From Discarded Wife to Queen (Tyrone) novel Chapter 443

**TITLE: Obsidian Dawn 443**
**Chapter 443: Chaos at the Winter Estate**

On the other end of the line, Tyrone found himself staring blankly at his phone, the screen glowing in the dim light of his study. A myriad of thoughts swirled in his mind, each one more troubling than the last. How could it be that Brad, his steadfast friend since childhood, had chosen to hang up on him? It was a betrayal that felt foreign and unsettling.

After a moment of hesitation, he decided to reach out. He typed out a brief message to Brad, hoping to bridge the growing chasm between them. Just as he was about to rise from his chair, the phone rang again, pulling him from his reverie. It was Noel’s voice on the other end. “Mr. Winter, Mr. Cunningham would like a private meeting,” he announced, his tone as professional as ever.

Tyrone sighed, not even bothering to hide his annoyance. “Tell him I’m not available,” he replied curtly, his mind still tangled in the threads of his earlier conversation.

Later that evening, they found themselves at a posh restaurant downtown, the kind where white tablecloths adorned every table and the air was thick with the scent of gourmet dishes. Tyrone sat in contemplative silence, his demeanor calm, yet his insides churned with unease. Across from him sat a very much alive Brad, his bright eyes shining with an energy that seemed almost out of place given the circumstances. Beside him, Raine looked guilty, her expression a mixture of apprehension and defiance.

Raine broke the silence, her voice laced with curiosity. “Tyrone, how come you had time to treat us to dinner?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone.

Tyrone shifted his gaze from his sister to Brad, his eyes lingering on the open collar of Brad’s shirt. He couldn’t help but notice the faint mark at Brad’s collarbone, a detail that made his heart race with unspoken questions.

Raine, following his gaze, gasped as realization dawned on her. “Ahem,” she cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Brad nearly choked on his drink, the sudden tension palpable. Raine, quick to act, reached over and began buttoning his shirt, her movements frantic as she secured every button up to the top.

Tyrone chose to remain silent, letting the moment pass without comment. He could sense the undercurrents of their interaction, the unspoken words that hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.

In an attempt to divert the conversation from the awkwardness, Raine proposed, “Want me to help Mrs. Cunningham catch her husband in the act?”

Tyrone responded evenly, his tone unwavering. “You’re friends with Rachel. If you’re really bored, why don’t you take her for a stroll around Evershade Manor?”

Brad’s eyes darted between the siblings, sensing the tension escalating. With Raine fanning the flames and Tyrone pouring kerosene onto the fire, it was clear that the Cunningham affair was on the brink of disaster.

As they stepped outside, the Winter Estate’s butler approached them, his demeanor as respectful as ever. “Mr. Winter, Mr. Edwin requests that Ms. Raine return to the Winter Estate immediately,” he stated, his voice steady.

Raine instinctively ducked behind Brad, her eyes wide with fear. “If Grandpa wants me, it’s never for anything good. I’m not going,” she declared, her voice trembling slightly.

Brad turned to Tyrone, concern etched on his face. “It’s fine. I’ll drive you,” he offered, trying to soothe her rising panic.

The butler winced, clearly caught in a difficult position. “Mr. Keller, Mr. Edwin insisted that Ms. Raine come alone,” he reiterated, his tone firm yet respectful.

Raine’s anxiety escalated, and she tightened her grip on Brad’s arm. “Tyrone, what does he want?” she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Tyrone exchanged a knowing look with Brad, both of them aware that this was not going to end well.

“Raine’s riding with me,” Tyrone stated firmly.

Ralph’s voice dripped with disdain as he added, “I should go ask the Keller elders myself if this is how they raise their juniors!”

Raine froze, her heart racing. She had prepared excuses, but she hadn’t expected the entire family to be in the know.

“It wasn’t Brad’s fault. I… forced him,” she blurted out, her voice shaky.

Ralph raised a hand, his face twisted in rage. “You reckless child!”

Tyrone stepped between them, shielding Raine from Ralph’s fury.

“Stand aside,” Ralph snapped, his frustration boiling over.

Tyrone remained unmoved. “We once favored a Keller match; his outcome suits you. Why the outrage, then?” he challenged, his voice steady despite the storm brewing around them.

Ralph’s temple pulsed with anger. “The Kellers already announced the Sawyers’ heiress as Brad’s fiancée. If the Sawyers press the issue, what does that make your sister?” he exclaimed, jabbing a finger accusingly at Raine. “The Sawyers and Winters have been close for years; your grandfather and Mr. Sawyer are old friends. With this mess, how is your grandfather supposed to face them?”

Before Ralph could finish his tirade, Brad entered the room, his expression determined as he supported his grandmother by the arm, ready to confront the chaos unfolding within the Winter Estate.