Chapter 1690:


    The moment Alban’s wordsnded, Violette’s face drained of color. Her jaw locked, her fingers curled tight, and humiliation crushed her chest.


    Alban had made it unmistakably clear that refusing to apologize meant neither the Martel family nor the Hewitt family would protect her. She was, after all, rted to him in some capacity. How could he be so merciless for the sake of an outsider, leaving her without even a shred of dignity?


    Violette’s eyes burned red as they swept across the room. Though every face appeared neutral, she was convinced they were allughing at her behind their silence. She — the once-untouchable Hewitt daughter — had been cornered with no escape, shame crashing over her again and again.


    Nearby, Irene shrank back and did her best to disappear, terrified of being dragged into the fallout. She had never imagined Alban would force Violette to apologize; she had assumed he would stand firmly with the Hewitt family. After all, the Martels had long been hostile toward the Jones family, and Alban was usually the first to oppose them. So why, when faced with this Jones family rtive, did he pressure Violette instead of challenging the other woman directly? Alban wasn’t even afraid of Bain — why would he fear some minor rtive of the Jones family?


    This wasn’t normal.


    Unless… Alban had fallen for her.


    What a disgracefully maniptive woman, willing to use every possible means to ensnare men. Irene cursed Christina in silence, jealousy raging so violently it nearly burst from her eyes.


    “Sorry,” Violette said abruptly, turning only halfway toward Christina, her posture stiff, her tone careless, her contempt barely concealed.


    “If apologizing feels this forced, then don’t bother. A fake apology is worse than none,” Christina replied with a chilling smile.


    “How dare you say that!” Violette snapped, ring at her. “Don’t push me! The fact that I’m even apologizing should already be more than you deserve.”


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    “So you think listening to your insincere apology is some kind of good fortune for me?” Christina rose to her feet without warning, the small girl still held securely in her arms. Her smile was gentle, but her eyes were sharp enough to intimidate.


    Startled, Violette instinctively stumbled back two steps. “W-what are you trying to do?”


    “I’m not doing anything,” Christina replied evenly. “If you don’t want to apologize, then don’t.”


    Just as Violette was about to respond, Alban interrupted her. “Apologize,” he said, his gaze turning cial. “Sincerely.” The two words carried crushing authority.


    Sensing his anger, Violette said quickly, “Alban, don’t be upset. I’ll apologize.” She cast Christina a resentful nce, bit her lower lip, then forced herself to steady her emotions. “I’m sorry.”


    Beside her, Irene saw that Violette had already given in and immediately followed. “I’m sorry, Miss Jones. I failed to recognize you earlier and offended you. Please forgive me.”


    Violette frowned at the overly earnest apology and shot Irene a sharp look, sneering inwardly. How magnanimous of her — acting so sincere, as if to make Violette’s own apology seem shallow byparison.


    Noticing Violette’s displeasure, Irene quickly lowered her head and retreated two steps. Her face twisted with bitterness and envy, yet she refused to ept this humiliation as final. Why were they always favored by fate, while she was forced to bow her head? They were simply lucky enough to be born into wealth. One day, when she stood at the top, she would make them pay — and crush them both beneath her heel.


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    Message from Noa: Sometimes time flies by, dear ones! Have an excellent Tuesday. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (??????)


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