AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hey everyone! Buckle up, because the update you've all been BEGGING for (okay, maybe politely requesting ) is FINALLY HERE! I know, I know, the wait has been KILLER (seriously, some of you sent carrier pigeons, right?), but hopefully, this chapter will be worth the torture. A giant thank you to everyone who left a vote or comment – your support seriously fuels my caffeine addiction (and thus, my writing). Let me know what you think in the comments below, and without further ado, let's dive in! ✨

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Chapter 156: A Slap in the Face



Once the marriage certificate photo was revealed, the scene erupted into an uproar.

Lewis scanned the crowd with a contemptuous smile. "Surely none of you are still questioning the authenticity of this marriage certificate, are you? Do I need to take each of you to the courthouse to verify it?"

Everyone present was dumbfounded.

Isla's pupils shrank violently as she looked at Keira in disbelief.

How could this be... How could it be?!

Wasn't Keira only recently married? How could it be from two years ago?

But she knew the marriage certificate must be real.

With so many reporters present, Lewis wouldn't have forged a document...

Jake's entire face had turned deathly pale.

Keira was indeed married to his uncle... She had been his aunt all along!

Against others, Jake could contend or use some forceful measures, but it was Jake's nature to fear Lewis!

Oliver and Nathan's faces darkened, and both were somewhat disappointed.

They exchanged a glance, their complexions looking extremely ugly.

They had thought that they could use this event to topple Lewis, but they hadn't expected things turn out to be like this!

Seeing the marriage certificate, Keira arched an eyebrow.

She suddenly understood why Lewis was late! He had been fishing!

The curtain was originally under the control of the first branch of the family; it was meant to display private photos, but now it showed the marriage certificate, indicating Lewis had known it all along.

But Lewis took advantage of the situation, slapping the first branch's face!

This huge blunder must have caused those who followed the first branch to waver.

As she mused, Mrs. Olsen was also staring at the marriage certificate in shock!!

Mrs. Olsen had never expected such an outcome and looked at Keira with an indescribable expression. "When you kept asking me to look at the marriage certificate, was this what you meant?"

Keira lowered her gaze, obviously hurt.

This was the first time in her life that Mrs. Olsen hadn't believed her... Keira nodded, "Yes."

"I..."

Mrs. Olsen attempted to explain something, but then suddenly found herself unable to speak.

She hadn't anticipated this.

Facing Keira, a sense of guilt surged in her chest.

Several times, Keira tried to explain, but she and Isla interrupted Keira. Keira handed the marriage certificate to her to see, but she didn't look...

As she shared a speechless moment with Keira, a shocked outcry burst from the nearby classmates' group, "How is this possible? Keira, an illegitimate daughter, actually married Mr. Horton?!"

It was Erin's sharp voice.

Her face was one of shock, and she could no longer maintain her composure. Trembling, she pointed to the screen. "This must be fake! How could Keira be worthy of this marriage?!"

The students around her looked at her as if she were a fool.

It seemed that being fired from the company and unable to find a job in Oceanion hadn't taught her any lesson...

Keira's eyes chilled as she was about to speak, but Tom already took a step forward, "Miss Olsen... oh, no, Mrs. Horton is the hostess of the Horton family. How can you insult her like this? Do you look down on the Horton family?"

Erin was stunned, swallowing hard.

The black-clothed bodyguards following Tom were all tall and burly. Any one of them individually was enough to strike terror in one's heart.

It was only then that she seemed to realize just what kind of person she had offended.

She collapsed on the ground in an instant, her eyes darting to Lewis. "Mr. Horton, I—I'm sorry. I'll never dare again..."

Lewis didn't speak.

However, Tom understood his boss's intent and laughed, "Don't you know whom you've offended?"

That statement made Erin turn sharply toward Keira.

Resentment flashed in her eyes.

Back in college, Keira kept to herself and wasn't as sociable with her classmates as Erin... But now...

Their statuses were worlds apart!

In the face of absolute strength, Erin had to bow her head. "Keira, I slandered you. I'm sorry! Please let me off! I swear I'll never gossip about you again. Please allow me to find a job; I don't want to leave Oceanion..."

Keira lowered her gaze, for she was never one for saintly compassion, and said indifferently, "When one errs, a price must be paid. Tom, I don't wish to see her at the banquet any longer."

"Yes, Mrs. Horton."

