75
Back to the Castle, Shadow traversed the online realm, searching for any inkling of news or discussions tied to her name.
But after an extensive scroll, nothing caught her attention. Disappointed, she ventured into the kitchen to prepare a meal.
During dinner, Alpha Kilian remained absent, as was his usual demeanor. “Alpha Dominic” had ventured elsewhere.
Only then did Shadow realize that Alpha Dominic’s busyness and absence from home coincided with Alpha Kilian’s presence.
Shadow shook her head, feeling as though she had been overshadowed by Alpha Dominic. His absence made her feel slightly uneasy.
The following day arrived.
Frank arrived at the Castle’s entrance promptly to chauffeur Shadow to her workplace at the Eden Group.
Upon his return, Frank spotted a car parked in front of the Castle from a distance.
Parking his car and entering the premises, Frank noticed a bodyguard stationed at the entrance. “Someone is inquiring about the young master?” he asked.
The bodyguard nodded and replied, “That lady claims to be Young Madame’s mother.”
Due to Alpha Kilian’s unique circumstances, the Castle had an abundance of bodyguards stationed there permanently. As Alpha Kilian had avoided public appearances for several years, he had very few friends outside.
Thus, only a select few would come looking for him, and even if they did, it was no easy feat to meet him.Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.
Upon hearing this, Frank lifted his foot and headed indoors. He spotted Lisa sitting on the sofa.
Having checked information about her while assisting Alpha Kilian, Frank recognized Lisa.
However, in person, Mrs. Eden appeared even more enchanting than her photos. It was evident that she had possessed immense beauty during her youth.
Frank called over a bodyguard and instructed, “Offer Mrs. Eden some tea.”
Completing his instructions, he proceeded to the study to locate Alpha Kilian.
For the past two days, Alpha Kilian had arranged for frank to accompany Shadow to the company first, while he went to the Nine Clouds himself. Presently, he remained in the study.
Frank pushed the door open and entered. Respectfully, he reported, “Young Master, Mrs. Eden is here.”
Alpha Kilian, without even looking up, questioned, “Which Mrs. Eden?” clearly unaware of Mrs. Eden’s identity.
“Your wife’s mother,” Frank swiftly answered.
Alpha Kilian raised his gaze suddenly. Pondering for a moment, he roughly surmised Lisa’s purpose for seeking him out.
A flicker of interest gleamed in his eyes. “Invite her in.”
Upon entering Alpha Kilian’s study, Lisa had anticipated laying eyes on him. However, she found him seated with his back to her, refusing to reveal his face.
From the side, Frank interjected. “If Mrs. Eden has something to say, do not hesitate.”
Clutching her clothes tightly, Lisa shamefully confessed, “Young Master Lances, I have come here today to apologize on behalf of my daughter.”
Observing how Alpha Kilian remained silent, Lisa continued, “It was my failure to properly guide Shadow, allowing her to behave in a manner that disappointed you. Initially, she had the chance to replace her elder sister and marry into the Lances family. Your magnanimity spared her from consequences. However, she not only remained ungrateful but also took advantage of your absence to seduce your cousin.”
Not only Alpha Kilian, but Frank himself wore an incredulous expression.
Hadn’t Young Madame and the young master been amicable recently? What had transpired? And why did a biological mother disparage her daughter in front of her son-in-law?
Alpha Kilian knew the complexity of the Eden family’s dynamics. Lisa did not express concern for Shadow; her focus was solely on Jessica and her brother. Today, he had truly experienced firsthand.
Just as he prepared to speak, the door was forcefully thrust open, slamming against the wall with a resounding crash.
Alpha Kilian tensed, becoming anxious upon hearing the sound. He need not turn around to identify the intruder.
Lisa and Frank, too, turned to witness Shadow, who should have been at work, returning instead. Standing at the doorway, her expression turned cold, her eyes as silent as specters.
Shadow locked eyes with Lisa and spoke faintly, “Mother, how could you speak ill of me behind my back in the presence of my husband? Why did you not call me to confront your allegations?”
“You… Aren’t you at the company?” Lisa’s face paled instantly.
During this time, Shadow began disobeying her mother, a change Lisa keenly observed. Shadow’s sudden intense gazes even frightened her at times.
“If I hadn’t come back, how would I know you were so concerned about me?” Shadow stated as she advanced slowly towards Lisa.
She had indeed been at the company. Her task for the day was to conduct market research. When she realized she had forgotten her phone, she returned to retrieve it.
While passing Alpha Kilian’s study, she overheard her mother’s voice.
“Are you planning to apologize to my husband on my behalf?” Shadow sneered, a frigid smile playing at her lips. “You truly are a devoted mother.”
Lisa involuntarily took two steps back in shock. From where she had pulled it, she now brandished something. “I… I have evidence!”
Shadow glanced over and discovered that Lisa held a recording pen.
So, Lisa had visited her yesterday with this intention.
It was certainly bold of a timid person like Lisa to dare approach Alpha Kilian. One did not need much thought to realize that Jessica had orchestrated this plan behind Jason’s back, persuading Lisa to carry it out.
Jason still hoped that Shadow would secure Alpha Kilian’s investment. If he knew, he would never allow Jessica to stoop so low.
Lisa pressed play, and the recording commenced. Although brief, it contained two crucial sentences.
“Tell Mom the truth. Are you genuinely involved with Alpha Kilian’s cousin? I saw the two of you in the car.”
“What does it matter to you? So what if I am with his cousin?”
Shadow distinctly recollected her words from that occasion. It seemed she had replied, “Why are you suddenly so interested in my affairs? What is your ulterior motive?”
Such a poorly fabricated recording aimed to smear her!
Jessica had covertly snapped photos of her alongside “Alpha Dominic,” trading them to the media for publicity. Yet, the news failed to tarnish Shadow’s reputation. Now, in her desperation, Jessica sought to expose the truth to Alpha Kilian.
“Young Master Lances, listen to it. Shadow confesses herself! She committed such an act because of my failure as a mother. I am willing to take her back and properly educate her. Young Master Lances, please look at this,” Lisa implored.
Enraged, Shadow fought the urge to laugh, remaining silent. Instead, she lifted her head and looked in Alpha Kilian’s direction.
The study fell into a hush. Then, in a raspy voice, the man spoke, “She married into the Lances family and is my woman. My woman. Since when is it someone else’s place to intervene?”
“But she…” Lisa had not expected Alpha Kilian to react this way.
Jessica assured Lisa that revealing the recording would surely enrage Alpha Kilian. Consequently, he would cast Shadow aside.
Though Shadow knew Alpha Kilian would never believe such a fabricated recording, his words did warm her heart. Her voice softened unconsciously. “I apologize for the disturbance caused by someone on account of me.”