Before Sonia could say anything, Shawn's outraged voice interrupted them again.
He issued a stern warning, "Alex, shall I call security to escort her out?"
Caught off guard, the coldness in Alex's gaze dissipated. In a frosty tone, he announced, "I'll make arrangements for your ride home."
He walked away without waiting for Sonia's consent.
Shawn had raised him, and Alex valued his grandfather more than anyone else in their family. However, Sonia's comments had blatantly revealed that she had failed to comprehend the importance of his grandfather in Alex's heart.
As soon as Alex walked away, Sonia realized the serious implications of her angry comments. Her face grew pale at that.
She had not intended it that way. Overwhelmed by the situation, she had blurted those words out without thinking.
Helen and Daniel appeared one after the other before she could explain herself.
"Where's the security? Let's have those who don't belong here removed," Helen commanded nonchalantly.
An adjacent hall with a sizable decorative screen was the intended location for the family photo.
The atmosphere was tense when Candice returned from a call.
Alex remained stoic on the couch while Shawn sat with a serious demeanor at the head.
Silence hung heavy as neither Helen nor Daniel spoke, their faces etched with displeasure.
Helen's mocking snort at the sight of Candice only heightened the tension.
Candice entered, pausing briefly.
With a stern look, Shawn leaned on his cane and firmly told Alex, "Make sure you deal with this quickly, or I'll show no mercy. Just because I'm old doesn't mean I can't handle you!"
Helen sat down slowly and taunted with a sarcastic tone, "No point in trying to fix things now. The damage to our reputation has been done. It's typical of those of humble origins, always striving to get above their social standing without realizing their true worth."
"Silence!" Shawn sharply rebuked, his gaze cutting toward Helen and efficiently muting her.
Despite her initial hesitancy, Helen decided to hold her tongue. However, her scornful look directed at Candice clearly indicated she meant those words for her.
Stepping further into the hall, Candice softly suggested, "Shawn, you still have photos to take. Anger won't look good on them."
Shawn's gaze softened as he looked at her. There was a mix of emotions in his eyes. He eventually sighed and said, "Fine, I'll listen to you."
As the Elysian family and Candice assembled for their group photo, Sonia, who was expected to have left, lingered in a distant corridor, casting resentful looks their way.
Observing Shawn guide Alex to position himself next to Candice, she could not help but notice the familial warmth and unity.
Clenching her fists tightly, Sonia's frustration grew, leading her to leave the scene quietly.
The photo session concluded promptly.
Candice was prepared to go as soon as the session wrapped up.
Shawn was hesitant to part ways. He expressed a desire for her to remain longer.
Candice was compelled to come up with an excuse, so she said, "I have an online meeting scheduled for tonight, but I promise to return for another visit soon."
Understanding yet disappointed, he acknowledged her decision with a wave of his hand. He then cautioned Alex, It's late. Make sure to take Candy home safely. I don't feel good about her traveling alone."
Candice countered, "I'm alright, I came with Jackson."
"Jackson resides in the city, which is out of your way," Shawn responded with a scowl. "And he's had a bit to drink."
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