A wave of Tom's hand summoned a bodyguard, who grabbed Erin by the arm and dragged her out.

Although Charles and other classmates felt it was a bit cruel, they remembered the things Erin had done to Keira and remained silent.

Isla clenched her fists tightly.

At this moment, Keira was absolutely stealing the show!

Keira was actually the hostess of the Horton family... Didn't that mean she would be above Isla in the future?

Isla had worked hard to marry Jake, but Keira simply turned around and became Lewis's wife...

Suddenly, Isla said, "Keira, Erin was just being a busybody and said a few words. Why go so far? If this gets out, it'll only make the hostess of the Horton family seem petty for bickering over such trifles!"

"Is that so?"

Keira's gaze grew sharp as she challenged Isla. "So you think anyone can insult the hostess of the Horton family without paying any price? In your eyes, is the dignity of the Horton family so unimportant?"

Isla wanted to retort, but Lewis said indifferently, "Is this how you speak to your elders? If you're resentful and dare to backtalk, you should face family discipline!"

Isla was speechless.

She and Jake looked at Keira sharply, only now realizing that she was no longer that illegitimate daughter. She now had someone backing her up!

It wasn't long before Erin was gagged and dragged out.

The entire banquet hall fell silent.

After a moment, Nathan suddenly said, "Why has old Mrs. Horton taken so long in the restroom? Someone should go find her quickly; today is her birthday banquet..."

As soon as these words came out, someone was about to fetch her, but Lewis suddenly spoke again. "There's no rush. Let's deal with the matters at hand first before letting Grandma come out, to avoid any agitation from this commotion."

Nathan frowned. "What else is there to take care of? Hasn't everything been clarified? Since it was a misunderstanding, clearing it up is enough."

No sooner had he finished than the butler appeared at the door with two policemen, "We received a report of illegal activity here!"

Nathan frowned immediately. "No one here called the police..."

"I did," came the calm reply.

Lewis continued. "My wife and I had our private photos suddenly made public. Someone violated our right to privacy!"

At this revelation, Isla and Jake's expressions changed dramatically!

They glanced at each other, nervously clutching the fabric of their clothes.

When they planned the scandal, they were only thinking of dragging Lewis's reputation through the mud without considering that he would take it to the lengths of involving the police!

Oliver immediately took a step forward. "It's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding. It must have been a servant who accidentally triggered it. Lewis, such things are without evidence. There's no need for the police to have come all this way for nothing, right?"

Isla instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

Indeed... they had avoided the cameras when orchestrating the affair. As long as they denied everything, they would be fine!

But the next moment, they heard Lewis say coolly, "Who says I don't have evidence?"

******

Chapter 157: Isla Is Arrested



Isla looked at him in disbelief.

But then she realized something.

The marriage certificate was displayed on the screen, which meant Lewis had known about their misdeeds all along!

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Tom suddenly took out a remote control and pressed a button, and immediately, a video appeared on the screen.

The crowd could see it clearly. It was footage from two surveillance cameras.

The first showed Isla sneaking into the video room and copying photos from a USB drive onto the computer.

The second was of two maids at home, one projecting the photos in the background and the other secretly pressing the remote control...

The evidence was irrefutable!

Isla became flustered as she turned to look at Jake. He was aware of the whole affair, even having taken part in it with her, but now Jake stepped back, avoiding eye contact with her.

In a panic, Isla cried out subconsciously, "Jake..."

Jake instinctively glanced at Oliver.

His father was frowning and staring fiercely at him with disappointment in his eyes as if to say, "You can't even handle this trivial matter. You're useless!"

Jake clenched his fists tightly and suddenly rushed in front of Isla.

Isla thought he was going to protect her, her face lighting up with hope, but the next moment...

"Slap!"

Jake slapped her hard across the face. "Isla, I never thought you would be this kind of person! I know you and Keira don't get along. She's your illegitimate sister, and you've hated her since childhood, but how could you do such a thing at Great-grandma's birthday banquet?!"

Isla was dumbfounded.

She held her cheek, looking incredulously at Jake at this moment.

Poppy, who had been restrained, had calmed down after realizing she couldn't free herself. Her hands were tied behind her, and a cloth was stuffed in her mouth.

When she saw what happened, she immediately stood up. She let out an angry cry and started thrashing around, knocking aside the bodyguards and then slamming head-first into Jake's stomach.

