The Divorce That Brought Us Back novel Chapter 156

The Smiths didn't look up either.

The knot of dread in Yates's chest tightened to a breaking point.

He didn't know if he was more terrified of the fallout from his video, or the realization that Jasmine had slipped entirely out of his control.

Maybe it was both.

Unlike Yates's frantic energy.

Penelope remained perfectly composed and razor-sharp.

"Like I said, in business, only results matter."

"Just because you claim something is yours doesn't make it so. And just because you think you did nothing wrong doesn't absolve you of the consequences."

"Your logic is deeply flawed, and I have no interest in debating you."

Penelope leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping. "I am demanding that you post a new clarification video right now. You will state that your engagement to Jasmine was dissolved three months ago, and that last night's stunt was nothing more than a pathetic, hysterical attempt to win her back."

Yates refused instantly. "No way!"

Penelope's expression turned icy. "I wasn't asking for your permission. I was giving you an order."

"I'll apologize, but I am not breaking the engagement." Yates looked at Jasmine a third time, and again, got nothing. Frustrated, he ran a hand through his hair and snapped, "You have no right to meddle in my family affairs."

"Fine." Penelope gave a brief nod. "In that case, if you can accidentally catch my son in the crossfire today, I can accidentally ruin you tomorrow."

"An eye for an eye. Don't come crying when it happens."

At those words, Howard's face drained of color.

He shot up from his chair and delivered a brutal smack to the back of Yates's head.

Caught off guard, Yates's face nearly smashed into the tea table.

"Hurry up and post a new clarification video!" Howard roared.

He fully grasped the situation now.

In a bid to force the runaway Jasmine into submission, Yates had dragged the Hart family's most beloved youngest son into the crosshairs.

"But if I do that, Valery will..." Yates panicked.

"Yates!" Howard pressed his lips into a harsh line, his low voice dripping with menace. "Say one more word, and I'll throw you out of the house. You can go be the Smiths' son instead!"

The words died in Yates's throat.

It looked like the matter was settled.

But then, Mr. Smith, who had been dead silent the entire time, suddenly spoke up.

"A clarification is absolutely necessary," Mr. Smith said, offering Penelope a deferential smile before shooting Yates a pointed look. "Make sure you clearly state the reason for the broken engagement."

Yates froze, his eyes flickering with realization. He knew exactly what Mr. Smith was implying.

Swallowing his agitation, he nodded. "I understand."

"I'll make the reason very clear."

But Penelope chimed in again. "The reason your engagement was broken is because you abandoned Jasmine at the party, making a scene as you carried her sister away in front of everyone."