Chapter 581

Lucian's eyes burned with undisguised hostility, leaving Madelyn momentarily stunned. Irene, though seething with humiliation, kept her composure. After a brief silence, she forced a bitter smile and said, "Lucian, you've misunderstood. Your mother and I were just talking. Your aunt might have thought we were arguing." Madelyn gradually snapped out of her daze, her face twisted in displeasure, a flicker of hurt flashing in her eyes. But Lucian stood his ground, unwavering. Though young, he had seen with his own eyes how his aunt had berated his mother. No matter the reason, his mother was still sick—how could she shout at her like that? Didn’t she care if it worsened her condition? The thought of his younger brothers crying for their mother these past few days only deepened his resentment. Frowning, he glared at Madelyn without backing down an inch. Ariana watched her fiercely protective eldest son, the corners of her lips curling into a faint smile. But she didn’t intervene, content t