Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 466

Penelope's fingers unconsciously gripped the water cup tighter, her knuckles turning bone white.

Tristan's voice hardened. "You're not going anywhere else tonight. Julian, Jasper, Mom, and Dad have all cleared their schedules. I'm taking you home right now."

The York Manor.

The sprawling, traditional estate was usually a sanctuary of quiet elegance, with its winding stone paths and secluded courtyards. But tonight, every light on the property blazed, bright enough to illuminate the entire mountainside.

As Tristan's car pulled through the main gates, Higgins, the estate butler, was already waiting.

He cast a brief glance at Penelope's deathly pale face in the passenger seat but kept his expression neutral, respectfully opening the door and murmuring a quiet greeting.

"Tristan, Penelope. The elder Mr. York and Madam are waiting in the main hall."

Inside the grand hall, the entire family had assembled.

Terrence York sat rigidly in a heavy mahogany armchair, his expression stormy. Though his hair was entirely silver, his posture was imposing, and his sharp eyes missed nothing.

Doris York sat beside him, nervously thumbing a string of prayer beads, her lips moving in a silent chant.

Xavier and Cora York occupied one of the adjacent sofas.

Xavier's brows were knotted together, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the armrest, while Cora sat with red-rimmed eyes, clutching a severely crumpled handkerchief.

The eldest brother, Julian, stood near the window, an unlit cigarette resting between his fingers.

He was typically the most composed and stoic of the family.

But tonight, the deep furrow between his brows betrayed his anxiety.

Jasper, the second brother, sat on a separate sofa. Never one for patience, his agitation was palpable.

The moment he saw Tristan lead Penelope into the room, Jasper was the first to his feet.

"What the hell is going on?" Jasper crossed the room in three strides, his intense gaze raking over Penelope. "Tristan, you made zero sense on the phone. What's all this nonsense about a pregnancy? Penelope's barely an adult; how the hell could she be pregnant?"

Penelope kept her chin tucked to her chest, terrified to meet anyone's eyes.