CHAPTER 301

Grayson knew his adoptive father was upset because he had spoken up for Ann. However, he still couldn't hold himself back from wanting to help her.

He would go through fire and water for her.

"Father, I know you're upset because Ann is at fault, but I think Mrs. Emma's right. Things might blow up if we bring this to the cops, discrediting Ann in the process. A woman's reputation is significant to her, and a punishment like this is too much."

Grayson looked at Philip. Despite his adoptive father's unforgivingly stern gaze, he bit the bullet and continued, "Father, our family has been close to Mrs. Emma and Ann for so many years, and you've always treated Ann like your own. If we leave her to the cops just because she made one mistake, wouldn't people find you unfeeling and unforgiving? Besides, it'll be damaging to your reputation too. What do you say, Father?" Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Philip sneered in response. "Are you worried that people would think that I'm unfeeling and unforgiving, or do you think that I'm unfeeling and unforgiving?"

At that, Grayson hurriedly corrected himself and said, "You're naturally the most loving man I know, Father. However, I worry the world will only foolishly see what's on the surface and misunderstand you!"

"How thoughtful of you." Philip snorted and said plainly, "Grayson, you may not be my son, but I raised you all these years, and I might actually know you better than you know yourself. After all, you might not dare to face what you truly think deep down. You keep finding excuses for yourself, but I don't need to do that. In short, I know your thoughts better than you do."

Despite the fact that Philip's anger had subsided, the calmness made Grayson even more apprehensive.

"Father…" He called out to Philip but realized his mind had gone blank, not knowing what he should say next.

At that, Philip turned to Quinton. "Quinton, please see our guests out and stand guard outside. Just hand over the evidence and Ann to the cops once they arrive, and only tell them she purchased banned substances. Seeing that I have regarded her as my niece all these years, I'll overlook the fact that she drugged Sebastian. After that, relay my order—from now on, Ann will no longer be a cousin to the Hart Family, and she will be banned from entering the premises of all businesses under the Hart Family!"

"Yes, sir!" Quinton answered loudly before showing Emma and Ann the way out. "Mrs. Evans, Miss Evans, please!"

Emma looked mournfully at Philip with her puffy eyes and sobbed. Her voice was shaky as she said, "You… You'll rue one day, Philip!"

At that, she covered her mouth and ran out crying.

Ann bawled and begged for her life, unable to accept her ending. "I've learned my lesson, Mr. Philip, I really have. Please spare me this once! I will never do it again, I swear! Please, I beg of you…"

Alas, her unwillingness to leave only made Quinton drag her out.

As desperate as Grayson was, he dared not help but only looked worryingly at Philip and continued interceding, "Father, this is too awful for Ann. Please spare her this once!"

"Too awful for her?" Philip sneered. "Let me ask you this, Grayson. If Sebastian succumbed to the drug last night, who'd be the one in an awful position now?"

Grayson parted his lips, but nothing came out of them.

"You're my son, so I'm willing to give you my respect and cast Emma and Ann out while we talk among ourselves." Philip looked at him. "Grayson, an average heart is born askew, which is why everyone would skew. There might be someone who is utterly and entirely just, but I've never met one, at least not with my own eyes. Firstly, I have to admit that I am partial. Though all of you are my sons, the one that will forever be most important to me is Sebastian. Back then, before officially adopting all of you, your adoptive mother and I made it clear to you that our purpose in adopting you was to help us look after Sebastian. You agreed to this yourselves. You haven't forgotten about it, have you?"

Grayson shook his head in response. "No…"

Philip looked profoundly at his adopted son. "Grayson, I raised you because I want you to assist your brother and become his right-hand man. Of course, if Sebastian enslaves any of you or forces you into anything immoral, I will stop him myself, and you can all ignore him. But before that day comes, you should all be loyal to him and put him first… Am I right, Grayson?"

Apart from nodding, Grayson didn't know what else he could say.

With that, Philip waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, I'll stop at that. You're already an adult, and you

know your rights from wrongs. Think about what you should do. I still have some things to attend to, and Sebastian will handle the rest."

At that, he walked away.

After seeing Philip off deferentially, Grayson looked toward Sebastian, who looked back at him with a half smile.

Grayson really wanted to intercede for Ann, but as a brother who grew up with Sebastian, he knew the man all too well.

Sebastian was a good man. He would do many charities every year, never any evil or throw his weight around. However, he was also vindictive and never one to tolerate misdeeds.

Since he was dead set on punishing Ann, no one would be able to persuade him otherwise.

Even if he asked, Sebastian would most likely turn him down.

His mind told him to keep quiet lest he wanted to ruin their brotherhood, but his heart told him otherwise.

On the other hand, he couldn't forgive himself if he didn't do anything for Ann.

"Seb…" He looked pleadingly at Sebastian, taking pains to beg. He said, "I know Ann is wholly in the wrong this time, but all of us grew up together. Can you please forgive her this once, seeing that this is her first offense? Please, I beg of you…"

"Grayson, did you not hear what Father said?" Lucas interjected before Sebastian could say anything. "How can you keep interceding for her when she wants to hurt Seb? Do you want to prove Father right that she is indeed more important than Seb is to you?"

"No, that's not what I meant," Grayson argued. "If Seb were in Ann's position today, I'd intercede for him too…"

Lucas snorted in response. "Yeah, right. Seb wouldn't stoop that low at all!"

"I'm only saying if it happens…" Grayson argued helplessly.

"Alright, Grayson, an honest man speaks forthrightly." Lucas quirked his lips and brow while looking at Grayson. "Be honest with us. You like Ann, don't you? Because you love her, you're willing to do whatever it takes to intercede for her, am I right?"