Chapter 459: The Living Room Fell into Dead Silence

The living room fell into dead silence.

Nathaniel Stone narrowed his eyes slightly. He hadn't expected his seemingly gentle daughter-in-law to show such defiance.

"Dad! Look at her attitude!" Owen Stone—Nathaniel's youngest son—clutched his stinging cheek, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "She actually dared to hit me in our own home!"

Elena Ward slowly withdrew her hand, the faint smile still lingering on her lips. "Owen Stone, this slap is to teach you manners. First, I, Elena Ward, live with integrity—I don’t need your judgment. Second, my marriage to your brother was approved by the authorities. It’s none of your business."

Adrian Stone stepped in front of Elena, his expression icy. "Apologize. Now."

"Brother! Have you lost your mind?" Owen Stone trembled with rage. "Who does she think she is, demanding an apology from me?"

Slap!

Another sharp crack echoed through the room.

This time, it was Adrian Stone who delivered the blow.

"That one was from our parents," he said, his voice colder than steel. "Elena is my lawfully wedded wife. You will not insult her."

Suddenly, Nathaniel Stone burst into laughter. "Good! Very good!"

His wife, Sylvia, tugged at his sleeve anxiously. "Adrian, what are you—"

"My son should have this kind of backbone!" Nathaniel Stone slammed his palm on the table, his piercing gaze fixed on Elena. "Girl, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you."

Elena met his eyes steadily. "Father, I respect you as my elder. But some things can’t be compromised."

Owen Stone clutched both burning cheeks, his eyes filled with venom. "You... you’ve all gone mad! For an outsider—"

"Silence!" Nathaniel Stone roared. "One more word, and you’re out of this house!"

Owen Stone froze. He had never seen his father this furious.

Elena gently linked her arm with Adrian’s. "Let’s go upstairs."

Adrian nodded, casting a final warning glance at his brother. "Remember—this is your last chance."

As the couple ascended the stairs, Nathaniel Stone murmured meaningfully to his wife, "That girl is worthy of our son."

Sylvia fretted, "But Owen Stone—"

"It’s time he grew up," Nathaniel Stone scoffed. "Acting like a gossipy old woman—what kind of soldier does that?"

At the second-floor landing, Elena suddenly stopped.

"What’s wrong?" Adrian asked.

A glint of steel flashed in Elena’s eyes. "Your brother won’t let this go."

Adrian tightened his grip on her hand. "I’m here."

Elena shook her head slightly. "This time, let me handle it."

Below them, a door slammed shut with a thunderous crash.

The storm had only just begun.