The mood inside the Whitmore compound was unusually tense.
The security guards standing at the main gate immediately noticed a luxury car approaching.
It wasn’t a vehicle they recognized.
It wasn’t part of the Whitmore family’s fleet either.
The car slowed to a stop in front of the gate.
One of the guards stepped forward and politely greeted the occupants.
“Good afternoon.
May I know who you’re here to see?”
The window rolled down.
The guard immediately recognized the driver and the people seated in the back.
“The Hayes family.”
He straightened immediately.
“Welcome, sir.”
The gate was opened without another question.The car drove into the compound and was directed toward the parking garage.
Matt Hayes stepped out first,then his daughter, Emily, followed.She looked unusually excited, carrying several beautifully wrapped packages in her arms.
“Welcome to Whitmore Villa, Mr.
Hayes.” The staff greeted them respectfully.
Matt smiled and exchanged pleasantries with the servants before walking inside with Emily.The moment they entered the living room, Ashley stood up with a welcoming smile.
“Matt, Emily.
It’s wonderful to see you both.”
Emily immediately walked toward her.
“Ashley!” She handed her several of the packages.
“I brought these for you.”
Ashley looked at the gifts with obvious delight.
“Oh, Emily.
You shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to.” Emily smiled brightly.
“I saw them while I was overseas and immediately thought of you.”
Ashley hugged her warmly.
“You are such a thoughtful girl.”
“Thank you.” Emily smiled.
She then greeted Carter with equal enthusiasm.
“Mr.
Whitmore.”
Carter smiled.
“Emily.
It’s good to have you here.”
Matt and Carter soon settled into a conversation.
Business,investments and upcoming projects.
The kind of conversation that made it obvious their relationship went beyond simple friendship and what Matt was eager to initiate.
Ashley remained beside Emily, admiring the gifts while the two women laughed and talked but not everyone in the house was pleased.
From the staircase, Andrew watched the entire scene.His eyes remained fixed on Emily.
He slowly walked downstairs.
“Mr.
Hayes.”
Matt turned.
“Andrew.”
They exchanged a polite greeting.
Andrew then turned toward Emily.
“Emily.”
She looked at him.
“Andrew.”
Her response was polite but distant.
Andrew noticed but he didn’t seem bothered,he walked over and sat beside her much closer than necessary.
Emily shifted slightly in her seat.
She clearly wasn’t comfortable.She had always known that Andrew and Harrison had a strained relationship and she had no interest in getting caught between them.
Ashley noticed the situation immediately.Her eyes narrowed.
She gave Andrew a sharp warning glare.
He understood.
His father was sitting right there.
Andrew reluctantly leaned back but the irritation in his eyes remained.
Then…
The front door opened.
Everyone turned.
Harrison walked into the villa.
His expression was as cold and unreadable as ever.
He stopped briefly when he noticed the guests.
Emily’s eyes immediately lit up.
“Harrison…”
She hadn’t expected him to arrive so soon, her face filled with excitement.
Matt simply watched him calmly.
Carter looked pleased perhaps he believed his son was finally accepting the arrangement.
Harrison walked toward them.
“Mr.
Hayes.”
Matt nodded.
“Harrison.”
Harrison then greeted his father.
“Father.”
Carter nodded.
“Good to see you.”
Harrison’s eyes briefly moved toward Ashley.
She was sitting comfortably on the sofa, pretending not to notice his arrival.Their eyes met.
There was no warmth between them then Emily suddenly stood.
“Harrison!”
Before he could react, she rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around him.
“My Harrison, how are you doing?”
Harrison’s body stiffened.He clearly disliked the sudden embrace.His jaw tightened and glanced around the room.
Everyone was watching.
He didn’t want to create a scene so instead of pushing her away aggressively, he gently removed her arms from around him.
“I’m fine.” His voice was cold.
Emily’s smile weakened slightly.
“I missed you.”
Harrison didn’t respond as his gaze moved toward Ashley.
She looked completely unmoved.
That only made his anger grow.
He had already endured enough and now his father had arranged a marriage behind his back.He turned toward Carter.
“Father, I need to speak with you.”
Carter smiled faintly.
“Of course.”
He looked toward Matt.
“Excuse us for a moment.”
Harrison followed his father upstairs.
They entered the private leisure room and closed the door behind them.
The moment the door shut, Harrison’s calm expression disappeared.
“Why did you make such a decision without my approval?”
Carter turned toward him.
“Is that why you asked to speak with me?”
“Yes.” Harrison’s voice was sharp.
“I want to know why you keep making decisions about my life as though I don’t have a say in it.”
Carter frowned.
“Watch your tone.”
“No.” Harrison stepped forward.
“I’ve been quiet for long enough.”His eyes burned with anger.
“You care about your interests.
You care about your business.
You care about what that woman wants.”
Carter’s expression hardened.
“Don’t speak about my wife that way.”
Harrison laughed bitterly.
“You have always favored her.”
“She is your mother.”
“She is not my mother!” Harrison’s voice echoed through the room.
Downstairs, the voices were loud enough for everyone to hear.
Emily’s smile disappeared.
Ashley slowly looked toward the staircase.
Andrew remained silent, listening.
Upstairs, the argument continued.
Carter’s face was red with anger.
“You will show your mother respect.”
“Never!” Harrison’s fists clenched.
“My only mother is Camilla.”
The room went silent for a moment.
“She is the only mother I have ever had.”
Carter stared at him.
Then, in the heat of the argument, he said something he would immediately regret.
“Is it because of that criminal woman who’s late already?”
Harrison froze as his eyes slowly lifted.
“What did you call my mother?”
Carter’s expression tightened.
He realized he had crossed a line but his pride prevented him from taking the words back.
“Your mother was not the innocent woman you think she was.”
Harrison’s jaw clenched.
“My mother was never a criminal.”.
His voice was frighteningly calm.Then his eyes hardened.
“You are.”
Carter’s face changed.
“Harrison…!!”
But Harrison was already walking toward the door.He opened it and stormed downstairs.
Everyone turned toward him.His face was filled with fury.
Emily stood immediately.
“Harrison…”
He didn’t even look at her,he walked straight through the living room and headed toward the entrance.
“Harrison!”
Emily followed a few steps but he didn’t stop.
The front door slammed behind him.
Emily stood frozen,her expression was filled with disappointment.
She had imagined Harrison finally accepting their relationship,instead, he had walked away more furious than ever.
Ashley quickly stood and looked toward the staircase.
Carter still hadn’t come down.
She hurried upstairs to find out what had happened.
Andrew remained in the living room.He watched the door Harrison had just walked through then a small smile appeared on his lips.
For once, his brother’s anger had created an opportunity.
He stood up quietly.
Matt noticed him but Andrew said nothing.He simply walked away.
Outside the villa, Harrison climbed into his car.
His hands tightened around the steering wheel.
His father’s words kept replaying in his mind.
Criminal.
The word burned anger in him.
His mother had been gone for years but Harrison had spent his entire life defending her name.
And he would never allow anyone to destroy her memory not even his father.