Jake was knocked back several steps with a dull pain in his abdomen.

Poppy, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, stared angrily at Jake. Although she didn't speak, everyone could see that she was furious!

It seemed if Jake dared to lay another hand on Isla, she was ready to fight him to the death!

The sight left the other guests stunned.

They whispered among themselves.

"What's going on here?"

"Isn't she Keira's mom? Why is she protecting Isla like this?"

"Right, you'd think she was Isla's own mother!"

"..."

The whispers from the crowd brought Poppy back to her senses. She then looked at Isla, realizing she'd overreacted, and turned her gaze to Keira.

Isla lowered the hand holding her cheek, but she understood that Jake was now unreliable.

She clenched her fists tightly and looked at Poppy, who stood protectively in front of her, with a flash of disdain in her eyes.

This foolish woman always caused unnecessary trouble at times like this. She had knocked Jake aside. Was he really the root of the issue?

She composed herself, and immediately, her face took on a tearful expression. She lowered her head. "It wasn't on purpose. Keira told me she just got her marriage certificate this year, so I had no idea her husband was my uncle! I just thought their relationship wasn't right..."

She covered her cheek. "I didn't mean anything by it, I just felt it was unfair to my aunt... My mom is soft and kind, and it was because of this that she was replaced by a mistress who brought an illegitimate daughter into our home... I just wanted one less person in this world like my mom, so I used the power of the public to restrain them..."

Her sobbing made the audience frown.

One by one, they turned to look at Keira.

Indeed, Keira was the illegitimate daughter and the child of the mistress Poppy.

Wasn't it natural for Isla to resent her?

But this was the Horton family party, and even if everyone sympathized with Isla, they didn't dare to say anything...

After all, the recent example of Mr. Horton chasing Erin out and making her unable to live in Oceanion anymore was still fresh in everyone's mind.

As everyone was in a daze, Lewis had already turned to the police, completely ignoring what Isla said. He said, "She has infringed upon the image rights of my wife and me. Please handle it according to the law."

The two police officers immediately approached Isla. "Miss, please come with us to the police station for investigation!"

Poppy, anxious, wanted to rush over, but was grabbed by a bodyguard.

Isla hadn't expected that her weeping plea would be ineffective and immediately looked toward her only savior—Mrs. Olsen.

Suddenly, she rushed to Mrs. Olsen, grabbed her arm, and cried out, "Mom, help me! I only did it because I felt you were being treated too unfairly. I really didn't know she was married... and also, also... yes, I'm pregnant! I can't go to the police station! I can't be taken away!"

Mrs. Olsen looked at her daughter.

She wanted to say something, but with the marriage certificate still in hand, and remembering that she had mistakenly slapped Keira earlier that day, she found herself unable to ask Isla to let go...

Keira saw the dilemma she was in and felt a sharp twinge in her heart.

Mrs. Olsen was always known for her fairness and impartiality, but Isla was after all her biological daughter...

She tensed her jaw, and after a long pause she suddenly tried to say something, "I..."

Before she could finish, Lewis beat her to it. "Keira, even if you don't pursue the matter, I will! The Horton Group needs an explanation!"

This didn't give Mrs. Olsen or Keira a chance to speak.

After he said this, Lewis nodded to the police.

The two police officers immediately grabbed Isla's arms. "Miss, please cooperate with our investigation!"

Infringing upon image rights, particularly of this nature which hadn't caused any notable reputation or financial damage, wouldn't result in a severe punishment after trial. At most, it would involve an apology and several days of detention.

But as Jake's wife and a young lady from a prestigious family in Oceanion, being taken away in such a public venue with photographers nearby...

Isla would be humiliated!

This was a severe blow to the first branch of the family!

Mrs. Olsen understood this too and, knowing that the punishment wouldn't be too harsh considering Isla was pregnant—perhaps not even detention—decided not to say anything.

Isla had made too many mistakes. It was time for her to face some consequences.

After Isla was taken away, only the first branch was left disheveled and disgraced.

Yet the banquet hall gradually returned to normal.

Mrs. Olsen looked at Keira, hesitated, and then finally managed to say, "I, Keira, I'm sorry..."

She had finally spoken those words.

