**Obsidian Dawn 448**
**Chapter 448: Welcome Dinner**
George perched on the edge of the bed, his features marred by swelling and pain, a testament to the struggle he had endured. Every inch of his body throbbed, a reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. He held Anna tightly, as if the warmth of her presence could shield them from the storm brewing outside.
“Don’t worry, Anna,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, despite the ache in his throat. “Now that we’ve come this far, there’s no need for us to hide anymore. Just focus on taking care of yourself at home for a while. I’ll find a way to get your niece out of detention.”
Anna’s eyes narrowed slightly, testing the resolve behind his words. “A little struggle is acceptable, George, but I won’t allow my son to be disrespected. First, get my niece released. Then, you need to divorce your wife and give me a proper title. My son cannot grow up as an illegitimate child.”
She had initially planned to wait until the baby was born before confronting George about the divorce, but with her pregnancy becoming increasingly evident and their affair now laid bare for all to see, the veil of secrecy had been torn away.
Time was running out. If George didn’t act swiftly and marry her formally, Jolene and her family would not let her escape unscathed.
The stakes were higher than just her reputation or her beauty salon; she risked losing everything, including the precious life growing within her and her beloved daughter, Zera.
George straightened his suit jacket, the fabric feeling constricting against his skin. “Just relax, Anna. As long as you give me a son, I promise I’ll make it official between us.”
“But we can’t rush into the divorce just yet,” he continued, his mind racing. “I’ll try to meet with Mr. Winter this afternoon and find you a new place. You need to move out first.”
Over the years, Jolene had brought nothing but trouble into his life, giving him a daughter he felt was more a burden than a blessing. She had even sent her family to confront him, to intimidate him.
They wouldn’t see a cent of his wealth, but they could easily lay claim to a larger share of his debts, a thought that gnawed at him.
Meanwhile, at the imposing gates of Evershade Manor, Jolene stood watching as the police car drove away, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. “Ms. Winter, I apologize for my rudeness at the Wachowskis’ charity banquet. Thank you for your understanding today. I promise not to trouble your family again.”
Raine, caught off guard, replied, “No need for formalities, Mrs. Cunningham. Rachel and I are college friends. If you need anything, just have her reach out directly.”
After parting ways with Jolene and Rachel, Raine made her way to Winter Group, her mind racing with thoughts of the day’s events.
“Tyrone, did you manage to watch the videos I sent you?” she called out as she rushed into his office, her heart pounding with urgency. She quickly recounted everything she had witnessed, her words tumbling over one another in her haste.
Tyrone set his coffee aside, rising from his chair with a look of concern etched on his face. “Stay out of the Cunninghams’ drama, Raine. Let them sort out their own mess.”
She nodded, but her thoughts were elsewhere. “By the way, Aella sent me an array of beautiful clothes and bags from Tuspuyria. They’re absolutely stunning.”
“I just spoke with her,” she continued, a smile breaking through her worry. “She’ll be back early at year-end. We need to organize a welcome dinner. I want to prepare a gift for her.”
Tyrone studied him, a mix of admiration and skepticism in his gaze. “You really have a knack for handling people.”
Brad beamed, his pride evident. “Of course I do.”
Upon reaching the second floor of the Regal Club, they found George waiting in the private room, his face swollen from a recent confrontation, yet he stood to greet them as they entered.
“Greetings, Mr. Winter, Mr. Keller,” he managed, his voice strained but respectful.
Brad’s eyes flicked to George’s injured visage, and he couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. “Mr. Cunningham, I’ve got masks in the car. Would you like me to grab one for you?”
George waved his hand dismissively, a sheepish smile breaking through his discomfort. “I had a little altercation with my wife before I left. Sorry if it looks amusing.”
Not wanting to intrude further, Brad turned to leave but paused to check in with Tyrone. “I’ll meet you at the door in an hour.”
George led Tyrone deeper into the room, pouring him a drink, his hands trembling slightly. “Mr. Winter, I truly appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.”
Tyrone regarded George’s swollen face with a mix of sympathy and annoyance. “My sister didn’t know better and intruded on your private time. Don’t take it personally.”

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: From Discarded Wife to Queen (Tyrone)