Urging Him to Get a Divorce (Aveline and Xavier) novel Chapter 735

Brielle couldn’t resist speaking up. “If he was truly devastated by his wife’s death, then how could he have brought his mistress and illegitimate daughter home so quickly? And even managed to get a marriage certificate?” Her voice carried a mix of disbelief and accusation.

Leona shot Brielle a look filled with impatience. “Marriages are complicated, Brielle. Maybe Bethany wasn’t easy to get along with,” she said dismissively.

Brielle was taken aback. She couldn’t believe Leona would say something so insensitive.

The atmosphere grew tense as Rupert and Lauren’s faces darkened. Lauren spoke sharply, “Leona, what nonsense are you spouting now?”

“Mom, I…” Leona started to defend herself, but Rupert interrupted firmly, “We’ve met Aveline’s mother. We even had dinner with her. I remember it well. Do you honestly think she was difficult to get along with?”

He looked directly at Leona, his voice steady but filled with conviction. “Bethany was talented, graceful, well-mannered, and kind. Do you truly believe she was a difficult person?”

Noticing the anger rising in her grandfather’s eyes, Leona quickly tried to backtrack. “Grandpa, I didn’t mean to judge. I was just saying we shouldn’t jump to conclusions about someone else’s marriage. Every family has its own hidden troubles.”

Rupert’s expression hardened. “That’s no excuse for cheating.”

Leona lowered her gaze and nodded. “You’re right. I was wrong.”

“Enough of this,” Rupert said firmly. “Let’s focus on helping Josie’s father.”

Lauren added gravely, “You keep talking about Josie’s father, but don’t forget Jacob is also Aveline’s father.”

Leona pursed her lips and replied quietly, “But Aveline has disowned him as her father.”

“She deserves to be disowned,” Rupert said coldly. “I spoke with Xavier, and he won’t be helping Jacob. He’s incompetent, drove his company into ruin, and still has the audacity to claim he was grieving his wife’s death.”

Leona frowned. “I think he should just close the company and retire early.”

“But Josie’s… Aveline’s father is only in his early fifties. How can he retire at this age?” Leona asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Rupert shrugged. “Besides, the debts from his company…”

“His own assets are more than enough to cover those debts. And now that Courtney is his wife, it’s her responsibility to help pay them. Aveline and Xavier shouldn’t have to bear that burden,” Lauren explained.

Leona’s brow furrowed. “Patriarch, does that mean they won’t be helping the Sutton family?”

“If this gets out…” Rupert began, but Leona interrupted him.

Rupert cut her off sharply. “Jacob threatened your mother the last time he came over. I hate being threatened more than anything else in this world.”

Later that evening, Leona found herself dining in the grand Beltran mansion when her phone buzzed. It was Marcus. The message read, [Where are you? Why aren’t you home?]

Leona quickly replied, [I’m at my maiden home. I’ll be back after dinner.]

Marcus didn’t respond.

After finishing her meal, Leona returned home. As she stepped inside, she noticed Marcus sitting alone in the living room. The television was off, and the room was unusually quiet. She wasn’t sure what he was doing there, but the cold, dark look in his eyes told her he was angry.

Trying to ease the tension, Leona asked gently, “Where’s Mason?”

Her son should have been busy with his homework at this hour, and she hoped breaking the silence would soften Marcus’s mood.

Marcus’s voice was sharp and biting. “Leona, why the hell are you stirring up trouble with me?”

Leona suspected Xavier might have complained about her to Marcus, but she was taken aback by Marcus’s hostile tone. Irritated, she snapped back, “What’s wrong with you? Why are you looking for a fight?”

Marcus stood abruptly, pointing a finger at her. “Me, looking for trouble? Don’t play dumb.”

“Is something wrong with you? Xavier helped me secure a project and has always supported my company’s growth. Why do you keep opposing him?”