Just as Keira was about to offer her some words of comfort, Taylor burst out in anger. "Shirley, you don't need to apologize to her! I think she's doing this on purpose, trying to make you feel guilty! Otherwise, why didn't she tell us about her marriage earlier if it happened two years ago?"

With his arm around Mrs. Olsen, Taylor glared at Keira. "What are your intentions in keeping this from us? Do you need Shirley to apologize before you're satisfied? And just now, don't think I don't know that you and Mr. Horton were putting on an act! I believe you deliberately set this trap for Isla, didn't you? In your heart, do you even consider me your father?"

Keira immediately frowned and looked at Taylor calmly.

She only cared about the attitude of Mrs. Olsen; the words of the rest of the Olsen family didn't matter to her.

She just quietly looked at Taylor and said, "But you're not my father."



*******

Chapter 158 Truth



At these words, Taylor was stunned.

Mrs. Olsen was also taken aback.

She had already sent Aunt South to administer a DNA test for Keira and Taylor, and the results should be available by tomorrow.

However, when Keira suddenly said this, she didn't harbor any more doubts. "Why do you say that?"

Just as Keira was about to respond, Taylor already frowned and sneered coldly. "You refuse to acknowledge me as your father, and I have never acknowledged you as my daughter either! From now on, stay away from the Olsen family and never set foot in the Olsen residence again!"

Having said this, he held Mrs. Olsen by the arm. "Shirley, let's go!"

Mrs. Olsen still wanted to clarify matters, but upon seeing Taylor and thinking that the results would come out soon, she refrained from speaking and simply returned the marriage certificate to Keira. "Keira, I hope you find happiness."

Keira's gaze softened. "I will, Ma'am."

She personally escorted Mrs. Olsen and Taylor to the door, watching as Taylor helped Mrs. Olsen into the car, and prepared to re-enter the house.

As she turned around, she caught sight of a tall man at a distance, raising his glass to her.

It was Scott.

He then pointed to his cell phone.

Puzzled, Keira took out her phone, and upon opening it, she saw a message from Scott. "So it turns out you really are Lewis Horton's wife, but I still want your parasite. Is that okay?"

Keira's gaze instantly sharpened, and she glared at him before turning away.

Scott was dumbfounded

He helplessly looked at his assistant beside him and sighed. "I know Miss Olsen is married, but can't I keep an umbrella as a memento? Why did she glare at me?"

The assistant pondered for a moment. "Women in Crera are generally conservative. She's probably worried about Mr. Lewis getting the wrong idea."

Scott quietly sighed, "I see..."

Keira didn't dwell on this interlude. When she re-entered the banquet, old Mrs. Horton's birthday celebration had finally begun.

The old Mrs. Horton, who had gone to the washroom, finally made her way to the living room, receiving everyone's greetings.

After seeing her, Keira realized that Lewis must have sent someone to take the old lady away since she wasn't present earlier. Otherwise, she'd have been in the front hall, witnessing the first branch of the family's scheming, which would've upset the old lady.

At this moment, she was completely unaware of all this, her laughter bright and joyful.

Rebecca came over and linked arms with Keira, "Miss Keira, I knew you couldn't be the other woman! But I didn't expect that you would be Mrs. Horton!"

Keira smiled back at her.

In today's situation, only one person believed in her from the beginning to the end, and that was Rebecca.

Keira patted Rebecca's hand with gratitude. "Are you that happy?"

Rebecca nodded. "Yes, my brother just sent me a message. He's coming the day after tomorrow. It seems like the photo of my father will be restored by then."

Keira nodded, about to say more, but she suddenly caught a glimpse of Lewis and a gaunt woman stepping out onto the adjacent balcony.

The gaunt woman was wearing a gown of the same color as hers; it was Madeleine!

Keira's eyes darkened.

After a moment's thought, she still decided to approach them.

On the balcony.

Madeleine appeared on the verge of collapse. She was trembling as if she might fall at any moment. She stared at Lewis in disbelief. "Lewis, what is all this about? You promised you would marry me! How could you marry someone else?!"

Lewis tensed his jaw, about to speak dispassionately when suddenly Madeleine swayed and slumped to the side, fainting.

Lewis's expression shifted, and he quickly caught her, striding toward the exit. "To the hospital."

Following close behind him, Tom immediately said, "Yes!"

Keira emerged from the corner, her gaze fixed on them.

Suddenly, Madeleine, held in Lewis's arms, opened her eyes and glanced at her.

