?Chapter 1488:


    Already feeling wronged, Joselyn broke downpletely. Brendon’s outburst only made her cry harder, tears spilling freely down her cheeks.


    This was her son—the boy she had cherished since the day he was born—now shouting at her like a stranger because of another woman.


    “Mom, maybe you should just swallow your pride and apologize,” Katie said softly. “If you do, maybe Brendon will forgive you.” Even she thought her mother had crossed the line. Taking the life of Brendon’s child and still daring to nder Ynda was beyond cruel.


    Ynda was already drowning in grief over the baby’s death. Hearing Joselyn’s words now would have shattered herpletely.


    Earlier, Bethel had insisted Ynda stay home. Thankfully, that decision spared her from this disaster.


    “Why should I apologize?” Joselyn shrieked, her eyes zing as she turned on Katie. “I’m the one who was framed! Having you was my biggest mistake! You always take someone else’s side!”


    Katie, who had only been trying to defuse the tension, felt her throat tighten. The words cut deep, leaving her torn between anger and pain.


    “You keep iming you were framed,” Brendon said coldly, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Then prove it. Show me the evidence.”


    “I…” Joselyn faltered, unable to string together a single excuse.


    Finally, she snapped defensively, “I don’t care what you say—I was set up!”


    The truth was, she didn’t want to admit anything. Whether Ynda had actually framed her or not didn’t matter—she had no interest in the truth.


    “Mom.” Brendon’s tone hardened, bing deep and final.


    Joselyn’s stomach twisted, her nerves on edge. “W-what?” she stammered.


    “From now on, I don’t want to hear another word against Ynda. Not one. Especially not in front of her. If you do, don’t me me for cutting ties with you,” Brendon said, his voice like steel.


    His words hit her like a p. Joselyn’s mind went nk. Then, trembling with rage, she jabbed a finger at him. “You ungrateful son! You’re a disgrace! How dare you treat your own mother like this?”


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    The sharp rap of Bethel’s cane on the table silenced the room instantly. The air grew heavy. No one dared to breathe. Even Joselyn’s sobs died in her throat.


    “This is my house! It’s not a ce for your petty quarrels! Have you all forgotten what day it is? If anyone dares make another scene, get out—and don’t bothering back!” Bethel’s voice no longer carried the strength of her youth, but the weight behind it was enough to freeze every soul in ce.


    They all knew better than to defy her—especially with the family shares she still controlled hanging over their heads.


    “Once we’ve held the remembrance and had the meal, you can leave. If you want to fight, do it elsewhere,” Bethel said wearily. She was too old for this endless chaos, too tired to keep patching together a broken family. All she wanted now was peace, even if it meant pretending not to see their ugliness anymore.


    This family was beyond saving, and she no longer had the strength to try.


    If only Christina were here—at least then, she wouldn’t have to watch her ungrateful descendants tear each other apart. After the meal, she’d send them all away. She refused to let them drive her to an early grave.


    Seeing that Bethel was truly angry, everyone fell silent. No one dared to speak another word.


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