?Chapter 1318:


    Ruby was careful not to anger Isabe, worried that pushing too far might lead Isabe topletely cut ties with her.


    She had tried tracking down her son but didn’t know where he lived.


    Alec had told her that their son was working as a gigolo now, and that had made her furious.


    After finding her son’s workce via Alec’s phone, she went there but was promptly kicked out.


    Now, Isabe was her only lifeline. She said, “When you returned to the family, our life was good. Remember how I treated you at that time? I’m getting old, Isabe. I need you to look after me. You can’t turn your back on me now.”


    “I won’t. I’ve just been mmed with work. When I have free time, I’ll visit you,” Isabe said, her patience wearing thin. “Go home now. Don’te here unless it’s urgent.”


    Ruby was unwilling to give up. “At least tell me where you live.”


    Isabe’s irritation red. “You don’t need to know that. Just go, and I’ll visit you when I can.”


    Ruby had no choice but to leave.


    At the supermarket, Ruby picked up essentials, fruit, and meat before heading home. As she approached the door, she heard Alec yelling.


    Storming into his room, she grabbed a hanger and began striking him, unleashing her pent-up anger over Isabe and her son’s absence on him.


    “This is all your fault, you useless old man, driving our kids away! Why don’t you just drop dead? You think anyone’sing to save you with all that shouting? No one cares! Keep shouting, and I’ll beat you to death!”


    In the evening, when Brenna came back home, Giselle brought up a matter at dinner that had been on her mind for a long time.


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    “Winter is nearly here, and Ernst and Lilith have been together for a year already. Should we start talking about marriage with the Richardsons?”


    Shepard gave a slight nod, showing no resistance. “You’ve always taken the lead in these things. It’s your call. I have no objections.” He then turned his attention to Ernst. “So, how are things between you and Lilith these days?”


    Ernst shrugged in resignation. “We meet every week—dinners, movies, shopping trips. We go to art shows, even Dalton’s concerts. Honestly, I feel like her parents are testing me.”<fnb764> This text is hosted at FindN()vel</fnb764>


    Shepard responded with a knowing look. “Trying to figure out if your personal life is messy?”


    Ernst said, “That’s exactly it. Let’s be honest, how many people from wealthy families can im spotless personal lives? It makes sense that they’d want to be sure about me.”


    Brenna didn’t share his opinion. “Ethan doesn’t have a messy personal life, and neither do I. You and Dalton have both behaved yourselves as well.”


    “But that’s not how Lilith’s parents see it. They want to find out for themselves. In their eyes, the wealthy are all corrupt, and letting their daughter marry someone from a rich family is just preparing her for her husband’s eventual betrayal. Once, Lilith’s mother even told me straight out that marriages among the rich are nothing but business deals, profitable without genuine love.”


    Ernst felt a headacheing on at the thought and was unwilling to face Lilith’s parents.


    Tessa ate in silence, staying out of the discussion. She minded her own business and only wanted to care for Rosie.


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