Chapter 93: Chapter 93

Chapter 93:

Stella was canvassing the Warren family for their thoughts.

The lively hall fell silent, as if a spell had been cast, freezing everyone in place.

Eileen glanced at Bryan, his jaw clenched, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

Who would have guessed Stella’s announcement wasn’t about giving her blessing to Vivian and Bryan’s relationship, but to declare Vivian as her granddaughter, effectively making Vivian Bryan’s sister?

Eileen, mirroring the astonishment of the others, looked at Stella in disbelief.

The shock reverberated through the Warren family, leaving them momentarily speechless.

Stella chuckled and added, “I’ve already had the lawyer draft up an agreement for the division of assets once Vivian becomes my granddaughter. If you all agree, we can sign it right away.”

“Mrs. Dawson!” Vivian’s outburst startled the room as she rose to her feet, trying to take off the bracelet on her wrist. “I don’t want to be your granddaughter; I want to be your granddaughter-in-law! Bryan and I share genuine love. Why won’t you give us your blessing?”

Despite her efforts, the bracelet clung to her wrist, leaving it reddened and sore.

Debby intervened quickly, saying, “Take it easy, Vivian. You’ll hurt yourself.”

Fergus, his frustration evident, fixed a stern gaze on Stella. “Mrs. Dawson, this involves the bond between Bryan and Vivian. Your refusal to bless their union will stain my family’s honor!”

Stella’s voice was firm. “You’re wrong. How does granting Vivian the status of my granddaughter bring shame? I’m actually safeguarding your family’s dignity.”

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com is full of thrilling adventures Standing up, she strode purposefully to Bryan’s side.

“Bryan, step forward,” she commanded.

Eileen tensed up, observing Bryan’s demeanor as he stepped forward.

“My grandson is already married,” Stella declared, her tone firm. “If Vivian continues like this, she’ll be seen as the mistress. Am I not protecting her reputation now? Or do you truly wish for her to be a home-wrecker and join our Dawson family in such a manner?”

Stella’s gaze softened as she looked at Vivian. “You’re a good girl, raised with proper values by the Warren family. Insisting on breaking up a family is tempting fate.”

With a sigh, Stella touched the bracelet that had resisted Vivian’s attempts. “Accept it; you’re not meant to be a mistress in this lifetime.”

Eileen observed Stella’s expression, a mix of kindness and manipulation, realizing the depth of Stella’s reluctance.

She couldn’t help but feel lucky for how effortlessly she had married Bryan.

However, divorcing him seemed like a formidable task, and Eileen felt emotionally drained from being caught in the middle of this mess.

“Why can’t you forgive me, Mrs. Dawson? Are you willing to gamble with Bryan’s lifelong happiness? He doesn’t love that woman; you’re being selfish!” Vivian’s voice quivered as she withdrew her hand, overwhelmed with emotion.

Kian approached Vivian, gently soothing her. Then he said to Stella, “Vivian might have been headstrong in the past, but her years abroad were challenging.”

Stella remained resolute. “She brought that upon herself. My family’s reputation has been tarnished by her. If not for the long-standing friendship between my family and hers, I wouldn’t even look at her now.”

It was evident that Stella was showing respect to the Warren family now. If the Warren family didn’t appreciate her efforts, she saw no reason to continue their relationship.

Tears streamed down Vivian’s face, and Debby wiped them away, too distraught to engage with Stella.

Fergus’s expression also darkened with worry.

Kian said, “Mrs. Dawson, true love cannot be denied. The bond between Vivian and Bryan cannot be erased by your objections.”

Bryan stood tall, hands tucked in his pockets, his unwavering gaze fixed on Stella. He remained silent.

Eileen couldn’t help but notice the determination in Bryan’s eyes, a silent acknowledgment of his intention to proceed with the divorce. She believed Kian’s words had a point.

Whether they chose to elope or defiantly face the consequences, it seemed inevitable that Bryan and Vivian would find a way to be together, undeterred by the repercussions on their families’ reputations.

Kian’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he attempted to lighten the tension with a casual tone. “Let’s be honest; Bryan’s wife is just an ordinary person, and you’re shielding her because she can’t handle the pressure. But you can’t shield her forever. Bryan and Vivian’s union is inevitable; it’s just a matter of time.”

His nonchalant tone carried a veiled threat.

A heavy silence settled over the hall, with everyone avoiding eye contact, their unease tangible as they hesitated to disturb the delicate stillness.

Eileen felt suffocated by Kian’s convincing argument. She realized that her survival against Vivian had only been possible because of her position as Bryan’s assistant.

