Chapter 893
Although John had already returned to the Westin family, he was still considered to be in his training phase. A deal of this magnitude naturally remained under his dad, Kenneth’s, supervision.
When the Kalen brothers arrived, Kenneth greeted them with a knowing smile.
“Silas and Scott, you don’t look well. Did you not rest properly? Or has something… awful happened?”
At once, the brothers’ expressions darkened.
The night before, they had confirmed through investigation that Victoria’s scandal had spread throughout Zachemaine-everywhere, everyone knew. And since John had grown up in Zachemaine, he surely still had ties there. Which meant, without a doubt, Kenneth was already
aware.
Under such circumstances, his casual remark carried a sharp edge, and the brothers could hardly miss the undertone.
Kenneth chuckled and, without pressing further, soon excused himself.
He had barely left when several wealthy heirs-long at odds with the Kalen brothers— appeared, their faces lit with gloating amusement.
“Well, if it isn’t Scott and Silas? Ah, what a family of prodigies. Women scramble to marry into the Kalen family, while men strive their whole lives to be worthy of marrying Victoria.”
One of them laughed mockingly. “Why, even Jamie, head of the Walton family, fought his way up from being a powerless illegitimate son to the master of his house-all just to be worthy of Victoria. And anyone who dares offend her? He’ll make sure they beg for death. Truly, Victoria’s charm is… remarkable.”
Though spoken like praise, every word dripped with sarcasm.
Another heir chimed in with a smirk. “I used to think a goddess like Victoria was far beyond my reach. But now? Seems like I still have a chance after all.”
“To think, the great number one socialite turned out to be nothing but a bastard—ah!”
The man didn’t finish. Silas lunged forward and landed a brutal punch.
“Shut your mouth!” Silas snarled, his face twisted with fury. “Slander Victoria again, and I’ll tear you to pieces!”
The man clutched his cheek but sneered back. “Slander? I only speak the truth! Everyone in the circle knows by now. She’s your half-sister, yet you treat her like a jewel while scorning
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your own full-blooded sister. Her mother tore your family apart, kept you separated from your mother for years—and instead of vengeance, you embrace the homewrecker’s daughter? If your mother knew, she’d be rolling in her grave, furious enough to die a second time!”
This time, Scott also lost control, throwing himself into the fight.
Chaos erupted.
The supposed signing ceremony descended into a full-blown brawl.
The Kalen brothers hadn’t lost their tempers like this in years-they were long past the age of throwing punches. But every word those men spat struck directly at their deepest wounds, trampling their bottom lines again and again. Enduring was impossible.
What they didn’t realize was that this clash was only the beginning.
In the days that followed, people constantly sought them out with mocking tones and cutting words.
When a wall falls, everyone pushes.
The Kalen family had accumulated enemies over the years. True, the siblings had lived with integrity, disciplined and spotless, never once caught in scandal—so there had been no dirt to use against them.
Now, with Victoria’s secret exposed, the vultures finally had their feast. The social circles buzzed with glee as though celebrating the New Year.
Anyone who bore the Kalens a grudge or simply couldn’t stomach them-scrambled to step on their downfall.
Some went so far as to lecture their own children, right in front of the Kalen brothers.
“Stay far away from families like theirs. They’ve got rotten morals. Don’t let them corrupt you.
