C15 Not Losing the Fun

In Ilyana's memory, Daxton had always been exceedingly cold toward her, maintaining a distant and indifferent demeanor. He had never shown even a hint of affection.

Whether it was the time she was pushed down the stairs by Ines in her past life or when she was framed by Ines, causing embarrassment to the Munro family at a birthday celebration, Daxton had always stood by with an air of detachment, never once speaking up in her defense.

His icy demeanor was akin to that of a complete stranger, devoid of any emotional expression.

Moreover, following that incident, he had locked her away in the Munro family's attic, forbidding her from stepping outside, as if her presence was a source of shame.

Left to the mercy of the Slater family's schemes, she was manipulated into donating a kidney to Ines. Even when she lay gravely ill in bed, Daxton never showed concern, let alone fatherly love.

Reflecting on it, Daxton's apathy had only emboldened the Slater family's mother and daughter. While he hadn't directly caused her suffering, his indifference had undoubtedly contributed to a lifetime of pain.

Was such a selfish, callous man even fit to be called a father?

A cold, mocking laugh echoed in Ilyana's heart, like a flower laced with venom, chilling to the core.

Though her primary goal was to confront the Slater family, the prospect of seeing Daxton, her unfeeling father, driven to desperation was an added delight.

With this in mind, Ilyana's eyebrows lifted slightly, and the corners of her mouth turned up in an involuntary smirk, her face alight with scorn.

"Oh? And what if I say I'm not interested? What then can you do to me?" Halden retorted with a dismissive chuckle, showing no sign of regret in response to Daxton's threats.

"You... Then don't blame me, your elder brother, for being ruthless and disowning kin!" Daxton spat out, his face darkening with fury. Anger simmered in his eyes, and the veins on his neck stood out, as if he were ready to leap forward and tear Halden apart.

As everyone held their breath in anticipation of the Munro family drama unfolding before them, a stern voice cut through the tension.

"Is this incessant noise ever going to stop? Or are you all acting as if I'm already dead?"

As the words were spoken, all eyes turned to Old Madame Munro on the black sofa in the main hall. She had been silent for quite some time, but now her gaze was sharp and piercing as she fixed it on the two brothers before her. Her eyes blazed with a fierce light as she loudly chastised them.

Had it not been for Ilyana's calming presence at her side, reminding her that they were at a birthday celebration and that the entertainment reporters and Vethrin's elite were watching the Munro family closely, she might have lost her temper long ago. Without a second thought, she would have thrown the two debt-collecting brothers out of the Munro household right then and there.

"See what you've done, big brother? You've made Mom furious!" Halden remarked, seizing the opportunity to turn the tables as he witnessed Old Madame Munro's display of authority. His quick wit was astonishing, leaving onlookers speechless.

"I..."

"Enough, what are you waiting for? Shut your mouth this instant," Old Madame Munro snapped, pointing an accusing finger at Daxton. "What's your purpose today? To wish me a happy birthday or to infuriate me to death?"

"Mom, that wasn't my intention, not at all! I was just..." Daxton stammered, his face ashen with fear as he gestured frantically in an attempt to explain. But before he could finish, he was cut off.

"Whatever your motives, I suggest you keep them to yourself. We have guests today, and I'd prefer not to embarrass you. Once the birthday banquet is over, we'll have a thorough accounting," she warned.