The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 283

Hearing those words, the color drained from the Xaviers' faces, as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over their heads.

Gideon looked coldly at their terrified expressions, his voice utterly merciless.

"When I picked up that glass earlier, I didn't want to expose you. I didn't want to make an issue out of what was inside. I did it entirely for Nora's sake, because it's her birthday, and I didn't want this dinner to become too humiliating for her."

"But now, if you insist on blocking my path for the sake of your pathetic, selfish interests..."

Gideon took a step forward, an overwhelming, suffocating pressure descending over Nora's parents.

"Tomorrow morning, the legal department of The Hayes Group will seize every single debt the Xavier family owes. I will ensure your entire enterprise is wiped off the map of The Metropolis. Test me. Let's see just how much that glass of wine will cost you."

The moment the words left his mouth, Mr. Xavier's legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor.

Mrs. Xavier clamped a hand over her mouth in sheer horror, trembling like a leaf in the wind, unable to produce a single sound.

They knew all too well that Gideon Hayes was a man of his word. Now that he knew about the spiked wine, there would be no mercy.

Neither of them dared to mount any further resistance. Scrambling on their hands and knees, they backed against the wall, leaving the doorway completely clear.

Gideon retracted his gaze. Keeping a tight grip on Nora's hand, he led her out of the Xavier Residence dining room. They strode down the long corridor and stepped into the pitch-black night without looking back.

Liam York followed closely behind, quickly pulling open the door to the Maybach.

The engine roared to life in the darkness, and the car sped off in the direction of The Hayes Manor.

...

In the second-floor hallway of The Hayes Manor, the sharp sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the air.

A priceless vase was hurled violently against the mahogany floor, sending sharp fragments exploding in every direction.

Several uniformed maids huddled in the corner of the hallway, their heads bowed, terrified to even breathe.

And tonight, he had the nerve to openly accompany Nora back to her family home!

Giselle clenched her jaw, her manicured fingers digging fiercely into the fabric of her skirt.

Nora, that pathetic woman, had monopolized the position of Mrs. Hayes solely because of Silas Hayes' dying wish, soaking up all the glory of being the lady of the house.

Was she now trying to steal her brother's love entirely?

Gideon's favoritism, his endless indulgence—those were things that had belonged exclusively to Giselle since childhood. Why should they be shared with an outsider!

Giselle lowered her head, her gaze landing on the white gauze wrapped around her wrist.

She had perfectly timed the doctor's presence and the staff's reaction speed to orchestrate this tragic suicide scene.

The Manor staff had predictably panicked out of their minds, rushing in to bandage her while frantically calling Gideon for help.