Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1294

Being publicly dressed down by his son in front of Sabrina completely shattered Martin's fragile ego.

"Brandon Mercer, is that how you speak to your father?" he snapped.

Colin Mercer immediately chimed in, "Dad, Brandon is right.

He needs to go upstairs and call Sebastian to finalize the arrangements for Noah's stay.

Stop dragging us down. You know having Noah here for a few days is a massive win for us. Are you seriously trying to sabotage it?"

With both sons teaming up against him, Martin was backed into a corner.

"You... you two have really grown some nerve, haven't you?

Lecturing your own father like it's your job."

Furious and humiliated, Martin stood up and stormed up the stairs without another word.

He had zero desire to sit there and coddle Sabrina's feelings. Frankly, he needed someone to coddle his right now.

Once Martin was gone, Brandon's icy gaze locked back onto Sabrina.

"Keep acting. Why stop now? Or do you only bother putting on a show for Dad, and drop the act the second he turns his back?"

Sabrina instantly dried her tears. A woman's tears were a precious commodity.

They were meant to be used as a weapon, not wasted.

These two ungrateful bastards weren't her flesh and blood, and they felt absolutely no sympathy for her. Shedding tears for them was a waste of perfectly good saltwater.

Still, she couldn't afford to completely drop the mask.

"Brandon, Colin, I don't understand where this hostility is coming from.

Your father and I love each other. Isn't that a good thing?

Why do you constantly push me away?

"Bella, why are you drinking again? Is the pressure getting to you? Do you need a few days off? You're the majority shareholder of the company now, nobody can tell you what to do."

Bella took a sip. "Mom, I'm fine. I just felt like having a drink tonight.

Don't worry, I know my limits. I won't get drunk."

She couldn't afford to lose control. She had to stay razor-sharp; there were still loose ends to tie up.

Sabrina sighed heavily and recounted the vicious argument that had just transpired downstairs.

To her surprise, Bella didn't explode. "Mom, if they actually bring Noah here tomorrow, I won't come home."

"You're not coming home?"

Bella smirked. "They're terrified I'll get close to Noah, right? So I'll make myself scarce. Giving them exactly what they want is the smartest play here.

If I'm out of the house, they'll lower their guard and let you help take care of him.