Chapter 393 Fear

Abram’s eyes cut toward Daphne.

That single glance dropped her into a frozen pit that left her shaking and too scared to breathe.

“I… I wouldn’t dare…”

Ryan clenched his fists.

He wanted to scream at his wife.

If Abram turned on their side of the family because of her, he would make sure she paid for it.

Does she really think she can do anything just because she’s lived a life of luxury for a while? Perhaps she should try living as someone hated by everyone, then.

Jude was already a nightmare to deal with.

Abram was worse.

He was a man no one could read. Even as his son, Ryan felt nothing but raw fear in his presence.

“If Rebecca proves herself overseas and shows me something worth respect, then she can come back.

“If she can’t hold her own dignity, then this family has no place for her. I won’t drag her back just to let her be used against us again.”

“I understand.”

The guests broke apart in silence.

Rebecca was carried away to the doctor.

Abram ordered the butler to clean every trace of blood, and the severed fingers were tossed into the trash like they had never mattered.

Tilda pressed her lips together.

“No wonder he was the previous head of the Bells. He’s so cold, so detached, like he only cares about worth and nothing else.”

“This is who Abram is,” Jude said.

His voice was low, his eyes far away.

“Jude, I’m not against the rules your grandfather laid out to survive, but don’t you feel… sorry for the guy?”

In this house, Abram earned nothing but fear and hollow respect.

Every smile thrown his way was fake.

Not one person meant it, not even his own children or grandchildren.

“You can feel sorry for anyone else in the world. Just… not him. Pity is not the kind of emotion you associate with him.

“He thrives on this. For some men, family honor is all there is. Anyone who stains it disrespects his whole existence.”

Jude’s tone was flat.

He had grown up under Abram’s shadow.

He knew the man’s truth better than anyone.

“You’re right. I don’t know why I suddenly felt soft. Maybe because I know my own life isn’t much better.

“But your grandfather is so ruthless, it feels like tonight is going to be a death trap for me.”

Tilda pressed her mouth tight.

Jude’s lips curved into the faintest smile.

“Now you’re afraid?”

“A little, but I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure of myself.

“Abram acted exactly how I thought he would. And even if the world falls apart, I know you’ll protect me.”

She gave him a look full of trust.

“To stand as your knight is my greatest honor.”

His words carried the weight of a vow, a promise to guard her as long as he lived.

If she stayed, he would never leave her side.

Jude finally had the strength to protect the woman he loved.

No one would ever harm her again. No one.

A soft knock came at the door.

“Mr. Jude, Ms. Tilda, may I come in?”

It was the butler who had guided them there.

Jude spoke quietly.

“That man has served the Bells for 60 years. His name is Lucas Landton, and he grew up with my grandfather.

“There’s something strong in him. Even without the Bells, he could have built an empire of his own.”

Tilda trusted her instincts.

She felt that same weight in him.

A man like that was never meant to stay hidden.

“If Lucas chose to stay, it’s because of both loyalty and personal gain.”

“You’re right. His family has risen high by serving my grandfather.

“Lucas could have found success on his own, but it would never match what he gained here.”

Jude knew that for sure.

Whether he was truly loyal to Abram was something only those two understood.

Jude wasn’t going to waste thought on it.

“Come in.”

Lucas pushed the door open and gave a short bow to both Jude and Tilda.

Then his gaze rested on her.

“Ms. Tilda, Mr. Bell asks to see you. He wants you now.”

“Alright.”

It was no surprise.

Abram had not called her here only to watch Rebecca bleed.