Meanwhile, Christian sat with his grandparents, his grandfather slumped weakly in his chair.
"Is this some kind of joke, dear?" Elaine's voice trembled with concern as she turned to her beloved grandson. "She's pregnant with another man's child, for God's sake!"
"I'm well aware of that," Christian responded coldly, his sharp gaze meeting his grandfather's with equal intensity. "And yet, I've decided to proceed with it."
Brando shook his head weakly, disappointment clouding his aging features. "Tell me, do you truly believe this meets our family's criteria?"
He studied Christian, searching for reason in his grandson's decision. "You know our history inside and out. So tell me, what exactly do you hope to gain from this?"
Christian's expression remained unreadable. "Indeed, I know our history well. And according to the same foundational law, as long as I have a successor, my bloodline is not mandatory." His tone was measured but firm.
"Chris!" Elaine snapped, her voice rising in defiance. "Let me make this clear—that child has no place in this family. And neither does that woman called Silva!"
Christian's gaze shifted to her, cold and calculating. "I thought you liked her," he mused. "Didn't you once tell me to marry her? That she seemed like the ideal candidate for me?"
"Well, that's because I initially thought she was a decent woman—not someone who sleeps around under the facade of honor," Elaine snapped, anger flashing in her eyes.
Christian remained unfazed. "Well, I'm married to her now, and I'm not taking that back." His tone was final as he stood up.
Elaine's protests grew louder, frustration spilling from her lips, but Brando raised a weak hand to silence her. "Let him be," he muttered. "He'll come to his senses soon enough."
Elaine turned to him, her voice laced with sorrow. "But what about the child she carries? This is Christian we're talking about—he might actually break the ancient law of succession!"
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Besides, this could present an opportunity for Branden. If he manages to produce an heir before Christian, the succession could shift to him." Her expression darkened. "That would be catastrophic for the ancient tradition. The first male heir is meant to inherit the position."
Brando sighed. "Alright, calm down. We still have time to make him see reason."
Just then, an idea struck Elaine. She inhaled deeply, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "He might listen to his twin sister," she murmured.
Brando's brow lifted slightly.
Elaine nodded, her mind set. "Christian loves Christiana. If anyone can sway him, it's her."
Meanwhile, as Christian walked, he glanced at a notification on his watch. A ghostly smirk played on his lips.
"Well, Branden, let's see how you handle this news."
*******************
At the same time, Silva locked eyes with June, their silent battle raging after speaking out about her pregnancy as people mumbling about Silva.
"So?"
Silva smirked, looking at June.
"I mean, as long as he's fine with my pregnancy, what's your problem?"
"Unless you have your own hidden agenda."
Silva pressed smoothly, her smirk widening.
"Now, let's witness the crowd divide," she thought.
As she anticipated, the crowd began splitting into factions—some siding with Silva, others watching in reserved silence, while a few looked on in disgust.
June grit her teeth in anger; this wasn't the reaction she wanted.
"Hidden agenda?" she sneered, stepping closer to Silva.
"I just need to stall until that creep Michael gets here," she thought, a smirk creeping onto her lips.
"I'm just worried about the poor man," June added slickly. "Seriously, isn't it heartless of you to deprive him of his unborn child?"
Silva's smirk faded as her expression turned cold.
"Oh dear, June. Your social manipulation skills are seriously lacking," she mused.
"Let me show you how it's done."
"Heartless?" Silva scoffed. "I wouldn't say that. After all, why would someone like me stay with an abusive man?"
She pulled back her sleeve, revealing bruises.
"So you're saying I should continue staying with an abusive man rather than my lifesaver, Christian?"
The high-society crowd fell silent. This situation was quickly turning into a spectacle—especially given the absurdity of it all.
Whispers spread among the guests, murmurs of disapproval directed at June.
"Damn you, Silva." June seethed internally.
Just then, Silva stepped closer, her presence looming.
"I suggest you keep quiet, my dear sister," she murmured, her gaze gleaming with a wicked smirk. "After all, a single word right now will only make you look even worse."
"Human nature diversifies in situations like these," Silva mused. "But you, June—you're far too predictable."
June clenched her teeth, struggling to keep her composure, just as Silva had anticipated.
"Now, the final touch to break her facade," Silva thought coldly.
"So, June… you've lost… again."
She dragged out each word deliberately, pressing June's buttons with a triumphant smile.
Just As she anticipated Suddenly, consumed by fury, June lunged at her. The force of her attack sent them both tumbling into the pond.
"Trying to provoke me intentional aren't you, then here you go!"
June thought wickedly smile.
Silva gasped as cold water surrounded her, but June's hands were already around her throat, tightening with unrelenting rage.