CHAPTER 101: ARE YOU NERVOUS

Mary didn’t have time to dodge and was kicked in the chest by Cecilia, falling heavily to the ground.

"Ouch!"

She cried out as Cecilia looked at her coldly, protecting Elena behind her.

Struggling to get up, Mary noticed her light green dress smeared with dirt. She had never been in such a sorry state before. Angrily, she pointed at Cecilia and cursed.

"You orphan bastard, how dare you kick me!"

James appeared in time and shouted at Mary, "Enough!"

"Mary! You’ve gone too far this time! You are no longer welcome in the Mitchell family’s residence. Leave now!"

Mary looked at James with disbelief. He had always treated her kindly, but now he was yelling at her. She glanced at Elena and then at Cecilia, her eyes filled with disgust.

"Uncle, Aunt, I’ve been filial to you for so many years, yet I’m not as good as your granddaughter, whom you’ve only met recently...

"Just like my dad said, no matter what I do, you will still look down on me as I don’t share your blood!

"I kindly helped you make money to resolve company crises, but you conspired with outsiders to bully me. Just wait, you will regret this!"

After saying that, she turned and left. James looked at Elena with concern and said, "Are you alright?"

Elena shook her head and frowned.

"I’m fine, but Mary has changed so much that I barely recognize her. She even mentioned our second brother, which means he knows about this too."

James nodded, as if making a significant decision.

"I will talk to our second brother. After all these years, it’s time for us to settle things with them."

Mary was the daughter of James’s younger brother, Grayson. She was raised by James and Elena, who had no children. They treated her like their own, dedicating themselves to her upbringing in hopes that she would inherit their business one day.

Initially, Mary was very sensible. Though she had no talent for business, she was willing to learn. This touched them, so they didn’t say much and only guided her patiently.

That was until Mary turned twenty-eight, when Grayson suddenly introduced a boyfriend to her.

The man was named Jaxon Lawrence, a wealthy heir. They got married soon after meeting, and thereafter Elena relinquished some power to Mary. Grayson and Jaxon began managing affairs behind her back.

Mary was a hopeless romantic, and with Grayson manipulating her, it wasn’t until five years later that the incident of him and Jaxon mingling with dangerous chemicals came to light. Only then did Elena and James discover what had happened. Although the two families didn’t make a scene in public, their interactions gradually dwindled. However, Elena and James still held affection for Mary, and she genuinely knew nothing about the matter. After she had promised never to discuss family business matters with Jaxon or Grayson ever again, only then did the couple relent and allow her to stay by their side.

Elena nodded while James thoughtfully said, "For years, in light of familial bonds with our second brother, we turned a blind eye to his secret actions. We can no longer tolerate it; we must clearly resolve this!"

"Cecilia, we’re sorry for today. Feel free to stay at our home. Great-aunt and I have some matters to handle..."

Cecilia nodded. She checked the time on her watch before replying, "Coincidentally, I have some errands to run too. Let’s leave together."

Elena, James, and Cecilia each got into their respective cars and left the Mitchell family’s residence.

Cecilia’s car followed the navigation app as she turned into a secluded restaurant named "Love Life."

Inside the restaurant, Steven was already seated at the dining table and waiting.

He would occasionally look at his phone, checking his appearance and hairstyle, sometimes standing up to strike poses.

Now drowsy from waiting, Zane yawned while watching Steven’s restless actions. He couldn’t help but say, "Mr. Lawrence, are you nervous?"