That look was full of provocation.

Keira understood her message. "What does it matter if Lewis marries you? Whenever I fall ill, he will be by my side!"

Keira frowned slightly.

She followed behind the two and saw Lewis put Madeleine in the car, yet he didn't get in himself and merely said to Tom, "Take her back to the hospital."

Keira noticed Madeleine stiffen.

"..."

Her mood suddenly improved.

When the car left, Fiona came over. Keira approached Lewis and asked, "Mr. Horton, do you have something you need to explain to me? Did you promise to marry her?"

Lewis pursed his lips. "I said it when I was a kid."

A kid...

Keira was slightly startled, suddenly remembering her own childhood. That big brother had promised to come and marry her...

It was that promise that helped her survive, and it had been her naive obsession to live on.

During every moment of abuse by Poppy, when she felt life was unbearable, the thought that there was a big brother in the world who had promised to marry her and take her away allowed her to escape such a life...

Although as she grew up, the big brother never appeared, and she understood that the words of a child didn't count, the promise of "coming back to take me away" indeed accompanied her through childhood.

She suddenly asked, "Should one be responsible for what was said in childhood?"

Lewis looked down. "I had intended to be responsible, but now it's not possible."

Keira was taken aback, "Why?"

Lewis glanced at her.

His parents' discord made him never believe in love, therefore he never intended to marry in this lifetime. At that time, he thought he could register with some random woman and make her Mrs. Horton in title.

But after he met Keira, everything seemed different...

Even though how they registered was still unclear, Lewis suddenly felt grateful he didn't take marriage lightly.

He didn't answer the question. Instead, he took Keira's hand. "Let's go find Grandma."

"Okay."

The two turned around and re-entered the banquet hall.

The banquet soon ended.

Rebecca sat in the car on the way home, still feeling anxious for Keira. She prattled on as she clung to Mrs. Allen's arm. "That Miss Davis, you can tell she's not a good person. Mr. Horton won't carry on with both of them at the same time, would he? If he mistreats Miss Keira, I must have my brother teach him a lesson!"

After saying that, she heard no response from Mrs. Allen, only to realize that Mrs. Allen was staring out of the window.

Outside the gate of the Horton residence, a figure was standing there.

With her hands on her hips, Poppy was cursing furiously. "Keira, you were brought up by the Olsens, and now you've caused Isla to end up in jail, you ungrateful wretch! You're heartless! Come out here! I'm your mother! You can't do this to me!"

She tried to enter, but the security guards firmly stopped her, adamantly not allowing her in.

The surrounding guests didn't seem to care about this and, simply left.

Mrs. Allen suddenly said, "Stop the car."

The driver immediately stopped the car on the side of the road.

The entry and exit road of the Horton residence was very wide, accommodating four lanes.

They parked the car on the side without affecting the departure of the luxury cars behind them.

Mr. Allen looked at Mrs. Allen, puzzled.

He saw Mrs. Allen exit the car, and he quickly calmed Rebecca down before following Mrs. Allen.

He asked, "What's wrong?"

Mrs. Allen frowned and said, " I suddenly feel like your intuition was right. What kind of mother treats her own child like this? Don't say anything yet; I'm going to confront her."

Mr. Allen was startled, then he saw Mrs. Allen sneak up behind Poppy and suddenly asked, "Actually, Isla is your daughter, isn't she?"

At these words, Poppy instantly stiffened, and she turned around in disbelief!



*******

Chapter 159: Divorce?



Mrs. Allen carefully watched Poppy's expression.

Poppy quickly presented herself as a fierce figure. "Who are you to spout such nonsense? Miss Isla is the daughter of the Olsen family. How could she possibly be my daughter?!"

Yet, Mrs. Allen sensitively caught a flash of panic in her eyes.

She stepped forward and said, "You're so protective of Isla but so hateful toward Keira. What kind of mother would act like this toward her biological daughter?"

A fierce look flashed through Poppy's eyes, and then she lifted her head with a cold laugh. "What's wrong with hating her? It was so difficult to get pregnant, and when I did, it turned out not to be a boy, which ruined my chance of gaining status through my child! A losing proposition, I was generous not to drown her right then and there. I was kind enough to raise her! As for Miss Isla, Taylor loves her so much, and only by currying favor with Miss Isla can I have a good life in the Olsen family! What do you know, meddling in our affairs!"

