Chapter 91

Especially Daxton, sitting beside her, gazed at Carmen with eyes so tender they could melt ice. He thought, "My Carmen is always like this, so considerate and caring of everyone’s feelings in the family. Just like back then..."

Daxton was the most intellectually gifted of all the Wilson siblings. With Bryan overseeing the family business, he was free to pursue his own passions. He chose medicine and found deep fulfillment in the lab, solving complex medical problems and developing groundbreaking new drugs.

Growing up, Daxton’s parents were constantly busy, and Bryan was overwhelmed by his studies. In Daxton’s world, he always felt utterly alone, until Carmen came into his life.

Thinking back, a gentle smile spread across his face. In this family, only Carmen ever cared if he was cold or hungry, and as she grew up, she became increasingly considerate.

A few years back, she’d still check if he was eating on time in the lab, going the extra mile to prepare stomach-nourishing meals and personally deliver them to him there.

He thought, "Back then, I made up my mind, even if everyone else in the family doted on Aubree, I’d still protect Carmen and never let her be wronged. At least my family isn’t blind. They know who truly deserves our love.

"But lately… things just haven’t been the same."

"Looks like I’ll have to deal with Aubree once I’m free."

The front door swung open again. Carmen looked up, and just as she’d expected, Emery was back.

Emery was about to ask why Bryan had left when a barrage of disapproving stares shattered the good mood he’d carried all the way home.

Emery looked puzzled, recalling how Bryan had also hurried off earlier. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“How dare you ask what happened? Don’t you damn well know what you’ve done?” Ronald slammed his fist on the table, his eyes blazing with fury.

His usually warm and gracious mother sat rigidly in her seat, her gaze fixed on him with unmistakable disapproval.

The remaining two brothers also wore grave expressions, staring at him as if he’d committed an unforgivable sin.

Emery’s gaze trembled, his eyes brimming with shock and bitter disappointment. Now he finally understood what that look from Bryan meant. They resented him for siding with Aubree, even though all he did was simply tell the truth and give her the fair treatment she deserved.

All traces of his earlier good mood vanished instantly. Unlike Bryan, Emery wasn’t the type to storm off; he wanted to set the record straight.

Trying to keep his voice as calm as possible, Emery said, “Dad, Mom, Carmen, I think there’s been some misunderstanding here.”

Emery wanted his family to see that Aubree wasn’t the person they imagined, but he’d forgotten that they’d never intended to listen. All they cared about was his unconditional loyalty, that he’d always take Carmen’s side, no matter what happened.

Daxton crossed his arms, his eyes filled with scorn. “Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? That you’d rather side with Aubree against your own family than help Carmen?”

Emery bristled at the accusation. “I wasn’t taking sides. Just stating the facts.”

Emery said firmly, “In esports, losing means losing. I don’t care for a title won by shady tactics.”

Daxton scoffed. “Who cares what you think? If Carmen hadn’t felt guilty about your team losing, I wouldn’t have resorted to this against Aubree, only to hand her a comeback chance.

“Who’s as self-righteous as you, Emery? Sure, you thought you were being ‘fair,’ but look what you’ve done; Carmen’s now getting dragged through the mud because of you. The only reason I didn’t haul you over here to make amends to her is that you’re my brother.”

“Emery, what’s done is done. We won’t dwell on it further,” Alice said wearily, “But if something like this happens again, don’t act so rashly; at least discuss it with the family first.” As a mother, she hated seeing this rift grow between her children.

Ronald’s brow furrowed slightly as he delivered his final verdict. “You should be grateful that Carmen forgave you,” he said sternly, “Otherwise, I’d make sure you learn what’s acceptable and what’s not. We don’t turn against our own family.

“Aubree’s been setting up that esports club lately. This is your area of expertise; put in some effort and make things tough for her. Think of it as making amends to Carmen.”

Emery’s mind went utterly blank for a second. It took him a long moment to process what those words actually meant.