Chapter 78: Malcolm’s fury
Hurried footsteps echoed through the grand foyer of the Reid family mansion as Theodore and Bella rushed in, their hearts pounding with a mix of worry and apprehension. The first person they encountered was Claudia, her face contorted in a sneer.
"Theodore, you’ve finally arrived," she said with disdain. Her icy gaze then flicked to Bella. "Why on earth did you bring her here?"
Theodore’s jaw clenched. "She is my wife," he growled, possessively intertwining his fingers with Bella’s. "And this is her home as well."
A cruel smile twisted Claudia’s lip. "Oh dear, so your little secret is out in the open. Your marriage is just a contract, isn’t it? She is hardly your real wife."
Bella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. Theodore, sensing her distress, squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"You think you can deceive us forever?" Claudia pressed with scorn. "A contractual marriage! Really, Theodore? All to avoid marrying Gina? You lied to your grandfather about that? He had such high hopes for you, and what did you do?"
Her venomous glare shifted to Bella. "You brought home this materialistic woman? A woman who would readily sell herself into a contractual marriage for money could never be a part of this esteemed family."
Theodore bristled. "I don’t need your approval," he retorted. "I came to see my grandfather, not to listen to your nonsense."
"Theodore!" Claudia roared, her facade of composure crumbling. "Don’t forget, I am your mother."
"You are not my mother, Claudia, and don’t you dare try to be," he shot back.
Just as the tension in the room threatened to explode, Malcolm’s booming voice cut through the heated exchange. "Enough!"
All heads turned towards the old man, who stood at the top of the staircase, his face etched with fury. His arrival sent a wave of silence crashing down upon them, momentarily halting the brewing storm.