Chapter 74

Ivy trembled as her father's voice thundered through the room. He had never yelled at her before. She lowered her head, eyes stinging with tears. Her heart pounded, and her legs felt weak. She couldn’t even look up. For the first time in her life, she was truly afraid of him. A few minutes earlier— “Oh, my bad!” Arona had said with a mocking grin. “I guess you all don’t know about her relationship with her uncle, do you, brother?” Mr. Franklin stood abruptly, his eyes fierce as they locked onto her. “Arona, do you even understand what you’re saying?” Tati snapped, voice tight with anger. Jacob stepped forward, face tense. “Enough of your nonsense, Arona. Don’t you dare make such low comments about Aaron.” But Arona stayed calm, smiling sweetly. “Oh, Mr. Jacob, I’m sorry if this hurts—but maybe ask your son. He knows Aaron better than anyone else.” Jacob turned sharply. “Joe?” Joe’s thoughts: Damn it. Now even Dad was defending Aaron. And Ms. Arona—what was she doing? This wasn’t how th