Chapter 85: The Clean Exit
Alaric stepped out of the bedroom to answer Edward’s call. He didn’t want to ignore it and deal with the aftermath later. Getting clarity would give him a better chance at defending himself.
"Did you know about it, Ric?" Edward’s deep voice was restrained.
"Yes." Alaric offered no additional words.
Edward probably realized why Alaric had been so determined to corner his mother, not just because of Aveline, but because Aveline was married.
"I have two questions for you. Are you breaking up their marriage for your own benefit? And is this an affair?" He already knew Alaric was working against Damien.
Alaric was surprised to hear his father so calm. If anything, Edward should have been planning to warn the Laurents to keep their daughter under control or inform the Ashfords to cause trouble for Aveline.
"I’m not breaking up their marriage." Aveline wanted out of the marriage herself. "This isn’t an affair."
He paused, realizing how their families must see them together. Everyone always questioned a woman’s character first. But he didn’t want them to think wrongly of Aveline.
So he added, "I’m protecting her through her fight."
Edward breathed a sigh and didn’t ask for details. "I’ll trust you. I’ll make sure Isabella doesn’t interfere." He paused and added, "Make sure Aveline gets out clean, not stained." Then the call ended.
It was a warning for Alaric to behave before it was too late, because no one would question his actions, but they would point fingers at Aveline.