Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 98

The air in the hallway grew heavy.

Victor's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Daniel added evenly, "We'll make sure he's properly cared for."

Daniel's stance made it clear he meant every word.

Evan spoke again, calm and composed. "Dad, don't worry. I've already arranged for the best cardiologist in the state to consult on Grandpa's case. He'll be fine."

It was obvious they intended to stay.

Victor understood immediately. He could not allow Daniel and Evan to gain the upper hand.

He grabbed Nathan's arm. "Nathan, stay here with your grandfather. You're his favorite grandson. When he wakes up and sees you, it will mean something."

Nathan nodded. "Understood."

Then he turned to Camille. His tone had lost its earlier warmth. "Go back to the Hart house first. After Grandpa is discharged, I'll find a chance to speak with him."

Camille pressed her lips together.

She knew exactly why his mood had shifted.

By exposing the secret marriage the way she had, she had given Daniel and Evan the perfect opportunity to step in.

"I understand," she said softly.

Elena had no idea what was unfolding at Hawthorne Manor. When she woke, Alexander was already dressed.

Today, they were going to Kingsley Manor to formally greet the family.

Elena shot upright in bed, only to wince as soreness shot through her lower back. "Why didn't you wake me?"

Alexander adjusted his cufflinks and glanced at her. "There's no rush. You could have slept longer."

Of course he could say that so calmly. He was the head of the Kingsley family.

But there were still elders to greet. Elena could not afford to appear careless. If she was going to live within that family, first impressions mattered.

She hurried through her morning routine and chose a fitted red dress that felt festive yet elegant. By the time she came downstairs, Alexander was waiting.

"Ready?" she asked.

He tilted his head toward the dining room. "Breakfast first."

Martha approached with a bright smile. "Yes, Mrs. Kingsley. Breakfast is ready. Sir made it himself."

Elena paused. He did?

She stepped into the dining room.

On the table sat a bowl of oatmeal, a sunny-side-up egg, and a glass of warm milk.

The presentation was simple but inviting.

Elena had barely eaten the day before. After everything Alexander had put her through last night, hunger finally caught up with her.

She had expected a handful of relatives. Instead, more than a dozen people were seated throughout the room.

These were not distant connections either. These were the inner circle.

A soft intake of breath echoed somewhere. Of course there would be shock.

The bride of one powerful family had become the bride of another overnight.

Eyes landed on her from every direction. Some curious. Some amused. Some cool and assessing.

And one pair warm.

Elena followed that gaze to the elderly man seated at the center. His hair was silver, reading glasses perched low on his nose, a gentle smile deepening the lines on his face.

She knew immediately.

This was Walter Kingsley, Alexander's grandfather, the patriarch of the Kingsley family.

Before Alexander could prompt her, Elena stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Grandpa."

Then she turned respectfully to Evelyn. "Mom."

Evelyn, dressed in an elegant teal dress, inclined her head. "Mm."

Walter's smile widened. He waved her closer. "Come here, Elena. Sit by me."