Chapter 253

Lucas merely averted his gaze, remaining silent.

Alexander turned his piercing eyes toward Vanessa and drawled, "I was present here all night as well, Vanessa. Are you implying I assisted my wife in doctoring the footage?"

Evelyn's breath hitched. Alexander stayed with me the entire night? With his relentless schedule…

Her gaze flickered over him. He still wore yesterday's attire, and though he masked it well, the faint shadows beneath his eyes betrayed his exhaustion.

A rush of warmth flooded her chest.

Alexander's offhand remark struck Vanessa like a physical blow.

Her face drained of color, lips parting soundlessly.

The Whitmores have always despised me. Alexander, as the family patriarch, wields unquestionable authority. Even Eleanor treads carefully around him—what chance do I have?

Crossing him would be catastrophic.

With the confrontation escalating to this point, there was—

There was nothing Vanessa could say to alter the circumstances.

Alexander narrowed his piercing gaze and turned to Richard. "Will the Hart family handle this disgrace themselves, or shall I intervene?"

Though deeply disappointed in Vanessa, Richard hesitated to let Alexander take control. He knew it would only inflame the situation further.

"Both my daughters acted out of line," he said quickly. "I assure you, I'll deal with them appropriately."

"Acted out of line?"

Alexander's laugh was cold, laced with biting mockery.

"Out of line enough to nearly cause irreversible damage. Mr. Hayes, your talent for deflection is impressive. No wonder Horizon Enterprises has been floundering lately. With leadership like yours, its downfall is inevitable."

Richard stiffened.

Is Alexander threatening Horizon Enterprises?

If he wanted to, he could cripple the company overnight. And if he truly decided to press the issue…

As a businessman, Richard calculated the risks swiftly. The realization settled heavily upon him.

Not a single word from Vanessa could alter the circumstances now.

Alexander's piercing gaze shifted to Richard. "Will the Hart family handle this disgrace themselves, or shall I intervene?"

Though deeply disappointed in Vanessa, Richard hesitated to let Alexander take control. He knew it would only worsen the situation.

"Both my daughters acted out of line," he said quickly. "I assure you, I'll deal with them appropriately."

"Acted out of line?"

Alexander's laugh was sharp, laced with derision. "Out of line enough to nearly cause irreversible damage. Mr. Hart, your talent for downplaying things is impressive. No wonder Horizon Enterprises has been struggling lately. With leadership like yours, it's only a matter of time before the company crumbles."

Richard stiffened.

His mind raced. Is Alexander threatening Horizon Enterprises?

If he wanted to, he could cripple the company's standing overnight. And if he truly pushes…

As a businessman, Richard assessed the risks. The realization struck him hard—

Vanessa’s defiance was a risk not worth taking against Alexander.

Besides, she was clearly in the wrong.

Richard’s glare burned into Vanessa. "Vanessa! What has gotten into you? You were always so compliant. Why are you acting out like this? Apologize to Evelyn immediately!"

Vanessa bit down on her lip until it nearly bled, her eyes blazing with unshed tears.

Though she appeared delicate, Richard knew how fiercely she guarded her pride.

Forcing her to apologize publicly was like demanding the impossible.

Richard seized Vanessa’s arm and yanked her toward Evelyn. "Evelyn, your sister was out of line. You don’t seem too hurt—please, for my sake, let this go. You’re sisters, and I want harmony between you."

He sighed, rubbing his temple. "Of course, I was too hasty in blaming you. But we’re family, and family shouldn’t hold grudges."

Evelyn stared at them, torn between disbelief and bitter amusement. Even now, Richard twisted his apology to shield Vanessa’s pride.

Margaret watched, her unease deepening. Something about this entire situation felt… off.

Vanessa's voice was icy and firm. "Richard, I can't take any more of this morning's drama. Just go."

Richard froze, his expression crumbling into shock. "Vanessa, why won't you call me Father?"

She didn’t answer. Instead, she turned away, slipping back under the sheets and pulling them tight around her shoulders.

Richard’s voice cracked. "I’m your father. Why are you refusing to say it?"

The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating.

Vanessa didn’t move.

She didn’t speak.

She just shut him out completely.

Richard’s hands clenched at his sides, his chest tight with frustration.

This wasn’t how things were supposed to be.

Not after everything.

Not after all he’d done for her.

But Vanessa had made her choice.

And it didn’t include him.