Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 633

Maxwell stood off to the side, keeping quiet. He’d already told Shelly everything last night. If she was pretending she didn’t know, she had her reasons.

“Two of you? What exactly is going on here?” Shelly’s tone turned cold as she stared Maxwell down. “Maxwell, is this really true?”

Maxwell stepped forward quickly. “It’s true.”

Shelly’s eyes narrowed. “So it’s also true that you forced my daughter out of the Ballard estate?”

Maxwell tried to explain. “Matriarch, it was because—”

“Enough. I don’t want to hear excuses. I left you in charge to look after the family, not to throw my daughter out.”

“No, Matriarch, the situation is—” The other elders started to chime in.

But Maxwell cut them off, bowing his head. “Yes, Matriarch. It was my fault. I didn’t recognize Miss Ballard at first.”

Shelly glanced at Claire, lifting one perfectly-shaped eyebrow. She picked up her tea, sipped, then said in a detached voice, “Madeline, since Maxwell wronged you, I’ll let you decide what happens to him.”

Claire turned to her mother, startled. “Mom, do I really get to make that choice?”

“You’re Miss Ballard now. Of course you do.”

A hint of satisfaction flashed in Claire’s eyes, which she hid just as fast. She hesitated. “Mom, with all the confusion about my identity, doesn’t it make you… suspicious?”

Shelly shook her head gently. “You’re my daughter. How could I ever mistake my own child? Besides, you’re wearing the jade pendant I left for you. That says it all.”

The warmth in Shelly’s eyes took Claire by surprise. For a moment, she almost smiled back, still not quite believing how easily Shelly trusted her.

Claire set her gaze on Maxwell. She needed to get rid of him. He was loyal and nosy, the worst combination. He knew too much, and if he reported anything else to Shelly, she’d be in trouble.

Maxwell kept his head bowed. “Miss Ballard…”

Claire lifted her chin, eyes sharp. “Maxwell, do you remember what you said when you kicked me out? You said if your decision turned out to be wrong, you’d leave the family yourself. Wasn’t that your promise?”

“I…I…” Maxwell stumbled.

“What? Are you going back on your word?” Claire didn’t bother to hide her disdain. “Mom?”

Shelly’s reply was as cool as her expression. “Whatever you say.”

Claire faced Maxwell. “You heard her. You’re not an elder in the Ballard family anymore. Please pack your things and leave. Now.”

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