Chapter 53: Family Secrets and Aftermath–2
Relief swept through the hall like a physical wave. My tightly coiled nerves loosened slightly, and the oppressive despair eased a fraction.
“The silver dagger missed vital organs,” the doctor continued. “We’ve removed all traces of silver from the wound. He’s young and strong–his werewolf healing abilities should take over now that the silver is gone.”
Connor was transferred to ICU for observation, the risk of infection still looming, but the worst had passed. The heavy stone crushing everyone’s hearts slowly lifted.
(Eleanor’s POV)
With the immediate crisis over, my thoughts turned to what had happened. How had this disaster occurred at what should have been a joyous family occasion?
My gaze hardened as I addressed the family gathered in the waiting area. “How did Vanessa sneak into the estate? Our security is tight–no invitation, no entry. Has anyone found out?”
William, recalling the barrage of missed calls during the chaos, hurriedly pulled out his phone and dialed back. After a brief conversation, his expression darkened further.
“The investigation shows Vanessa entered as Clayton Thornton’s female companion,” he reported grimly. “She wore a mask, and since Grey family’s Third Young Master personally brought her, the guards didn’t insist on removing it.”
“Grey family?” My brows furrowed deeply. This connection was unexpected and concerning. “When did Vanessa get involved with the Grey family?”
William sighed heavily. “According to them, Clayton met her by chance in America. She never told him she’d been sent abroad as punishment. He claims this is our family’s private affair.”
He ran a hand through his graying hair. “As for why she came as his companion, Clayton said she wanted to surprise us.”
My eyes grew colder with each word. “A perfect excuse, but I don’t buy it. Keep digging.”
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William nodded, his expression grim. At this moment, Frank Langley, Connor’s assistant, approached respectfully.
“Elder Rivers, Chairman William,” he said with a slight bow, “the police just called.”
My gaze sharpened. “What did they say?”
Frank replied evenly, “Vanessa is suspected of k********g and attempted murder. They ask if the family wants to handle this officially or…”
(Katherine’s POV)
+8 Points >
Before he could finish, I cut in with a bitter sneer. “She harmed Connor and you think we’d shield her? Ridiculous.”
My voice shook with rage and betrayal. This girl I had raised as my own daughter had tried to kill my son.
“Of course, prosecute her to the fullest extent of the law!”
Eleanor nodded after a thoughtful pause. “Severe punishment,” she agreed, her voice
like steel.
Frank bowed slightly. “Yes. Also, Mr. Rivers previously instructed me to look into Vanessa. I found out that those two thugs who harassed Miss Winters before were hired by her.”
The revelation hit me like a physical blow. I’d known Vanessa was obsessed with
Connor, but to go this far…
(Richard’s POV)
“What?” I exploded, unable to contain my anger. “Vanessa harassed our daughter? This is outrageous!”
My protective instincts flared. As Alpha of the Winters pack, I’d failed to protect my daughter from these threats.
Frank confirmed with a solemn nod. “She even contacted Miss Winters‘ law firm to
have them ‘special treat‘ her.”
My voice shook with fury. “Unbelievable!”
I glanced at Olivia, who stood silently against the wall. How much had she endured
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without telling me? My heart ached with guilt for not being there for her.
(Eleanor’s POV)
+ Points >
A heavy sigh escaped me as I considered the full scope of this disaster. “Vanessa turning out like this, we Rivers family share the blame.”
I looked at Katherine, whose face was a mask of pain and betrayal. “Katherine, you adopted her to repay Victoria Reed’s kindness. Now she’s grown up, and we’ve given her everything. That debt is repaid.”
My voice turned solemn as I made the decision that would alter our family forever. “Her repeated crimes cannot be condoned. From this moment, she is expelled from the Rivers family. No objections?”
atherine’s expression was bleak as she whispered, “None.”
Her voice trembled with pain. “I treated her like my own daughter, gave her the best education, tutors for piano and dance, dressed her like a Rivers heiress. How could
she repay me with such malice?”
She shook her head in disbelief. “Coveting Connor, sabotaging his engagement,
committing crimes… I never imagined this.”
(Katherine’s POV)
Eleanor sighed deeply, her disapproval evident. “How could a good child become like
this? Katherine, see what you’ve raised?”
I nearly choked on anger and grief at her words. After everything I’d been through
today, to be blamed for Vanessa’s actions was too much.
“Mother,” I protested, “all these years I’ve cared for her, you saw it with your own eyes. I gave her the best. But no matter how much you nurture someone, you can’t control their heart. How can you blame me entirely?”
The old lady’s gaze was sharp with disapproval, but William intervened. “Enough. It’s
not Katherine’s fault.”
I was grateful for his support, rare as it was. Today had revealed too many family fractures, too many painful truths.
Eleanor turned her attention to Olivia Winters, who had remained silent throughout
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our family drama. Her face was pale, her eyes haunted with guilt and fear.
+ Points >
“Tell me,” Eleanor demanded, her eyes sharp as blades, “what exactly happened on that rooftop? How did Connor get hurt?”
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