Chapter 814

"It's true you've never said it, but that's what you're thinking!" Eloise angrily smashed a plate. "No wonder you looked at me strangely when you came back. You were struggling to decide whether to ask me, weren't you? Oh, Joseph, is this how you see me after all these years of marriage? I've devoted my life to the Tanner family, and I kept quiet when you started keeping a mistress and bringing her son to run the show. Yes, I complained once or twice, but how could you suspect me?" She sobbed, sweeping the dishes onto the floor.

"Why? Do you want me to go to jail for your precious son? Sure, why not? I know that model, and I conspired with her to frame your son and destroy you, the Tanner Corporation, and our whole family, okay?"

Judging by her words and tone, Joseph knew she was speaking out of spite. He quickly tried to coax her.

"Okay, I shouldn't have asked. Look at yourself. Ari is still here."

"So what? She knows about the problem. Why can't I answer that question if you could ask it in front of her? If that's how you feel, then report me. I'd rather be in jail than be wronged by you here!"

She stood, offering her hands. "Go report me to the police! Go on."

"Hey, hey!" Joseph took two steps back, nearly stumbling, and caught her hand. "Enough! What are you doing? I'll apologize on my knees, okay?" He mimicked a kneeling posture. "It was only a question, and I promised I wouldn't ask again. Why would I suspect you? You've done so much for the Tanner family and us. Without you, I could never have accomplished anything!"

His words finally calmed Eloise. She glared at him.

"I'm glad you know."

"Of course I do! I know all about your hard work." He held her, sighing apologetically. "I know you've suffered unfairly, but I still bear responsibility for a mistake I made when I was young. Elizabeth also knows she has no right to what is yours and has stayed away all these years. As for Damian, I only recently let him live with us, and he has nothing to do with what happened between us. It's all my fault. Blame me alone!"

After all these years, it was his first serious attempt to explain his relationship with his mistress and son. To Eloise, however, it sounded laughable.

"I wronged you, but it's been so long, and considering our age, we should cherish our time. I believe you won't do such a thing again. Let's work hard together, and the future will be great," he said, hoping for a better life. "After Damian takes over the family business with Arianna's help, and she marries well, the Tanner Corporation will grow, making us doubly rich."

He couldn't help feeling happy, thinking of his careful plan. He believed their current issue was inconsequential; bumps in the road were inevitable.

Eloise and Arianna, however, exchanged a mocking look. They thought him foolish to anticipate a happy family. How could he believe two women could share a man peacefully, and that Arianna would willingly hand over the family business to his illegitimate son? He was incredibly naive!