Supreme Heir Son-in-law

Chapter 786: Admitting Weakness

Although Bart was angry in his heart, he did not show it on his face. Instead, he looked at his children with disbelief and asked, "Is what Claude said true? Did you really do such a disgraceful thing?"

"I didn’t."

"It wasn’t me."

The quiet dining room suddenly burst into chaos, with each person frantically denying allegations before Bart, trying to clear themselves of suspicion. Only four people remained motionless in the dining room.

One was Marian, who had already been blackmailed once by Claude. Among the other three were the twins, Job and Albo, along with Nancy, who was frightened into unconsciousness by Xu Ke. They had all been at the estate for a long time, and although Claude didn’t return often, they knew enough to understand that Claude wouldn’t throw accusations without evidence. If he came so boldly today, it meant he had the evidence in his possession, and denying it would only make things worse.

"I know we’re just illegitimate children, while you are the son born of the original wife. In your heart, you consider yourself the most noble, and see us as mere pests. Our existence offends your eyes. But no matter what, we are father’s children too. Even if you refuse to acknowledge us as your siblings, in our hearts you will always be our brother. We respect and love you, and even knowing you dislike us, we try to stay out of your sight to avoid displeasing you. We’ve already compromised to this extent, why won’t you let us go? You even concoct charges of hiring someone to commit murder against us."

The speaker was a girl who had just arrived at the estate recently. Perhaps she was still basking in the joy of Bart acknowledging her, as she foolishly accused Claude right then and there, an utterly stupid move.

Did she think they were fools? Didn’t they already try this trick?

The seasoned ones watched the girl’s face with scornful expressions. Although they said nothing, their eyes mocked her ignorance and recklessness.

The girl, aware of all the eyes on her, couldn’t help but notice them. But precisely because she noticed, she couldn’t bear to look up, only bowing her head and pretending to wipe her tears, trying to conceal her anxiety and unease.

"I haven’t heard such things for a long time. Has father’s eye for choosing children worsened?" Claude raised an eyebrow and spoke to Bart with a half-smile.

Bart’s face turned a bit unsightly at Claude’s words. He looked at the girl who spoke earlier and said harshly, "What are you doing there with your head down? Apologize to Claude at once. Who do you think he is? Would he use such low methods against you? This family business will eventually be handed to Claude. As the future heir of the Calvin Family, what could possibly make him waste effort on you? You’re trying to sow discord in front of me. Do you think I’m senile?"

"I didn’t mean that, Dad." The girl waved her hands around frantically, tears streaming down her small face as she looked up at Bart with panic. "Dad, I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said those things. I promise I won’t do it again. Please don’t be angry with me, okay?" she pleaded.

"Why are you apologizing to me? I’m not the one you offended with your words," Bart said, his face serious.

Hearing this, the girl quickly turned to Claude to apologize. Even though she was dissatisfied with the situation, she was more afraid of being stripped of everything and thrown out. The life here was too splendid for her; she couldn’t bear to lose it.

"Annoying," Claude said impatiently. Seeing his expression, the girl promptly shut her mouth sensibly, though her previously intense crying made her hiccup endlessly, creating a slight disturbance at the silent table.

Claude’s gaze shifted over, and the girl, feeling wronged, tightly covered her mouth. Despite her best effort, she couldn’t control her body’s reflexive reactions, making her look as though she might cry. Fortunately, Claude didn’t dwell on her for long and instead shifted his attention elsewhere.

"The fact that I’m raising this issue at this time today means I have the evidence of your wrongdoing. I won’t make baseless accusations. The evidence of you hiring a hitman is all in here. If you don’t believe me, you can bring over a computer and check the USB drive now." Claude tossed the USB drive onto the dining table.

All eyes instantly focused on that small black USB drive.

Marian let out a long breath, feeling a sense of relief, as if finally confirming what she had suspected.

Marian had no intention of arguing further. She even felt an odd familiarity with the scene, growing weary of continuous speculations. So she directly said, "No need to look. I admit your accusations just now. I’m right here, and deciding my fate is just a matter of your words. Tell me directly what you want me to do."

As Marian spoke, those at the table glared at her with hostility. By admitting it, wasn’t she indirectly confessing for them too? Originally, many planned to privately appeal to Bart, hoping he might soften and plead for them, but now they looked ready to eat Marian alive.

"You didn’t naively think you could walk away from this unscathed, did you? Don’t delude yourselves. Our young master Claude is here now. How could this end smoothly?" Marian scoffed in disdain, paying no heed to the glares aimed her way.

After so many years with the Calvin Family, Marian had long seen through it all. She knew she wasn’t clever and could never outmaneuver her elder brother. Initially, she didn’t even intend to join in on this plan but acted out of stubbornness. Unwilling to admit defeat, she decided to give it one last shot. Now that she lost, although regrettable, she had nothing to lament and had already determined that this would be her last attempt against Claude. If things still didn’t go her way, she’d give up.

Now was the time for her to give up.

Although Claude felt nothing for Bart’s other children, he couldn’t help but develop a rare sense of appreciation for Marian. He liked her straightforward nature. With the evidence laid out, why keep pretending to be wronged or act oblivious? Was there anyone foolish enough to be deceived among them?

"Marian, don’t drag all of us down just because you admit your mistakes. Only someone as vicious as you could do such a thing as hiring a hitman." Another girl, who had previously collaborated with Nancy, pointed a finger at Marian’s face, expressing her dissatisfaction.