Ste couldnt help but find humor in Leonas dramatics.
Her smile twisted into a sneer,den with scorn for the warped version of the truth Leona presented.
Lucia sensed the tension in Ste and softly touched her shoulder, her voice soothing.
Dont worry, Ste.
We, the rks, dont fold under threats.
Leona, who had joined the Wheeler family following the death of Lucias best friend amidst whispers of her dubious ties with Darien Wheeler, Lindsays grandfather, had always been a thorn in Lucias side.
Lucias heart had umted years of bitterness toward the Wheeler family over her friends untimely demise.
These old wounds surfaced as Lucias gaze inadvertentlynded on Lindsay, her disapproval evident.
Leona caught this and tossed a barbedment Lucias way.
Try walking a mile in our shoes.
Ste stands unscathed, yet you cocoon her in protection. Meanwhile, my grandsonnguishes in a cell, his fate unknown.
Can you not muster a shred of empathy for the Wheelers? A surge of anger colored Lucias cheeks, and just as she was about to retort, Ste interjected.
She advanced toward Leona, her stare piercing as she confronted her.
Mrs.
Wheeler, are you even aware of Robins misdeeds? And still, you dare to cast aspersions here? Leona dismissed the gravity of the situation with a lightugh and a dismissive wave of her hand.
Boys will be boys.
He might have inadvertently offended you, Ste, but isnt this a bit much? Were all respectable folks here.
Surely, its prudent to show a bit of mercy when we can.
Ste responded with a cold, sharpugh, her gaze icy with fury.
identally? He almost killed someone! He tampered with the chandelier, making it crash down, nearly crushing someone below.
This isnt just mischief; its outright malice! Matthew, overhearing the exchange, was visibly shocked.
He had not anticipated Robins involvement in this incident. Meanwhile, Lindsay was consumed by anxiety, her mind racing, her palms slick with worry about how much Ste might know.
Yet, Leona appeared unruffled, her voice steady as she replied, But no one was harmed, were they? Since it didnt lead to any fatalities, why not let bygones be bygones? Were all family here.
Theres no need to escte the situation.
Lucia, already disturbed by Stes revtion, found Leonas cavalier attitude unbearable.
She burst out, Family? For endangering lives, Robin ought to be behind bars, not brushed off with excuses! Leona, her face a mask of contained fury, turned toward Lindsay, her eyes glinting with disapproval.
Lindsay, your brother faces adversity, yet you stand idly by? Has your heritage slipped your mind after these long years nestled among the rks? At this, Betsey couldnt hold back; her voice rose in a crescendo of despair.
Why am I cursed with such tribtions! Ste has cast Robin into prison, while Matthew has broken Lindsay.
My heart aches for my children, ravaged by that venomous pair! Lucia shot back with fiery intensity, Enough with your fabrications! The reality is far from your twisted tales.
Throughout the escting tension, Leona maintained her cool, imposing demeanor.
She addressed the room with poised authority.
Now that I am here, we must strategize a way forward for Lindsay. Her gaze then shifted sharply to Matthew.
With a scowl, Matthew responded in frosty tones, This is strictly a rk family affair.
We have no need to justify our actions to outsiders.
He then signaled to the butler.
See our guests out, please.
The butler approached promptly, ready to usher the Wheeler family away.
Spurred by this dismissal, Betsey erupted.
The audacity of the rks knows no bounds! Leona, herposure as unshakeable as ever, faced Matthew and probed, saying, Matthew, do you really n to dismiss this matter outright? Matthews reply was terse.
Its not a matter of dismissal.
I merely refuse to drown in this endless sea of quarrels with you.
Acknowledging his stance with a slight nod, Leona gracefully stood and prepared for her departure.