Ophelia had always been known for her disciplined lifestyle At this hour, she was usually long asleep. And most of the Freeman household followed her lead, adhering to her routine like clockwork. But tonight, the entire manor was still ablaze with light despite it being nearly 1:00 am.

Grant had been waiting in the courtyard for some time, and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Hendrix's car pull up. He quickly rushed forward. "Mr. Freeman, you're finally back!"

Hendrix glanced at him. "What's going on inside?"

"Mrs. Freeman Senior is furious. Mrs. Freeman has returned as well, but their conversation didn't go well. You must try to calm them down once you're insi

Hendrix had already strode into the manor before Grant could finish his sentence. It was just as Grant had described the atmosphere inside was suffocating.

Ophelia sat on the couch, her face taut with anger. Her fingers were gripping the armrest so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

Standing across from her was Beatrice. Though her head was lowered slightly, her back was ramrod straight, making it clear that she had no intention of admitting fault

Ophelia was the first to notice Hendrix's arrival. She nodded curtly at him. "Good. Hendrix, you're here just in time."

Then, to Beatrice, she said, "Come on. Didn't you have so much to say earlier? Now, repeat everything you just said, but this time, right in front of your son!!!

Hendrix didn't say anything. Instead, he turned to look at Beatrice. The latter didn't answer Ophelia, nor did she show any sign of speaking up. This just made Ophelia even more furious.

"Oh, so you knew what you did was disgraceful, too? You can't bring yourself to say it, can you? Fine. I'll say it for you, then.

"Hendrix, do you know what she's done? She's been enjoying the status and resources of what our family brings her while secretly sleeping with another man. She has brought complete disgrace to the Freeman name!"

Ophelia slammed her hand down on the armrest, her frustration pouring out. Tears started streaming down her face. "Your father died young, and for all these years, I've been more than generous to her. And what do I get in return?

"I can't believe she actually has the gall to do something so shameful!"noveldrama

Before Hendrix could respond, Beatrice spoke up first, "Are you implying that I should live my entire life as a widow?"

Her question made Ophelia's expression darken further. "What? You think you're being wronged now? No one forced you to stay here back then. You chose to remain in this family out of your own free will! And now, you're turning around and blaming me for it?"

I'm not blaming you," Beatrice replied, her voice calm as usual. "I'm simply asking you. And, for the record, my relationship with him is open and aboveboard. It's far from the sordid picture you're trying to paint."

"Sordid?" Ophelia laughed bitterly. "So now you think my words are harsh? Then, why didn't you think your actions were shameful? Get out of my house right now! Leave our family! I don't want to see you here ever again. Get out!"

Ophelia's voice rose with each word, her anger spiraling out of control.

Beatrice stood her ground, showing no intention of leaving

Seeing this, Ophelia grabbed the nearest object and hurled it straight at her.

Beatrice didn't even try to dodge. Instead, she closed her eyes, bracing for the impact. But the pain she anticipated never came. When she slowly opened her eyes, she found Hendrix standing in front of her.