Chapter 23

Alexander finally saw the Carters' true colors. Only then did he realize just how much Penelope had suffered. Without hesitation, he took her hand and shielded her behind him. Meeting their furious glares, his voice was icy as he declared, "Penelope is part of the Lambert family now. From this moment on, she has nothing to do with the Carters." From the way they stood together, the Carters knew right away that this must be Alexander. To be reprimanded publicly by someone much younger made Robert and Camila seethe with anger. But with Harriet present, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and attempt reason. "Even if she has changed her last name, she's still one of us. We have every right to discipline her," Robert argued. Alexander's expression darkened with barely contained fury. Just as he was about to retort, Penelope stopped him and gently shook her head. After that, she stepped forward, her gaze steady as she looked at the people she had once called family. "Why