanced down at his sister, fighting the urge to plead on her behalf.

Throughout this entire ordeal, Manley and Travis had kept to themselves, quietly observing. When it was finally over, father and son exchanged a knowing, satisfied smile.