Chapter 266

Chapter 266:

Her attention drifted to the jewelry box Sadie had returned. She reached for it and flipped it open. Inside, the pink diamond necklace lay untouched.

Anyone else in Sadie’s position would have accepted such an offer without hesitation. But she didn’t. That, at the very least, was bold.

Aside from her origins, the girl seemed… decent.

Outside the cafe, Sadie inhaled deeply, steadying herself. She had done her part—whether Susannah believed her was another matter.

Back at Howe Manor, Susannah handed off her shawl to a waiting servant. Pressing her fingers to her temples, she exhaled, weariness seeping into her posture.

“Welcome back, Mrs. Howe,” the butler said respectfully, stepping forward.

“Yeah,” Susannah responded, making her way to the sofa.

Before she could settle in, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Alex strode in, concern written all over his face.

“Mom, I heard you met with Sadie?”

Susannah glanced up, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Why do you look so troubled?”

Alex stopped before her, his voice firm. “What did you say to her? Is she alright?”

Susannah lifted the cup a servant had just placed before her, blowing lightly over the surface before taking a measured sip.

“Don’t be so dramatic. I simply had a conversation with her.”

Alex didn’t look convinced, his jaw tightening. “Just a conversation? You didn’t pressure her to do anything, did you?”

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Setting the cup down, Susannah studied her son. “You seem quite invested in this woman, Alex.”

Alex fell silent for a moment before finally speaking. “She’s a good person. She doesn’t deserve to be treated unfairly.”

“Alex, I know you have a compassionate heart, but not everything is as straightforward as you think,” Susannah said calmly.

Alex met her gaze. “What are you trying to say?”

Susannah’s gaze locked onto Alex, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. “Have you fallen for Sadie?” she asked, her voice cutting through the air.

Alex hesitated, his jaw tightening as he struggled to find the right words. After a moment, he finally spoke. “I have, Mom.”

Susannah’s perfectly sculpted brows furrowed, and despite the flawless makeup that adorned her face, it couldn’t conceal the anger brewing beneath. “This is unbelievable!” she snapped. “A single mother with a child? And you’ve fallen for her? Have you lost sight of your responsibilities as the heir of this family?”

Alex took a deep breath, his voice steady but pleading. “Mom, Sadie is strong, compassionate, and worthy of happiness. Why can’t you accept that?”

Susannah’s eyes narrowed in disbelief. “So you really think she’s someone worth considering?” Her voice dripped with disdain. “No matter how amazing she is, she’s a single mom. She made choices that ruined her reputation; how could you even think she can be a part of our family?”

The air in the living room grew thick with tension. Alex’s heart sank, the weight of Susannah’s words pressing down on him.

Susannah studied her son, seeing the determination in his eyes. Her tone softened, but the frustration still lingered. “Look, Alex, I only want what’s best for you. You’re not a kid anymore, and it’s time you start thinking about getting married. I’ve already arranged meetings with some respectable young women from good families. At least give them a chance…”

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