The rumors within the circle about Tyler’s bad temper weren’t baseless.

Sure enough, Tyler’s expression turned icy as he glanced at Cassandra and responded bluntly, “Who I’m with–and whether I’m with anyone–is my business. None of you has any say in it.”

Saying this in front of so many people was a clear slap in the face. The atmosphere instantly turned tense and awkward.

Cassandra could feel it too. If this had happened in private, she might have just pretended she hadn’t heard it. But now, with so many people watching, she couldn’t just let it slide. If she said nothing, it would be incredibly embarrassing.

William, already simmering with anger, completely lost it when he saw Tyler being so disrespectful to his mother.

“Tyler! You can say whatever you want to me, but talking to my mom like that–isn’t that a bit much? Don’t you know what it means to respect your elders?”

Tyler snorted. There was an intimidating look in his eyes.

“William, you actually made a good point. I do believe in respecting elders. But if that’s how you feel, how do you explain the way you just disrespected Rachel? I’ll give you a chance now. Apologize to Rachel, and I’ll forgive you for your poor manners.”

William clenched his jaw tightly.

Rachel could practically see steam coming out of his ears and nose. Inside, she was dancing with joy. Tyler’s ruthless comment was so satisfying that she could hardly resist giving him a thumbs-up.

Guess it was true what they said–no one else ever really felt what you did.

Right now, William probably felt like he was about to explode.

She knew him too well. He was proud and arrogant to the core. There was no way he would ever apologize to her.

Tyler shifted his gaze to Cassandra. “Is this the kind of son you raised?”

“I-”

Cassandra felt her face burn with embarrassment. She had a growing unease that unless William apologized to Rachel, Tyler wasn’t going to let this go.

He had that kind of intimidating presence that, even when silent, his actions alone demanded compliance.

Chapter 548

+15 BONUS

Tyler crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby railing. He looked relaxed on the surface, and he spoke ever so calmly. “Come on, William. Can’t you see everyone’s waiting on you? If you don’t apologize today, nobody’s getting lunch.”

His tone was casual, but it hit everyone like a crashing wave. He was making it clear that if William didn’t apologize to Rachel, none of them would be eating today.

William felt like he was being roasted over a fire. The crowd around them didn’t dare to leave, either.

Everyone knew that even though Thomas hadn’t officially handed the Lewis family reins over to Tyler, it was already obvious who the more capable successor was.

The real question was whether Tyler even wanted the position.

With his current capabilities, having the Lewis family behind him would make him unstoppable. Truth be told, he didn’t need the backup. He was already a force to be reckoned with.

Cassandra tugged gently at William’s sleeve and whispered, “William, let it go. Just apologize to Rachel, and let’s all give them our blessings.”

William frowned. He was clearly on edge. “Mom, do you even hear yourself? Why should I apologize to her? I did nothing wrong!”

“Because she’s going to be your aunt,” Cassandra replied firmly. “You should’ve dropped that old attitude a long time ago and accepted the facts. Hurry up and do it, or none of us are leaving today.”

Chapter 549