The Fifth Year of Marriage to Him novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167

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But I didn’t have proof. I was bluffing.”

Cedrick let out a cold “Hah,” fingers tapping the steering wheel–a sure sign his temper was fraying.

Lucille pressed on, “I know you’re furious about the damage he caused your company-”

“Shut up!”

He cut her off, rage simmering.

“…Just tell me how to make it right.”

Lucille finished firmly, “Send him to prison.”

“I’m too angry to discuss this now.”

He was visibly wrestling for control.

“Well…” Logically, she understood. He’d built Tristen’s company from the ground up, only for her brother to run a white glove scheme bleeding his funds dry. Anyone would be livid. But rage solved nothing. “However angry you are, we still need to resolve this. Your call.”

Besides, her time here was limited. Best to wrap this up.

He turned, gaze sharp as a blade. “You think that’s why I’m angry?”

What else could it be?

Cedrick’s laugh held pure scorn. “Guess I wasted five years then.”

Lucille frowned. “Speak plainly. What are you talking about?”

“You-” His glare intensified. “Do you have any idea what your family’s like?

Charging in alone?

If I hadn’t reached Grandma’s house that day, they’d have broken your hand!”

Lucille studied him. That was why he was furious?

“You find a problem and instead of coming to me, you confront Tristen alone? What were you thinking?

You’ve got some nerve!”

His voice grew louder with each word.

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Chapter 167

Lucille’s ears rang from the volume. “Was that necessary?

I knew what I was doing.”

“Knew? Are you taller than Tristen? Faster? Tougher?

What if he decided to beat you senseless? Or silence you for good?”

Cedrick looked like a tiger whose tail got pulled–furious and radiating danger.

Lucille had never seen him like this…

“I wasn’t alone. I had backup.”

Lucille gestured outside.

Several men emerged from near Tristen’s office, now standing in the parking lot.

Cedrick’s jaw remained clenched. “Who are these guys?”

“I hired them. They’re stationed around Tristen’s office, ready to charge in if anything happens to me.”

Lucille was about to start a new chapter–she’d never go in unprepared.

The fire in Cedrick’s eyes dimmed by half. “I didn’t see them when I entered.”

“They’re veterans. Professionals.”

Lucille had inquired with the residential security about hiring temporary protection.

The guard mentioned having ex–comrades available.

Cedrick exhaled, scoffing. “Not completely foolish after all.”

Ignoring his jab, Lucille reached to open the car door.

“Where are you going?”

He’d locked it.

“Open up! I need to pay them!

They didn’t come for free!” Lucille rapped on the window.

“How much for a day?”

Lucille sighed. “They’re decent people, asked for very little. I insisted on paying extra.”

“Hmm.”

Cedrick grunted, unlocked the door, and strode toward the men.

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Through the windshield, Lucille watched him scan their QR code–likely transferring payment–then linger chatting

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before shaking hands farewell.

“What did you tell them?”

Lucille asked when he returned.

“Nothing important.”

Cedrick started the engine. “Let’s go home. They’ll handle things.”

“When did you realize Tristen was scheming?”

Lucille wondered about the eerie timing.

Cedrick stayed silent.

Lucille caught on. “You knew all along?”

“Hmm.”

He replied curtly and started the car.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

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Tristen was her family. By all rights, Cedrick should’ve warned her immediately–though this was yet another humili- ation making her wish the ground would swallow her up.

Cedrick merely glanced at her. “I had it under control. Besides…”

“Besides what?”

Lucille pressed, waiting for him to continue.

“He is your brother.”

Cedrick said briefly, accelerating.

“But he…” Lucille only said half of it and stopped.

What she wanted to say was: But he’s not a reliable person at all.