I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 195

Marcus's expression darkened as he glared at Catherine with deep dissatisfaction.

"As an elder, do I not even have the right to lecture?"

"Of course you do, provided you have the qualifications." Catherine gracefully sliced a piece of steak and said casually, "I'm sure the memory of you pouring millions of dollars into an investment recently, only to watch it go completely down the drain, is still fresh in your mind."

When she brought that up, Miles imperceptibly stiffened.

He hadn't interacted much with his titular aunt since returning.

Thus, he never expected her to speak up for him.

Sensing Miles's gaze, Catherine turned to him and offered a profoundly warm smile.

Her goodwill was so blatant.

Yet Miles hadn't sensed it at all.

Marcus wanted to argue further, but Ezekiel slammed his hand against the table, completely shutting him up.

"Enough! Look what you've turned this family dinner into! The elders don't act like elders, and the youth lack basic respect. This is disgraceful."

Ezekiel was furious.

Marcus and Preston fell silent instantly, though their eyes still burned with resentment.

Seeing them quiet down, Ezekiel frowned heavily and looked at Miles.

"No matter what, he is still your elder."

"True," Miles chuckled softly, his eyes completely fearless. "But for the past twenty years of my life, I've never had an 'elder' like him around."

Because of those words, Ezekiel's frown deepened.

But surprisingly, he didn't press the issue.

As if he didn't want to dredge up the past.

At the same time, Miles noticed Elias clenching his fists under the table the moment he finished his sentence.

Catherine shook her head with a wry smile. "A perfectly good family dinner turning into this mess. How fascinating."

With that, she put down her silverware and stood up.

"I'm done eating."

Under his steady gaze, Catherine slowly shook her head.

"Your mother."

Miles's body instantly went rigid as he stared at Catherine in disbelief.

His earliest memories began in the orphanage.

But he vaguely remembered his mother being incredibly gentle, with a beautiful smile.

He never imagined Catherine actually knew her.

"I know this must come as a shock to you. The truth is, I had no idea she was pregnant when she left. If I had known, I would have stopped her at all costs. I never would have let you wander out there, and I would have protected her."

Catherine's face was etched with regret as she spoke.

It was clear she was genuinely remorseful.

"Were you and my mother close friends?"

Catherine nodded. "Yes. If it hadn't been for me, she and your father would never have met. Everything that happened back then started because of me. I'm not afraid to admit it—I've felt guilty my entire life."