Chapter 71 Solving the Knight Family Crisis

Chapter 71 Solving the Knight Family Crisis

Although William wasn't happy about it, he reluctantly climbed down from his dining chair and went to find Sienna.

"Mommy!" His breathless voice echoed through the hallway.

Hearing that familiar panting, Sienna knew it had to be little William racing toward her. Sure enough, moments later the door burst open and William scrambled onto the bed, beaming with excitement.

"Mommy, I saved you a chicken leg!" He thrust the piece of meat toward her with pride.

It was rare for William to save food for anyone else. Sienna accepted the chicken leg and planted a grateful kiss on his chubby cheek. "Thank you, William. I can't believe you actually saved this for me—what a sweet boy!"

William practically glowed under the praise, his whole face lighting up.

Amara had grown quite fond of William despite his mischievous nature. He was the most spirited of the three children, and certainly had the sweetest tongue when he wanted something.

Sienna made a show of eating every bite of the chicken leg, which sent William into delighted giggles as he rolled around on the bed.

When they headed downstairs, Sienna scooped William up and tested his weight in her arms. "William, you're going on a diet starting tomorrow. You'll be exercising with me every morning—do you hear me?"

William's face immediately fell, looking as though even the memory of the chicken leg couldn't console him now.

Sienna chuckled and kissed his forehead again, which restored his smile instantly.

At the dinner table, William scampered off to play with his siblings while Amara turned to Sienna with a serious expression. "I've reviewed William's medical records thoroughly. His intestinal condition requires another surgery, and if you trust me, I'd like to perform it myself."

Sienna looked at her with surprise. "Mom, you really think William's intestinal malformation can be corrected surgically?"

This wasn't Sienna's area of expertise, which was why she'd struggled to find the right specialist.

"You can count on me—I'm one of the leading experts in pediatric gastroenterology. I've already scheduled the operating room. If you give your consent, we can proceed in two days." Amara's voice carried quiet confidence.

Sienna nodded and ladled chicken soup into Amara's bowl. "You should drink this—you look exhausted. You need to take better care of yourself."

Gage walked in just as Sienna finished speaking and immediately took the seat beside Amara. "See? Even Sienna's worried about you. You need to start eating properly—your health is everything, and Sienna's children still need us."

Amara sipped her soup slowly, completely ignoring Gage's fussing. Sienna found herself fascinated by their dynamic. It was clear that Amara was the true authority in the Smith family—even Gage and her brothers seemed to walk on eggshells around her.

"Speaking of the children, what about their father? That Alexander has put Sienna through hell, and this time you'd better stand up for her." Amara's tone was steel wrapped in silk.

Gage's eyes immediately sharpened with interest. "Absolutely right, darling. Ethan! Where's Ethan? Come on, let's go to the study and figure out how to destroy Alexander once and for all."

Ethan nodded grimly—he'd been waiting for his chance to settle the score with Alexander.

While the Smith family plotted Alexander's downfall, Alexander knew he couldn't simply waltz into their territory unprepared, or they'd tear him apart without a second thought.

Meanwhile, at the Knight estate, Vesper had been thrown out of the Reed mansion. With the Reed family facing bankruptcy and unable to reach anyone from the Knight family, she'd taken to camping outside Knight Group headquarters like a woman possessed.

"Where's Alexander? I demand to see him!" she shrieked at the building's entrance.

The Knight Group employees had grown accustomed to Vesper's daily theatrics. The first day had drawn curious onlookers, but by now even the security guards barely glanced her way. Her rants had become predictably repetitive.

"Mr. Knight just announced he's holding a press conference. Come on, everyone's gathering to watch," one employee mentioned to another as they passed.

Alexander appeared via video link, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, looking vigorous and healthy with no trace of illness. The backdrop clearly showed Moonlit River's distinctive landscape.

"I understand there's been some concern about whether I'm dead or alive—though I can't imagine how such ridiculous rumors got started. I've simply been vacationing with my wife and children at Moonlit River, and somehow this became news of my demise. Absolutely absurd." His voice carried dry amusement. "Additionally, I want to clarify that Vesper is not a blood member of the Knight family. She was adopted, and twenty years ago when she married, she formally severed all ties with our family."

Alexander held up a legal document for the camera. "This is the severance agreement Vesper signed herself twenty years ago when she moved to Harmony City."

"At that time, Vesper demanded twenty billion dollars from the Knight family as her dowry to the Reed family. My grandparents opposed the marriage—the Reed family was nothing more than a declining clan in Harmony City, hardly worthy of a Knight daughter. But Vesper threatened to cut ties completely unless she could marry into that family, so my grandfather finally relented."

Watching the livestream on her phone, Vesper felt crushing regret. Twenty years ago, bearing the Knight name, she'd had marriage proposals from the most prestigious families. Instead, she'd chosen the Reed family, believing they were Harmony City's elite. Only after the wedding did she discover they were on the brink of bankruptcy, surviving solely on her twenty-billion-dollar injection.

Now, having lost the Knight family's protection and been cast out by the Reed family, she had nothing.

Alexander added, "Furthermore, I've gathered evidence proving that Vesper poisoned my grandfather with intent to kill. This evidence has been submitted to the police, and I'm confident we'll have resolution soon."

Before Alexander could finish his press conference, police officers appeared at Knight Group's entrance and arrested Vesper. In the boardroom, the shareholders watched with excitement and relief—not only was there more to this story than they'd imagined, but Alexander was clearly alive and well.

"Thank God Mr. Knight is safe—that's all that matters!"

When the press conference ended, Alexander joined the shareholders' meeting via video.

"I hear some people have been quite busy with their little schemes while I was away. If any of you are feeling too comfortable in your positions, I'd be happy to give you something more challenging to worry about." His smile was razor-sharp.

"We wouldn't dare, Mr. Knight! Our loyalty to Knight Group is absolute—we'd never betray you!"

"Exactly, Mr. Knight. We were only concerned about the company's future. As long as you're in charge, you have our complete support!"

Alexander gave a wintry laugh at the shareholder who had just spoken. "Your shares have been revoked effective immediately. You're expelled from the board. Let this serve as a warning: anyone who betrays Knight Group from within will find themselves utterly ruined."

The video connection ended, leaving the remaining shareholders sweating with fear.

After concluding the meeting, Alexander called Sienna, and this time she answered.

"Well, how did Mr. Knight's press conference go?" Her tone was carefully neutral.

Alexander's smile was audible in his voice. "Worried about me, Sienna? I imagine the Smith family is preparing to tear me limb from limb."

"What's wrong, Mr. Knight—getting cold feet?"

Alexander shook his head, though she couldn't see it. "I messed up—I'll take whatever's coming to me. If this is what it takes for you to forgive me, there's nothing I won't endure. Sienna—are you looking forward to my arrival?"