The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 289

Ronan glanced at Crystal, who stood in the middle of the hall, looking as vulnerable as a skinned rabbit. Her eyes, filled with allure, seemed especially pitiful in this state.

"Grant, don't you dare slander me." She retorted, her voice filled with a defensive edge, "While you're out every night, hooking up with every woman that catches your fancy, I'm left alone at home. Why is it okay for you to live such a life, but not me? I swear, one of these days, I'm going to end you!" The spark of defiance in her eyes was enough to make any man think twice about crossing her.

It was common knowledge among the high society that marriages among the wealthy often involved a certain level of freedom. But why was it that in the Grant household, only the man was allowed his dalliances, while the woman was expected to remain untainted?

To Grant, Crystal's argument was laughable. "It's simple." He retorted, stretching out his hand and rubbing his fingers together in the universal sign for money, "I'm the one bringing in the dough. If you were the one with the money, then you could have your fun too. As of today, I've made your indiscretions known to everyone. If you dare to step out of line again, don't you think for a second that you'll get a dime from me! You want to reconcile? Forget it! You think you can use a child to extort money from me? Who do you think you are?"

Crystal had had an affair with another man and was now pregnant. She hoped to reconcile with Grant and claim that the child was his, given that he was substantially wealthy. When Grant discovered her deception, he made sure her reputation was left in ruins in their hometown of Millstone. Grant might have been wealthy, but he was no fool.

Ronan shared a look with Thomas, who returned the glance.

After Crystal had been thoroughly humiliated and the crowd dispersed, Ronan was left alone. "So, how was my move?" He asked.

"It's a blessing in disguise." Ronan said, his tone cryptic.

"You intellectuals and your fancy words are hard to understand." Grant grumbled, "But, Mr. Evans, I did hear that while Mrs. Evans was in the States, you stayed here. Is there something you're not telling us about the kids Mrs. Evans is carrying? I mean, raising another man's children is a pretty big cuckolding. If she's causing you trouble, just hand her over to me. I'll make sure she's begging for death."

Ronan simply smiled, his confidence unwavering, "The kids are mine."