Cheated Once Cherished Forever: The Billionaire's Bride novel Chapter 165

Although the entire family had been summoned back for the memorial, it was really just a simple affair.

Almost everyone from the Sinclair family had returned, except for a few who could not make it due to important matters. The huge memorial hall was packed.

Theodore stood at the front. He wore a black formal suit with dark patterns. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing a low-profile mechanical watch on his wrist.

The tension surrounding him blended with the solemnity of the memorial hall, yet his imposing presence added a weight that felt even heavier than the gloom that filled the room.

When his gaze swept over the crowd, the hall, which had been filled with whispers, instantly fell silent. Even the sound of breathing became lighter.

Isabella stood half a step beside him. Her hand lay quietly in his palm. His warmth reduced her nervousness slightly.

She wore a plain dress, and her hair was simply pinned behind her head. The look in her eyes as she gazed at the portrait of Jeffrey on the table held a hint of respect. Although she had never met him, she knew many of his great achievements.

"It's time," an old butler whispered from the side, holding three white candles.

Theodore took the candles and lit them from the main flame. After the flames stabilized, he placed them into the holder with movements that were smooth and calm.

He bowed his head before the portrait, then turned sideways and handed a candle to Isabella. When his fingertips touched the back of her slightly cold hand, he whispered, "Follow my lead."

Isabella nodded. She mimicked his movements to light the candle. As she bent down, she caught a glimpse of Lydia in the crowd out of the corner of her eye.

Standing next to Lydia was a man in casual clothes who looked slouchy and unreliable. He looked like he had a bad character. He had to be Lydia's husband, Jason.

Isabella's first reaction was to feel confused. Why did Lydia end up with Jason? Looking at them… They really did not match.

Jason was not good enough for Lydia.

After Isabella and Theodore were done paying their respects, the collateral branches came forward in order of seniority.

At this moment, a woman in the crowd suddenly shouted, "Ethan Sinclair! Give me back my daughter! You scumbag, give me back my daughter!"

This roar was like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the solemnity of the memorial hall.

Theodore's expression darkened completely. The chill around him almost froze the air. He did not look at Ethan but glanced at the old butler beside him instead. "Take her to the side room first. Don't let her disturb my grandfather's peace here."

"Yes." The old butler immediately ordered the maids, who grabbed the woman and hustled her toward the side door.

The woman was still shouting, but her voice drifted farther and farther away. However, no one in the memorial hall dared to speak. Everyone breathed even more lightly.

Everyone knew that Theodore valued rules the most. For Ethan to cause such a scandal on Jeffrey's memorial day, he was likely going to be in trouble.

Theodore turned his head to look at Ethan. There was no warmth in his eyes. "Handle this yourself."

That single sentence made Ethan's knees buckle. He knew what that meant. Either he shut this woman up for good, or he would be exiled from the family's inner circle.

Isabella tightened her grip on Theodore's hand, her heart sinking. She never imagined that beneath the Sinclair family's polished exterior, such ugly secrets were festering.

Sensing the tension in her grip, Theodore glanced down at her. He gave her palm a gentle squeeze, a silent gesture of reassurance.