"That'd better be the case!"

Steven issued another threat, "If Ashton continues to misuse her authority to shield the murderers in the Quillen family, rest assured, with the Tanner family's connections, we can have her stripped of her position. If the Summerton family suffers any losses, don't blame us for not warning you beforehand!"

"We completely understand, Mr. Tanner. This is just a small gesture from us. I assure you, we will ensure Ashton behaves appropriately!"

Althea hastened to placate him, even summoning a servant to present a card to Steven. She couldn't afford to offend such a crucial figure in the Chamber of Commerce!

Especially after learning of the Tanner family's collaboration with the Airspace Group, if the Tanners decided to turn against the Summerton family, they would be in serious trouble.

With a contemptuous snort, Steven made his exit in a grand manner.This content is © .

In truth, the Tanner family wasn't exceptionally powerful, but they had one advantage- they boasted numerous male heirs. With Aidan out of the picture, there were plenty of other heirs eager to step into his shoes!

Steven's primary goal in seeking revenge for his son was to exploit the situation and subjugate the Summerton family under the authority of the Tanner family, bringing them to their knees.

"You shouldn't have yielded to the Tanner family so easily, Althea!"

Once the Tanner family members left, Zaiden wasted no time in voicing his discontent.

Althea had helped him navigate various social complications over the years, but he thought her handling of this situation was inappropriate.

The Summerton family held a prestigious status in Onza. If word got out that they had capitulated to the Tanner family, it would tarnish their reputation.

"What do you suggest we do, then? Wait for the Tanner family to make a move against us before giving in?"

Althea was incensed. "The Tanner family has allied with the Witchona Chamber of

Commerce, Airspace Group, and other factions, with Teddy Tanner backing them. If we provoke them, we're courting disaster. I'd rather suffer some financial loss than invite such trouble upon us!"

Zaiden didn't want to argue with her, so he stopped fussing over the money. The

Summerton family wasn't short on funds anyway, but they needed to address the issue at hand.

"Quickly, summon Ashton back home!" Zaiden promptly instructed the servants.

"Save the trouble. I'm already back."

Before the servants could act, Ashton strode in, still clad in her police uniform, likely having come directly from the police station.

"Ashton, are you trying to worry us to death?" Althea exclaimed, visibly trembling with anger as she pointed accusingly at her.

Before Althea could launch into her lengthy lecture, Ashton interjected firmly,

"Mom, Dad, I'm a police officer. I stand for justice and the law!

"Emmanuel acted in self-defense when he killed Aidan. Aidan got what he deserved. If you expect me to abandon protecting Emmanuel and align with the Tanner family, then you might as well disown me!

"I'll leave this house right now, and I won't be returning!"

"Why you..." Althea was so shaken by Ashton's words that she clutched her chest tightly.

In noble families, children were often seen as investments.

Althea had envisioned Ashton marrying into another noble family, thereby expanding the connections of the Summerton family. However, she never anticipated Ashton's unwavering loyalty to the son-in-law of the Quillen family and her willingness to sever ties with the Summerton family to protect him.

Why did I spend over twenty years raising her then?

"Zaiden, you're the head of the family! Talk some sense into her! Are you going to allow her to act recklessly and do as she pleases?"

Aware of Ashton's fiery temper, Althea opted to avoid a direct confrontation and instead implored Zaiden to take action.

Zaiden released a weary sigh and lit a cigarette.

Ashton seldom saw her father smoke, making it clear that he was genuinely upset now.

"Well said, Ash!"

To Althea's astonishment, it seemed that her children were all voicing their

grievances one after another.

Suddenly, Julian spoke up with

fervor, challenging his mother's m values. "MornEyou need to take a the

long, hard look at yourself! Are power

and profit truly all that matters to you?"

"Julian, how dare you-" Althea's voice quivered with agitation. She was barely

able to catch her breath.

Undeterred, Julian pressed on. "I'm m

proud to have a sister like Ash! We

should aspire to uphold justice,

fairness, love, and freedom in this

world rather than becoming ensnared in the pursuit of power and profit!

"Since Ash had the courage to speak

her truth, I will do the same. I love com

Roselynn. If you all persist in

opposing my relationship with her,

then I, too, will sever ties with the

Summerton family!"