Chapter 460: Sylvia Stone Wrung Her Hands Anxiously

"Oh dear, Elena, my third son has no brains. Please be the bigger person and don't stoop to his level." Sylvia Stone wrung her hands anxiously, stepping forward to mediate. She never expected her seemingly gentle daughter-in-law would dare raise a hand in front of the entire family.

Elena Ward smirked coldly, shaking her stinging palm. "Mother, you make it sound so simple. If I hadn't slapped him today, who knows what vile rumors would've spread later?"

Her gaze sharp as a blade, she glared at Owen Stone. "I've lived with integrity, and I won't tolerate a brother-in-law dictating my reputation. If today's words spread, what would people think of me as his sister-in-law?"

Owen clutched his burning cheek, eyes wide with shock. "You—"

"Me what?" Elena cut him off mercilessly. "A twenty-one-year-old who still speaks without thinking. Should I teach you the consequences of loose lips?"

Adrian Stone stood nearby, his expression dark as storm clouds. Slowly, he stepped toward Owen, his voice icy. "Apologize."

Owen stubbornly jutted his chin. "Second Brother, I only spoke the truth! Sylvia—"

Slap!

Another sharp crack echoed through the room.

This time, it was Adrian's hand that struck.

"Adrian!" Sylvia gasped, heartbroken as her youngest son's face swelled instantly.

Nathaniel Stone, seated on the sofa, snorted heavily. "Serves him right!"

Owen stood dumbfounded, clutching both burning cheeks, tears welling in his eyes.

"Now. Immediately. Apologize to your sister-in-law," Adrian enunciated each word. "Or else—"

"Or else what?" Owen lifted his head defiantly.

Adrian turned expressionlessly, taking Elena's hand. "Or else we leave now. This house won't hold both of us."

Sylvia panicked at his words. "Owen! Apologize at once!"

Seeing his brother's resolute back and his father's livid face, Owen finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Biting his lip, he reluctantly lowered his head. "Sister-in-law... I'm sorry..."

Elena regarded him coldly. "Remember this lesson. If I ever hear such words again—" She flexed her wrist. "I won't hesitate to teach you manners once more."

Adrian wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders, sweeping a stern gaze over the family. "This ends here. But if I hear anyone spreading gossip—" He paused, eyes sharp as daggers. "Don't expect mercy."

Without another word, he led Elena upstairs.

The living room fell deathly silent.

Owen turned pitifully to his mother. "Mom—"

"Quiet!" Sylvia snapped, rare anger directed at her youngest. "Do you realize the disaster you nearly caused?"

Nathaniel slammed his hand on the table, rising abruptly. "You insolent brat! Starting tomorrow, you're enlisting in the military! Clearly, you have too much free time!"

Owen was utterly stunned. All he'd done was defend Sylvia—how had he become the family's enemy?

Meanwhile, in the second-floor bedroom, Elena leaned into Adrian's embrace, a cold smile curling her lips.

This was only the beginning.