She had to rely on Bryan’s protection to make it through.

And what about her secret identity as Bryan’s wife? Alone and unsupported, she seemed like nothing more than a pawn in Stella’s game, lacking genuine recognition.

“If that’s your stance, then I’ll make mine clear!” Stella declared, her eyes sharp and resolute. “I intend to pave the way for my granddaughter-in-law and remove any obstacles. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

Stella was hinting that if Vivian continued to challenge her, she wouldn’t hold back anymore.

If things escalated, what would happen to Vivian? Being labeled as a mistress would only bring shame upon her.

The consequences would ripple through the Warren family. If Vivian could marry into the Dawson family in the end, perhaps it would be worth it.

But what if she couldn’t?

Stella took a sip of her coffee, her demeanor calm yet firm. “I may not have many years left, but Bryan still has his parents. You can outlast me, but can you outlast them?”

Vivian paled at the implication.

Hopelessness washed over her.

“Grandma!” Bryan attempted to speak, but Stella cut him off with a cold command. “Shut up! If you dare to act recklessly, I’ll die right here!”

Bryan’s expression darkened, a sense of helplessness clouding his features, and he remained silent.

Meanwhile, Eileen observed the scene quietly, trying to blend into the background. However, she bumped into someone.

“Eileen, are you happy to see this?” Jacob asked, his voice barely audible.

He leaned closer, a smirk playing on his lips. “Want to make a bet?”

Eileen frowned, puzzled. “Bet? What is there to bet on?”

“I bet that even you could enter the Dawson family, but Vivian can’t,” Jacob said, crossing his arms confidently.

Eileen’s lips twitched. “There’s no need to bet. You’ve already won.”

After all, she was already part of the Dawson family.

Jacob was taken aback by her response.

Phoebe approached, pulling Eileen aside and whispering, “I’m with you, Eileen.”

Confused, Eileen asked, “What do you mean?”

Phoebe winked mischievously. “I’m waiting for you to bring me some good news.”

Eileen was puzzled by Phoebe’s words. “I don’t understand.”

Phoebe raised an eyebrow, then reached into her bag and rummaged around for a while before producing some buttons.

Eileen immediately recognized the buttons from one of her shirts, torn off by Bryan and left inside his car.

She had searched for them but had found none.

It turned out that Phoebe had taken them.

“I’m not trying to stir up trouble,” Phoebe reassured Eileen, putting the buttons away. “I mean it when I say I’m on your side.”

Eileen rubbed her temples, her attention returning to Vivian, who remained inconsolable despite her family’s attempts to comfort her.

Suddenly, Vivian’s tear-filled eyes locked onto Eileen’s.

She then pointed accusingly at Eileen.

“Mrs. Dawson, if you’re going to remove anyone, it should be Eileen, not me!” Vivian cried out, shaking off Kian’s hand and rushing toward Eileen, dragging her in front of Stella. “She’s pregnant with Bryan’s child! You won’t tolerate the eldest son of the Dawson family having an illegitimate child, will you? Eileen is being a homewrecker!”

Eileen stumbled backward, colliding with a chair. A sharp pain shot through her lower back, causing her to collapse to the floor, unable to stand.

Cold sweat broke out on her forehead and back, soaking her clothes as she struggled to lift her head to see Stella’s reaction.

Bryan’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze icy as it fixed on Vivian.

As he moved to help Eileen up, Jacob stopped him.

“Eileen can’t withstand Stella’s wrath if you defend her,” Jacob cautioned in a low voice.

Bryan glanced at Stella, who stared fixedly at Eileen before turning her gaze to Bryan. In an instant, his expression reverted to normal, any hint of emotion suppressed.

Eileen lifted her head and saw Bryan’s expression. He stood motionless, his demeanor cold and indifferent.

Eileen’s heart sank, and she lowered her head again.

“Pregnant?” Stella pointed her finger at Eileen. “Is that true?”

Bryan replied coolly, “Whether it’s true or false, why verify it?”

Stella immediately summoned Jarred, who was familiar with medical matters and had previously treated her minor ailments. He could test if the pregnancy was real.

“Eileen, give me your hand,” Jarred instructed, squatting beside her.

Eileen extended her hand without hesitation, and Jarred examined her wrist.

After a while, Jarred released her wrist and stood up. “Eileen is not pregnant.”

Vivian staggered, supported by Kian, and yelled, “Even if she’s not pregnant, she’s still a threat to Bryan’s marriage! She has been sleeping with Bryan!”

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