I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 133

Adelaide's words sent a shockwave around the table.

A smug grin immediately spread across Lance's face. He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach, his voice laced with gloating. "You see, Grandfather? Nora's really crossed the line this time. Clearly, I'm not the only one who thinks so."

Finnegan frowned. He reached under the table and tugged lightly at his mother's sleeve, lowering his voice. "Mom, let it go."

He thought the situation was escalating unnecessarily, but that was the extent of his concern. Since they were still somewhat closely tied to Nora's branch of the family, there was no need to make things this ugly.

Adelaide shot her son a vicious glare and slapped his hand away. She turned her attention back to Nora, her gaze scraping over the younger woman like a dull blade.

"Nora, you joined the Fletcher family ten years ago. It's been five years since Finn passed away, and we've continued to treat you like a daughter-in-law. You shouldn't repay us like this. Tell us the truth—where were you tonight? Were you off sneaking around with some man, plotting to get remarried?"

She let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Because if you are, the Fletcher family won't keep a woman like you around."

Alastair stared at her coldly. He slammed his hand against the table, making the glasses rattle. "Am I the head of this family, or are you? Who makes the decisions here? You people have managed to completely ruin a perfectly good family dinner. Anyone who doesn't want to eat can get the hell out. I won't stop you."

Instead of backing down, Adelaide sat up straighter, her tone unyielding. "Dad, just listen to me this once! If Nora really is doing something shameful, it would be a disaster for the Fletcher family's reputation. It's better to cut our losses now and sever ties completely."

The rest of the relatives murmured in agreement, their whispers blending into a low, judging hum.

Sitting next to Finnegan, Seraphina wore a deeply conflicted expression, but internally, she was thrilled.

She figured it must have been a trick of the light.

Seeing her son fall silent, Adelaide grew even bolder. Just as she was about to pressure Alastair for a final decision, a few of the extended relatives chimed in, their voices overlapping. "Nora must have another man on the side. She needs to be removed from the family registry immediately to prevent a scandal."

Suddenly, the sound of urgent footsteps echoed from the hall.

The butler practically jogged into the dining room, a thin layer of sweat on his forehead. He went straight to Alastair, leaned down, and whispered urgently, "Someone from the Harrison family is here."

Alastair's expression shifted drastically. He practically launched himself out of his chair, his voice rising in shock. "Are you serious?"