The Ex and Her Riches

Upon hanging up, she relayed the instructions for the building’s decor and returned to the Harris residence.

The woman parked her car by the hillside and took out the spare keys to Treyton’s villa that he had given her prior.She went in and grabbed some things before heading to the ancestral hall leisurely.

As soon as she reached the entrance, she could already hear the sounds of sobbing from Hector’s wife, Nina Ross.

“Look, Marcus! You’ve seen Hector’s face now. This is all Gwendolyn’s doing. You can’t be partial toward her this time!”

Nina and Hector’s son, Luke, was just as livid. “Gwendolyn’s gone too far this time, Uncle Marcus. No matter what, my dad’s still her uncle and someone older than her. She can’t do this to him even if he’s done something to upset her!”

Amid all the complaints from Hector’s family, Marcus sat in his wheelchair in silence, fiddling with the prayer beads in his hand.

Leif stood next to him and sighed, looking as though he was withholding his words.

Noticing that, Marcus asked, “Is there something you want to say?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“It’s fine. I’m here, so speak your mind.”

Leif pondered briefly before stating, “I don’t think it’s wise to only listen to what Mr. Hector’s family has to say, Mr. Marcus. If Mr. Hector is accusing Ms. Gwendolyn of such acts, then there should at least be some form of proof.”

Lorelai was instantly enraged. “Hubby, you know Gwendolyn’s temper. She’s always been selfish and arrogant, so it’s really no surprise if she did this! Why would we need proof?”

Marcus remained quiet, and no one could tell what was on his mind.

Suddenly, Hector rose from his seat, walked toward the family altar, and knelt before it. “I, Hector Harris, swear on our ancestors that Gwendolyn did harm me with acid,” he declared firmly. “May the skies rumble and I be struck by lightning if I turn out to be lying!”

As soon as he finished, a thunderous boom sounded from outside.

curled up into

and Luke were just as terrified, and the color drained from their

room turned grim in an instant due to

from the entrance, piercing the eerie atmosphere and capturing

lollipop in her mouth. “It looks like you’re not being honest, Uncle Hector. Even the skies aren’t buying your words,”

was infuriated. “Gwendolyn! You made that noise,

him

the speakers, but she certainly didn’t expect Hector’s family to jump in

must’ve done something wrong to be that scared

“You!”

around and glared

to be alarmed. “What happened to your

at the insults hurled at

man jumped up and stared at

to swear on our ancestors, Gwendolyn! Would you dare do the same to prove you didn’t do

on our ancestors? You chose to do that. It doesn’t mean I have to

because you’re too afraid!”

provoke me? Too bad it’s not working.” The woman

at Gwendolyn tenderly, albeit still not uttering a

one among the crowd could read his thoughts, nor did they dare say anything—except for

with evidence that I did it. I won’t let your family and Lorelai pick on me like

called me by my name, Hubby! She doesn’t

does this have to do with you? Be quiet!”

and moved to stand

accusing

basement, and committed acts of violence against me there. Where am I supposed to find

me, Marcus. I’ve always loved Gwendolyn. I’m a softie who’s never really had much ambition.

you’ve always wanted to kill me, Uncle Hector. You got Luke to

“Such baseless accusations! You’re doing the exact

have proof.” With a grin, the woman opened up her bag, took out a properly-filed document, and handed