Chapter 491: Joaquin's Fury Susan shook her head. "It's too late to file for a real divorce now. After all, it's just a statement. We can forge a divorce certificate and backdate it. All they care about is the result-who's going to dig deeper? Besides, this is ultimately between the two of us and has nothing to do with anyone else. If I weren't a public figure, why would I need to explain myself to anyone?" "Fine. You handle this. I want the news suppressed within three days," Hayden said coldly.
"I'll do my best." At this point, she and Hayden were already on the sboat. Just then, Hayden's phone rang. The screen lit up with the word "Grandpa." His expression changed instantly, and he reluctantly picked up.
"Grandpa." "You still remember I'm your grandfather? Are you trying to killwith anger?! That scandal she stirred up last twasn't enough? And now this! Do you have any idea how much disgrace you've brought to our family? Both of you, get back here immediately!" "Yes, Grandpa. We'll return right away." Hayden hung up the phone. The thing he dreaded most had cto pass. "Get up. We're going home." "Hayden, can I... can I not go?" Susan's voice quavered. Joaquin's fiery temper terrified her. When they first got married, he had managed to suppress his anger for the sake of appearances.
But this time, she had thoroughly disgraced the Alvarez family. Joaquin wouldn't just scold her-he might tear her apart. Susan's heart was filled with dread and anxiety. What was she going to do? "What do you think?" Hayden shot her a cold glance, making her shiver. She had no choice but to tremble as she got up and began packing.
The drive back to the Alvarez Manor was silent and suffocating. The tension in the car was unbearable. Susan's eyes flickered nervously, her heart pounding wildly.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Have you figured out what you're going to say to my grandfather?" Hayden lit a cigarette. He rarely smoked in the car, but today his mood was particularly foul. "I... I don't know what to say." "Since we've already agreed on a divorce, stick to that story. But remember-don't let Grandpa think we faked our marriage to deceive him. I won't pursue your infidelity, but in exchange, you'll handle this mess." Susan looked at the man exhaling smoke beside her. For the first time, she felt as though she didn't know him at all. It was as if his very blood ran cold.
True, she had done despicable things, but wasn't it ultimately because of Hayden? If he had treated her even a little better, would any of this have happened? She had never asked for much-just for him to smile at her once. But even that was too much to hope for. His gaze was always cold, even now. Susan wanted desperately to ask, Hayden, do you even have a heart? But she already knew the answer. He did, but it wasn't for her.
"Yes," she said, biting her lip. She had no choice but to keep moving forward, one painful step at a time.
The Alvarez Manor was filled with family members. Joaquin sat in the center, gripping his cane, exuding an imposing presence like a general in battle.
"Grandpa," Hayden greeted, his voice low. Even he felt intimidated by the atmosphere, let alone Susan.
If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! All eyes turned to Susan.
"You're finally here. Now, who's going to explain this to me?" Joaquin slammed a magazine onto the table with a resounding thud.
Mary, clearly anxious, urged, "Susan, hurry and explain to your grandfather. Were you filming a scene?" "Filming?" Joaquin sneered. "Do you think anyone would hire her to film now? Her reputation is in shambles. The entertainment company hasn't given her any work in ages. Who would dare cast her now?" It was clear Joaquin had done his homework. He hadn't summoned them without first confirming the facts. Susan's heart sank. She had hoped to cup with an excuse, but Joaquin's words made it clear he already knew everything. Remembering Hayden's earlier warning, she had no choice but to shoulder all the blame.
"Grandpa, it's all my fault. When all those rumors cout, the company shelved me, and I was feeling upset. I had too much to drink that night. I ran into a friend, and it was already late. He offered to takehome, but he was worried Hayden might misunderstand.
He was just trying to be kind and tookto his villa. We grew up together and used to play as children. I stayed in the guest room that night-nothing happened. But the paparazzi took pictures and twisted the story.
Grandpa, I swear, I didn't do anything to betray Hayden." Joaquin's expression didn't soften. "Fine. Let's say I believe that. Then what about the photos the reporters took the next morning?"
"Grandpa, he and I were close as kids, so sometimes we'd greet each other with a cheek kiss. The media twisted sfor it using angles to make it look worse.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmI know I was wrong and brought shto the Alvarez family. I hope you can forgive me. I'm truly sorry." If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Susan had said all she could. Whether Joaquin believed her or not was out of her hands.
Joaquin didn't want to believe her, but not believing would only cause him more grief. A shrewd man always knew when to yield.
"You're no longer a little girl. You're a married woman now. There are boundaries between men and women, and spending the night in another man's house crosses them.
The media reports have already stained our family's reputation. Outsiders love a scandal-they don't care about the truth. You've barely entered this family, and you've already caused such disgrace. Tell me, how do you plan to fix this?" Susan knew she was in the wrong. Slowly, she bent her knees and knelt before him. "Grandpa, this is my fault, and I'll take responsibility. I'll do whatever it takes to restore the Alvarez family's reputation."
"Restore our reputation? Easier said than done! This is like a bucket of filth dumped on the Alvarez name. I can't believe Hayden married a m woman like you Joaquin's dissatisfaction with Susan had been simmering ever since the incident with Aurora. To him, a daughter-in-law was always closer than a granddaughter-in-law. Now, with this new scandal, his dislike turned to outright hatred. Joaquin made no effort to hide it. Even though Susan was indeed at fault, being humiliated like this in front of everyone made her feel utterly humiliated. She couldn't hold back her tears.
"Grandpa, please don't be angry. We'll do our best to minimize the damage," Hayden said, trying to pacify him.
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