That attitude was the epitome of a woman who favored sons over daughters and was selfish to the core.

Mrs. Allen narrowed her eyes. "Is that so?"

"What else?" Poppy sneered. "If I could have given birth to a child like Miss Isla, who Taylor fondly adores, what a blessing that would be!"

After saying that, she disdainfully glanced at Mrs. Allen. "Why am I even telling you this? Keira Olsen, you catastrophe! Come out here! I am your birth mother!..."

She continued cursing toward the doorway.

Mrs. Allen turned around and walked toward the car with Mr. Allen.

Mr. Allen frowned. "It sounds like what she said makes sense."

"Indeed, it does."

Mr. Allen sighed. "Am I overthinking?"

"On the contrary, I think your speculation is even more accurate," said Mrs. Allen.

Mr. Allen was startled. "Why?"

Mrs. Allen looked at Poppy. "She acts really convincingly, but have you ever seen a shrew speak so logically? And patiently explaining so much to us? When a woman explains too much, there's only one thing it may indicate."

"What is it?"

"She's covering something up."

Mrs. Allen smiled. "I used to think it was all your wild imagination, but now I feel that your conjecture is mostly true!"

...

When Keira returned to the living room after seeing off guests with Lewis at the door, she found the atmosphere inside the banquet hall a bit odd.

Old Mrs. Horton was currently in confrontation with Nathan.

The old lady's eyes widened. "I don't care, I recognize only this granddaughter-in-law, no one else!"

Upon seeing them walk over, she turned to Lewis. "Brat, you've arrived just in time! Your dad is going to be the death of me!"

Keira looked at Lewis and, as expected, saw his brow furrow as he gave Nathan a cold look.

Then, she noticed Nathan's disdainful glance at her, followed by a command. "Lewis, I want you to divorce her immediately!"

Lewis frowned. "Why?"

"Why?" Nathan laughed coldly. "Do you even know who this woman beside you is? She's not even as good as Isla but just an illegitimate daughter of the Olsen family! How can someone like that become the hostess of the Horton family?!"

Oliver also chimed in. "Lewis, Dad isn't trying to make things difficult for you. Didn't you hear how everyone was discussing your wife just now?"

Keira lowered her gaze and clenched her jaw.

But the man beside her took her hand and said in a deep voice, "I didn't hear it."

"..."

Oliver choked for a moment, then spoke up, "That's because you have long been in a high position, and those people don't dare to be presumptuous in front of you, but what they say behind your back is really nasty! Jake, come and repeat to your uncle what you've heard."

Jake immediately stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Keira as he relayed the unpleasant words

"They say, 'The Olsen Family's illegitimate daughter is truly capable. Who knows by what means she's managed to marry into the Horton Family!'

"And that you've been so charmed by her, marrying her is even worse than marrying some commoner with a clean background. It's so embarrassing!

"Furthermore, 'If the Horton family's future matriarch is an illegitimate daughter, how would they even host events in the future? Do they expect to elevate an illegitimate daughter above everyone else?'

"And there are even more disgusting things being said, things I simply can't bring myself to repeat. In short, everyone is laughing at you, Uncle!"

Jake's expression was icy as his gaze swept over Keira, a flash of madness sparked by unrequited desire and destruction flickering in his eyes, along with an indescribable wicked flame.

He looked at Keira and slowly said, "Uncle, Keira is indeed a natural beauty. I even courted her for four years in college, but all that time, she hid from me the fact that she was an illegitimate daughter! After finding out, I immediately chose to let go, because I'm well aware that families like ours cannot possibly take an illegitimate daughter as a wife! How embarrassing would that be if it got out? It's just like now, with you, Uncle, being pointed at and talked about...."

Before he could finish, Lewis suddenly interjected, "When they were pointing and gossiping, what were you doing?"

Jake was dumbfounded. "What?"

Lewis, with a frosty gaze, stared at him. "The Horton family's matriarch is insulted, and you have no reaction? Is this how you uphold the dignity of the Horton family?"

Jake immediately swallowed.

Oliver took a step forward. "Lewis, you can't say that. Today is the Horton family's birthday feast, after all. Do you really want to cause trouble at old Mrs. Horton's party?"

"Is discussing the Horton family's matriarch behind her back their idea of manners?"

