C10 Everyone Knew This!

Old Madame Munro was well aware of whether to investigate or not. The Munro family had been prominent in Vethrin for over a century, constantly under the watchful eyes of many who were eager to see them falter and become the subject of ridicule. She was acutely aware of this scrutiny and preferred to keep family matters private unless absolutely necessary.

Ondine's audacity to harm a teenager was beyond comprehension; her heartlessness was chilling. Thankfully, Ilyana was unharmed, or else Old Madame Munro would have ensured Ondine paid dearly. Nevertheless, the idea of letting Ondine off the hook was something Old Madame Munro found utterly unacceptable.

Old Madame Munro was concerned with the Munro family's reputation, but Ondine's reputation was inconsequential to her. Without a stern warning, there was no telling what mischief Ondine might cause next.

Everyone assumed the incident was over, but Old Madame Munro, after a sip of tea, inquired without looking up, "And... I heard Ilyana mention she was worried about being late. What's this? Didn't she arrive with you?"

Before Ondine could respond, Old Madame Munro's firm tone and piercing gaze sent Daxton into another bout of fear, his heart sinking with dread. Yet, he had no choice but to speak the truth.

"Yes, I was worried about being late, so I came ahead. At that time, Ilyana..."

Daxton couldn't finish his explanation before Old Madame Munro stood up abruptly, her sharp eyes and commanding presence overwhelming him, leaving him gasping for air.

"Late? Didn't I instruct you to personally escort Ilyana here?" Daxton was dumbfounded, frozen in place. When had the old lady given such an order?

"I, I..." Daxton was drenched in sweat, at a loss for words.

"It's Ilyana's fault, not ours! We didn't refuse to bring her; it's just that her unkempt appearance would have been a laughingstock. Does she even deserve to be here?"

"Ines, please don't say things you'll regret..."

Ondine hurriedly stepped in, shielding her with her body, but the words were already out, beyond recall. Despite Ondine's desire to intervene, the situation had become irrevocable.

Ines's careless remarks had caused the atmosphere, which had been easing, to plummet back to an icy chill.

Ilyana's eyes brimmed with tears, her gaze downcast, her vulnerable demeanor tugging at heartstrings.

"And what gives you the right to be here?"

Old Madame Munro's heart ached, her face quickly turning stern as she fixed her gaze on Ines.

Caught under that intense stare, Ines felt disoriented and gradually retreated behind Ondine, losing her earlier bravado.

Ondine had not anticipated Ines's interjection at such a critical moment.

Wasn't this just asking for trouble?

Yet, she couldn't help but defend the child she had so lovingly raised, despite her frustration.

"Mother, Ines sometimes speaks without thinking. If she has said anything out of turn, I'll have her apologize to you. Please, don't take it to heart!"

Before Ondine could even finish, Old Madame Munro cut in without a hint of sympathy,

"Hmph! Why should she apologize to me? She's wronged Ilyana, not me. Besides, she's just a naive girl raised outside our family. Ilyana is gracious and will naturally not stoop to her level."

"Raising such an ill-mannered child reflects on you as a mother. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!"