Chapter 1063
A chill ran down Tiana's spine, but she sneered, "Sherilyn, you married into the Goldings and made a name for yourself. I just didn't expect that all this time, you've still been consumed by jealousy and hatred for your own family."
"But you've clearly overestimated yourselves," Tiana continued. "Even if Jameson and I fall today, Lauren will be fine. She's set to marry into the Driscolls, and one day, she'll use their power to make you and Kenny pay—blood for blood."
Kenny scoffed. "You're the one dreaming, Tiana. That little tramp you raised will never marry into the Driscolls. She's already lost her purity, messing around with that street rat, Andrew. Do you seriously think the Driscolls would ever accept her?"
"No!" Tiana retorted. "The second they learn the truth, they won't just reject Lauren—they'll join me in wiping out you two and your shameless daughter."
Tiana's expression shifted repeatedly, her anger toward Andrew escalating. There was no peaceful resolution. Her anger burned; if that little bastard hadn't clung to Lauren like a leech, the Rhodes family wouldn't be facing this nightmare. She and Jameson, especially their beloved daughter, wouldn't be on the brink of ruin.
Jameson's voice turned cold. "Tiana, there's no point in saying more. If Kenny and Sherilyn are this far gone, acting insane and dead set on destruction, then we'll let our actions speak. If Kenny wants to take my place as family head so easily, he better be prepared to pay the price."
Tiana's voice cracked. "You make it sound so simple! Sure, we might be ready to die. But what about Lauren? She's our precious daughter! If we're gone, who'll protect her? Who will she rely on?"
Tears welled in her eyes, trembling with sorrow.
Jameson sighed, replying solemnly, "I know how deeply you love her. And I know how hard you've worked all these years, pouring everything into planning her future, hoping she could live in peace. But some things are fate, Tiana. We can't control everything."
He added, "And even if we're gone, Andrew will still be here. I believe he can give Lauren the life she deserves."
Tiana let out a bitter laugh. "You still believe in him? Even now? Jameson, I really don't understand you. When it comes to Lauren, how did you become so blind—so damn foolish?"
Jameson's face remained firm, his voice unshaken. "Whatever you say, it's too late. And I don't believe I'm blind or foolish. Andrew just needs time to grow. One day, he'll rise up and protect Lauren from the storms ahead. Of this, I have no doubt."
Standing in the back corner, Andrew felt a surge of emotion. He knew this exchange was partly for his ears—a final message, a parting wish. They were leaving Lauren's future in his hands, and their opinions couldn't be more different. Jameson always believed in him, spoke kindly, and never doubted his potential. But Tiana? She had always dismissed him, rejected him, tried to push him away.
Still, Andrew thought they were making things overly dramatic. So what if Kenny had brought in reinforcements? What was the big deal?
He smirked, stepping forward, ready to crush Kenny. So what if that so-called martial arts master ranked fifth on the Underworld Index? So what? Since they came knocking, there was no need for talk; it was time to fight. Sometimes, violence was the only way to settle things.
But then, the unexpected happened. Tiana suddenly stepped forward toward Aidan. Before anyone reacted, she dropped to her knees, bowing deeply, her forehead hitting the floor.
"Mr. Haywood Senior," she pleaded, "I, Tiana Lambert, am begging on my knees. Jameson and the Rhodes family are stubborn and doomed. If they want to die, that's their choice. But I refuse to go down with them for nothing. Please, Mr. Haywood Senior—take me in. Spare my life. I'm willing to serve you from now on!"