The grand matriarch of the Denvair family, supported by Eldrin Denvair, entered the room with a grim face. Behind her, the other family members trailed in, their expressions equally dark.
Lyria stood immediately.
"Grandmother, you're here."
The matriarch's icy glare was chilling. Her gaze fell upon Kael Renforth, who stood by the office door, and her expression twisted further with disdain.
"Perfect timing!" she snapped. "You're here too!"
Turning her focus back to Lyria, the matriarch declared with cutting finality, "Today, no matter what, you must divorce this harbinger of disaster!"
Lyria froze, the weight of her grandmother's words pressing heavily upon her.
"Divorce?"
"Yes!" the elder woman continued. "Ever since you married him, our family has been on a downward spiral—one crisis after another! Lyria, stop being so stubborn!"
Eldrin Denvair chimed in, his tone equally scornful.
"Don't you understand yet? This entire catastrophe—the banks, the contractors, even the Malavant Marquisate—is all because of him. Kael Renforth not only provoked the Malavant family but also managed to offend Young Master Jiang. Do you think these powerful families will let us off because of him?"
Lyria's hesitation was apparent, and the matriarch stamped her cane in frustration.
"Lyria, this isn't about superstition! Look around you. Since Kael Renforth entered our lives, the Denvair family has crumbled from its peak as Port Avallon's wealthiest household to a shadow of its former self. We've gone from kings of the city to third-rate players barely clinging to survival. Isn't it obvious who's to blame?"
She sank heavily into the sofa, her voice trembling with frustration.
"Yet, even now, you defend him. Lyria, this is a calamity!"
Eldrin stepped forward, adopting an imploring tone.
"Lyria, Victor Silvervein has shown interest in you. Don't you see what a blessing that is? The Denvair family has nurtured you from birth. Now that we're in a crisis, shouldn't you contribute to our survival?"
He paused for emphasis.
"Victor's father is about to rise even higher in influence. If you marry Victor, it's only a matter of time before the Denvair family regains its former glory!"
Kael Renforth, silent until now, finally dropped his usual calm. His face darkened as the conversation turned. It was one thing to let Lyria make her own choices—but being publicly forced into the role of a scapegoat while his wife was auctioned off like a bargaining chip?
In their eyes, Lyria was nothing more than a tool for the family's convenience.
Kael's voice was cold as he leaned back into the sofa, legs crossed.
"Eldrin, it seems you've forgotten a few lessons."
Eldrin bristled at the implied threat, emboldened by the presence of the matriarch and the rest of the family.
"Look at him!" Eldrin shouted, pointing an accusing finger. "So arrogant, even in front of his elders. No respect for the family! If you were half a man, Kael Renforth, you'd stop hiding behind my cousin's skirt and leave her alone. You're the root of all our problems!"
The room fell into a tense silence, the air heavy with unspoken accusations.
Lyria, trapped between Kael's silence and Eldrin's tirade, sighed deeply.
"Kael Renforth!" she barked, trying to divert the conversation. "Where's the staff? Go fetch someone to bring my grandmother some tea."
The fire in Kael's eyes dimmed momentarily as he understood her intention—she didn't want the confrontation to escalate.
But this time, he stayed put.
"No."
Kael's gaze locked onto Eldrin, his voice steady.
"What did Victor Silvervein promise you? You've been singing his praises nonstop. Care to enlighten the rest of us?"
Eldrin flinched, his composure cracking.
"W-What are you implying? Don't slander me!"
The room turned to look at Eldrin, suspicion written across their faces.
Celeste Denvair smirked, her voice dripping with malice.
"Big brother, taking bribes, are we? No wonder you're so desperate to have Lyria divorce Kael and marry into the Silvervein family."
Eldrin stammered. "I didn't! Kael Renforth is the disaster here! Kicking him out is what the family agreed on!"
Celeste's smirk widened as she glanced slyly at Kael.
"Funny, though. From what I hear, the whispers in Port Avallon don't say anything about marrying Lyria off to solve the crisis. The rumor is that if Kael Renforth were dead, the Denvair family would be saved. Isn't that right, Eldrin?"
Her words were like knives, cutting through the room's already tense atmosphere. Every gaze shifted toward Kael, who met their stares with calm defiance.
Kael chuckled coldly.
"Interesting. So that's your solution? Kill me?"
For a moment, no one dared to breathe.