It was supposed to be a quick formality, checking off the obligation before spending quality time with his mother.
Gwen had been incredibly welcoming to Ethan and his wife at first, serving pastries and a lavish spread of fruit.
"Ethan, it's been far too long. Sebastian and I have missed you."
It was common knowledge that Mira wanted nothing to do with her brothers. Gwen had figured that with a little flattery, Ethan could be pulled over to their side.
The conversation flowed pleasantly until Ethan brought up Seraphina's engagement to Lawrence and the volatile history between Lawrence and Mira.
Gwen had casually slipped right into her habitual venom. "You can't blame Lawrence for that. That bitch does whatever she wants—"
Ethan happened to be sitting right next to Gwen. Smack! The backhand landed square on her cheek, leaving her completely stunned.
By the time Mira and Owen arrived, the active hostilities had ceased. Ethan and Beatrice were already out of the villa, preparing to leave.
Sebastian had escorted them out.
Inside the house, Gwen was being supported by Miles and Seraphina. But the second she heard Mira's voice, she lost her mind all over again.
"You little bitch, you actually dare show your face—"
Mira had recently humiliated them at the financial banquet, single-handedly torpedoing the regulatory association Lawrence had fought so hard to build.
That stunt had caused Lawrence to lose credibility in front of Jude Vance, sparking a cold war between him and Seraphina that was still ongoing.
Add the fact that Mira had legally claimed all of Eleanor's shares, and now Ethan had physically assaulted her on Mira's behalf, Gwen's hatred was absolute.
Ever since this girl arrived in the capital, Gwen's life had been a waking nightmare.
Gwen lunged forward, only to be violently yanked back by her children.
"Don't just stand there, help us!"
Miles yelled at the bodyguards while desperately clamping a hand over his mother's mouth.

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