Chapter 73
Andrew Lucas was gently serving Susan Thompson when he suddenly shattered his teacup.
The sharp sound made Victoria Lucas frown.
"Andrew!" She slammed the table, eyes blazing with anger. "What's wrong with you?"
Thomas Lucas set down his chopsticks, his stern gaze shifting to his eldest son.
The entire living room fell silent.
"My apologies." Andrew's voice was flat, but his eyes remained fixed on Susan.
His fists clenched, knuckles turning white.
Nicole Capra noticed, a flicker of malice crossing her eyes.
She gracefully lifted her teacup and took a sip.
"Aunt Victoria," she said sweetly, "do you know Susan's true identity?"
Ethan Sullivan shot to his feet, his gaze icy.
"Nicole!" he snapped. "Don't you dare!"
Susan's fingers trembled slightly.
Her worst fear was coming true.
"She's my adoptive mother's biological daughter," Nicole smiled, "and the one who turned my mother into a vegetative state."
A glass shattered at Nicole's feet.
Shards scattered everywhere.
"Get out." Ethan's voice was frigid. "Or I won't hold back."
Susan turned pale, shakily rising to her feet.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered, turning to leave.
A warm hand caught hers.
Victoria looked at her with firm resolve.
"I believe you."
Three simple words that made Susan's eyes burn.
Bella Lucas swirled her wine glass lazily.
"Ethan might be an idiot, but he's got good judgment."
She smirked at Nicole, her eyes full of mockery.
"Unlike some people," Bella sneered, "who've mastered the art of pretending."
Nicole's face darkened.
She hadn't expected the Lucas family to defend Susan like this.
"Aunt Victoria—" she tried again.
"Enough." Victoria cut her off. "This ends now."
Susan gazed at Victoria's gentle profile, warmth flooding her chest.
For the first time in this house, she felt what it was like to be trusted.
Andrew stood in the shadows, his expression unreadable.
Watching Susan surrounded by the others made his chest tighten inexplicably.
Nicole dug her nails into her palms.
She wouldn't accept defeat.
This war had only just begun.