Chaos Girl Rewrites the Script novel Chapter 286

The parlor, far removed from the deafening noise of the banquet.

A pot of fragrant tea rested on the table. Matriarch Cavanaugh sat with her eyes half-closed, lost in an impenetrable train of thought.

Footsteps approached, and Caspian pushed the door open, a polite smile resting on his face. "The floor is packed with guests, so it was difficult to slip away. My apologies for keeping you waiting."

The matriarch instantly masked her emotions and stood to greet him.

"Caspian."

Caspian waved his hand dismissively. "We've been friends for decades. There's no need for such stiff formalities. Please, sit."

The matriarch offered a tight nod.

Caspian took the head seat, first refilling her teacup before pouring one for himself.

"You called me here because there's something pressing you wish to discuss?"

The matriarch nodded, her spine stiffening defensively. "I won't mince words. Celia's death has always been an agonizing, unresolved knot in my heart. Julian is my daughter's only remaining bloodline in this world. I'm asking you to let him go, Caspian. Let me take Julian home to the Cavanaugh family."

Caspian's brow furrowed, his expression a complicated web of emotions.

"You value your legitimate heir above all else," the matriarch continued ruthlessly. "Julian will only ever be buried alive here. How can I sit back and watch my grandson be used as a stepping stone for someone else's glory? Please, I implore you to show some mercy."

Caspian picked up his teacup and downed it in a single gulp, trying to chase away the lingering haze of alcohol, before slowly opening his mouth. "Have you discussed this with Julian?"

"He's still a child. Moving forward, I..."

"A child?" Caspian slammed the teacup down, his gaze turning dark and impenetrable. "So that justifies you making monumental decisions on his behalf without his consent?"

The matriarch froze, completely unable to muster a response.

"Ask yourself honestly," Caspian pressed fiercely. "Do you want to bring Julian back for his sake, or to erase your own agonizing guilt over Celia? Are you doing this for yourself, or for Julian?"

At the mere mention of her daughter, the matriarch's emotions violently surged to the surface. "Of course I'm doing this for Julian."

She shook her head firmly. "Half of Athelvia's elite are here tonight, and even more are guaranteed to show up for the second half. You are the face of the Cavanaugh family. You absolutely cannot leave right now. I have my security detail escorting me; nothing is going to happen."

"But..."

"Caelan, let me escort her back."

As the two were locked in their argument, Julian strolled out of the Obsidian Estate, a bright, easy smile plastered on his face and the flower basket slung over his arm.

Caelan glanced at his mother, then nodded in immense relief. "Alright, I'll leave her in your care, Julian."

Julian stepped forward, gently supporting the matriarch's arm.

"We're family. There's no need to be so polite, Caelan."

Matriarch Cavanaugh patted Julian's hand gently and waved her son off. "That's enough. Julian is here with me. Get back to work."