Lewis looked straight at Jake. "If you're too cowardly to defend the Horton family's honor, then give me a list of those who've been gossiping, and I'll go find them one by one."

Jake was stunned; how could he possibly produce such a list?!

Doing so would offend the rich second-generation cliques of Oceanion!

Seeing him too frightened to speak, Keira glanced at him.

It was this disdainful glance that triggered a sudden collapse in Jake's mentality, and he blurted out, "Uncle, is she really worth it? You may not know, but although you've been married for two years, these past two years, Keira has been leading me on at college, even almost agreeing to my confession of love! She's such a flirtatious woman and is toying with people all the time! If it weren't for the fact that she's an illegitimate daughter, I would have almost ended up with her!"

"Bang!"

Lewis kicked him away without hesitation.

Jake went soaring through the air from the kick, then crashed heavily to the ground, in so much pain that he couldn't even pick himself up.

Oliver's eyes darkened. "Lewis, what are you doing? We're just talking. How can you get violent?!"

"Oliver, he disrespected his elder. If you didn't teach him well, then it's up to me!" Lewis's gaze was icy as he stared unyielding at Jake. "If I ever hear you disrespecting your aunt again, don't blame me for enforcing family discipline!"

Jake shuddered under the reprimand.

Oliver, shaking with anger, pointed at him, his finger trembling. "Lewis, you, you've gone too far! Dad..."

"Snap!"

Nathan was enraged and commanded, "Lewis Horton, you only have two choices today! Either divorce this illegitimate daughter or resign as CEO of Horton Group!"

Upon hearing this, Lewis let out a cold laugh.

Just then, the butler entered carefully, "Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Allen from the Allen family have come back... They said they have something to discuss with you and Miss... I mean, Mrs. Horton."

*******



Chapter 160: Another Slap in the Face



Lewis waved his hand dismissively, letting the butler exit first. "Please ask them to wait."

"Yes."

After the butler quietly left, Lewis finally turned to Nathan, asking coldly, "On what grounds?"

"On what grounds?" Nathan exuded a sense of authority. "With her status, she'll only bring shame to the Horton Group! Do you know that if the reporters spread the word tomorrow that your wife is an illegitimate daughter, how much our shares will plummet?!"

Oliver also said, "Lewis, since you have taken the role of CEO of the Horton Group, you must take on the corresponding responsibilities, including your

marriage! How could a woman of such status be worthy of you?!"

Seeing this, Melissa turned her gaze directly to Keira, "Miss Olsen, if you really care about Lewis, you should conscientiously divorce him!"

Keira pressed her lips together, offering no response.

She wasn't foolish and certainly understood that these

people were just seizing the opportunity to make trouble. Even if today Lewis announced that Madeleine was his wife, they would probably criticize Madeleine for her humble origins, deeming her unworthy of

Lewis.

Yet, her own status was indeed the "issue."

She turned her head to look at Lewis, trying to pull her hand out of his...

With a twinge of guilt indeed forming in her heart...

The "illegitimate daughter" label had imprisoned her for over twenty years, and she didn't want the same

shackles to bind Lewis...

Lost in thought, the strong, dry hand suddenly gripped hers tightly. Lewis's voice then resolutely rang out. "Are there any legal stipulations that a corporation's legal person, or a chairman, cannot marry an illegitimate daughter as a wife?"

His words made everyone speechless.

Nathan retorted angrily, "Do we need rules for that?

It's an unspoken consensus! You..."

"Since there are no stipulations..." Lewis cut him off directly. "If you wish to remove me from the

chairman's position, then go through the proper

procedure, call a board meeting, and let everyone vote!"

"Your control of fifty-one percent of the shares makes the vote decision basically whatever you say! I think you're just running a dictatorial regime in the company!"

An infuriated Nathan picked up a teacup and hurled it

at Lewis.

"Crash!"

The teacup smashed to pieces in front of Lewis, shards scattering everywhere.

Just as Nathan was about to speak, a walking stick suddenly struck out!

"Who allowed you to use violence?!"

Old Mrs. Horton, wielding her walking stick, struck at Nathan. "How dare you lay a hand on Lewis and his wife? You're a disobedient son! Are you trying to kill

me?"

With a frown, Nathan looked at old Mrs. Horton,

showing a helpless expression, "Mom, I..."

