Chapter 18

In the Holt residence's grand hall, a suitcase was violently thrown to the floor, echoing with a heavy thud. "Alder, you beast! How dare you kick your parents out of the house for a woman?" Arthur was livid, hurling curses as he pointed at Alder, who was sitting calmly on the couch. Alder sat with his legs crossed and was dressed immaculately in a suit. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest, and his gaze was cold as if he were staring at strangers. "You're getting old, Dad. The countryside suits you better. As for Holt Corporation, don't worry. I'll manage it just fine," he said calmly, but each word was sharp as a blade. Edith collapsed onto the floor and wailed in anguish. "Oh, god! What an ungrateful animal we have raised! What witchcraft did that woman feed you for you to turn back on your flesh and blood?" In the corner, Vera was curled up on a single-seat couch. Her face was pale, and her gaze was blank. Her exposed arms were covered with gruesome whip marks, as if