No Escape from Love novel Chapter 118

"What are you doing here, you disgraceful illegitimate child?" Henry strode forward, attempting to push Lucas away, only to have his wrist twisted back in a swift counter.

Henry let out a pained howl. "It hurts! It hurts!"

Lucas smirked in disdain. "Henry, you're nothing more than a pathetic clown. If you had even the slightest bit of competence, Xena wouldn't have to marry Alex just to secure the Schneider family's position."

His words darkened the expressions of many in the hall.

"Lucas, stop spouting nonsense!" Xena stormed forward, her voice filled with anger. "Let go of Henry this instant!"

"Xena." He released Henry with a forceful shove, his sharp gaze locking onto her. "You've always hated it when I call you that, but no matter how much you deny it, you are my sister."

"I don't have a brother like you," Xena said coldly. "You're just an illegitimate child of the Schneider family. Do you really think you deserve to stand on equal footing with Henry and me? Dream on!"

What was supposed to be an elegant engagement ceremony had now devolved into a full-blown family dispute. The previously lively atmosphere in the hall fell into an uneasy silence.

Despite her scornful words, Lucas merely studied her with a look of amusement and derision.

"My mother was the beloved daughter of the West family," he said slowly. "When she met your father, your mother had already passed away."

His voice grew heavier. "Before my mother and your father were together, the Schneider family ran nothing more than a small-time business. Meanwhile, the West family was already one of the most powerful enterprises in Sulford.

"But after my mother got together with your father, it only took three or four years for the Schneider family to rise to prominence. Have you ever wondered why?

"My mother truly loved your father. She never asked for a title or sought recognition. And yet, when they both died in that car accident, the Schneider family turned around and publicly branded her a homewrecker?"