"Don't call me mom! If you don't recognize your grandson's wife, then I don't recognize you as a son!"

Old Mrs. Horton lost her temper. "You even dare to hit your grandson's wife. What kind of grandfather- in-law are you? Which family's grandfather-in-law dares to strike their granddaughter-in-law?"

Dodging her blows, Nathan argued, "Mom, don't talk nonsense; everything I said is for the best interest of the company. His choice of a wife is good for nothing, and bringing it up only brings disgrace upon the Horton Group! Now he's already caused such a negative impact on the company, yet he still clings to the chairman's seat. He's just being selfish! Even if I let it go today, there are still so many executives in the Horton Group! With so many reporters at today's banquet, the articles will soon come out, and the Horton family will become the biggest joke in

Oceanion. Let's see how he'll explain himself to those executives tomorrow!!"

At those words, Oliver had already pulled out his phone, opened the financial news channel's feed, and heaved a silent sigh. "Dad, we don't need tomorrow. The buzz has already started."

Old Mrs. Horton paused her actions, while Nathan immediately turned to look at his phone.

However, he saw headlines like #CEO of Horton Group's wife is an illegitimate daughter# and #Mistress causes a scene at Old Mrs. Horton's birthday banquet# that were eye-catching and had topped the trending searches.

Among them, the clickbait topic #Shocking: Lewis's wife is actually her# was ranked first!

With a sneer, Nathan said, "Lewis, look at this, this is your doing! Tonight's trending should've been about your grandmother's birthday celebration, but it turned into this! God knows how they're mocking

you inside! What's so good about this illegitimate daughter? You must give the Horton Group an explanation today!"

Oliver also sighed. "Lewis, this matter concerns the entire company's future operations. You can't act on a whim, nor can you neglect the company. Even if you

don't give us an explanation today, you'll have to give one to those directors in the company tomorrow,

you..."

Before he could finish, Keira suddenly said, "Did you see the title of the top trending search?"

This remark made everyone pause slightly.

Nathan immediately frowned, "Such lack of manners. We are in the middle of a conversation, and there you go interrupting. What business is it of a woman's?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the cane struck again. "I am also a woman. Are you going to tell me to shut up, too?!"

Nathan was speechless.

There was simply no reasoning with old Mrs. Horto

Oliver then said. "Of course, I saw it. The heat of the

top trending search title is so much higher than the others. Without even opening it, I know what it's saying, what it's criticizing..."

These trending searches had risen so quickly, naturally, because he had just paid someone to boost them!

The first trending search title gained heat the fastest, so he spent five hundred thousand on promoting its popularity!

Using the identity of Keira, the illegitimate daughter, to suppress Lewis...

But Keira smiled. "Then take a look inside..."

Oliver said with a sneer, "To see how others are

criticizing Horton Group?"

While saying that, he clicked on the title.

The next moment, he was stunned.

The content in the trending search title actually read, "Explosive! You'll never guess who Lewis's wife is-it turns out to be Dr. South! Yes, Dr. South, the person is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the new energy industry! Horton Group's move is simply awesome, a powerful alliance! Once Horton Group's stocks start trading tomorrow, they're probably going to see a surge!"

Below was a row of praises.

Oliver was dumbfounded. What was happening?!

Keira's lins curved un in a smile.

No matter what the channel's hot search news was, she, as "Ms. S," knew it better than anyone else. Just a while ago, she had found out about someone paying for trending searches.

Therefore, she immediately contacted "Josh Josh, asking him to post that tweet.

She had intended to retweet it herself from her

account to combat the scandal of being the illegitimate daughter using Dr. South's reputation...

But who would have thought, after Josh Josh made his post, Oliver mistook it as derogatory and paid five hundred thousand for its popularity, shooting it up to the top spot in the trending searches!

Keira teased him. "Oliver, thanks for the heat you provided."

Oliver was dumbfounded.

He was so angry he nearly had a heart attack.

Lewis and Keira exchanged glances, a smile forming on their lips.

Lewis said lightly, "Dad, Oliver, whether Horton

Group's stocks will rise or fall tomorrow, let's just wait

and see!"

He took Keira's hand. "Mr. and Mrs. Allen are still

outside waiting for us. We bid you farewell."

The two of them joined hands and turned around, leaving the living room together.

Once outside, they shared a smile before turning to

look at Mr. and Mrs. Allen, who had come back.



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