Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1216

As Brandon walked away, Ethan simply scoffed, letting out a cold, dismissive breath.

Tell her? Sure, today's violence had erupted out of nowhere, but when Lillian was literally throwing punches, her two so-called brothers hadn't even twitched to help her.

Remembering Lillian's razor-sharp analysis of their selfish motives, Ethan felt nothing but sheer disgust for the Mercer brothers.

What kind of pathetic excuse for an older brother acted like that? Completely useless.

What was the point of passing anything on to them now? Once the Mercer family piled into their car, Martin completely ignored Sabrina, even as she continuously whined about phantom pains and tried to press herself against him for comfort.

"We have serious business to discuss," Martin snapped, his brow furrowed in irritation.

He offered no further explanation. Sabrina, realizing she was being aggressively stonewalled, sulked back against her seat, her face twisting into a bitter scowl.

Ignoring her, Martin pulled out his phone and drafted a quick message to Beatrice Winthrop. The call went to voicemail—she was likely indisposed—but a few minutes later, a text came through.

Martin immediately replied, asking if the Winthrop family had ever crossed paths with any powerful figures bearing the surname "Prescott" during their time overseas.

Upon seeing the message, Beatrice replied suggesting they meet in person. Martin promptly invited her over to the Mercer Estate.

Ever since the dinner party where they had crossed paths with Lillian, the alliance between the Winthrops and the Mercers was no longer something that needed to be kept in the shadows.

The two families had deep historical ties anyway; reconnecting publicly was the most natural thing in the world.

Sneaking around would only look suspicious.

Beatrice didn't waste any time. The moment the Mercer family's car pulled up to their estate, the Winthrop family's vehicle pulled into the driveway right behind them.

Seeing the elderly matriarch step out, Brandon and Colin immediately went over to greet her with deep respect.

Sabrina, however, had never heard Martin mention Old Mrs. Winthrop, so she had no idea who the imposing woman was.

Martin had completely ignored Sabrina during the entire car ride, leaving her quietly sobbing in the backseat.

Hearing this, Beatrice shot Sabrina a look of deep suspicion.

Murder her? Lillian got physical?

Beatrice squinted. That was impossible. There wasn't a single scratch, bruise, or swollen mark anywhere on Sabrina's perfectly flawless skin.

What a manipulative, lying shrew.

Beatrice instantly concluded that Sabrina was faking the entire ordeal for attention.

Martin, deeply humiliated by his dirty laundry being aired in the driveway, scowled fiercely.

"If you're unwell, go upstairs and lie down," he barked in a harsh, low voice. "Stop making a scene out here. I have an important guest."

Without giving her another glance, he turned to Brandon and Colin.