?Chapter 701:


    “I’ll never forget what you did for me.”


    Her subdued tone seemed to ease some of Andromache’s anger. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, forcing down the lingering fury.


    “Fine. Consider this a lesson.”


    A lesson for Leah—one she desperately needed. And a wake-up call for herself.


    For too long, Andromache had believed that Nate kept Corrine around as nothing more than a fleeting amusement, a ything he kept close when it suited him. But today, he had shattered that illusion. He had torn through the fragile pretense of harmony for a single woman. And as Andromache reyed his warning, his presence still lingering in her mind like an iron grip around her throat, it prickled at the edges of her certainty. She felt a growing sense of caution and fear.


    “It’ste. You should go home.” Without another word, she turned and disappeared into the distance.


    At Fragrance Garden, Penny recounted the events at the racetrack in quiet detail. Evelyn paused mid-motion, her pruning shears hovering above the delicate petals.


    “Corrine fell off the horse?”


    “No, she didn’t.” Penny took in Evelyn’s sharp gaze and quickly rified, “Miss Hond has some skill. She got back on just in time.” A subtle exhale left Evelyn’s lips, the worry in her eyes easing, but not entirely vanishing.


    “As long as she’s alright, that’s what matters.” Despite her words, the weight of the incident dulled her interest in tending to the flowers.


    Setting the shears aside, she turned to Penny.


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    “Was she injured?”


    “I heard she hurt her foot.” Penny hesitated before adding, “Interestingly, this wasn’t just an ident. It seems the mastermind behind it was none other than Andromache’s so-called goddaughter. Fortunately, Nate still values family ties.”


    Evelyn knitted her brows together in quiet contemtion, but before she could speak, a shrill cry shattered the stillness.


    “Mom! Mom!” It was Andromache’s voice. For a fraction of a second, something cold flickered in Evelyn’s eyes.


    Penny, ever observant, sighed at the familiar routine.


    Ever since Andromache arrived in Lyhaton, she had developed a habit of storming to Evelyn with grievances every few days—always the same tiredints about how Nate, now a grown man, refused to respect her as his aunt.


    But Penny, an outsider, saw things clearly. Whatever resentment Nate held, Andromache had earned it.


    “Shall I send her away?” Penny asked, expecting Evelyn to dismiss the intrusion.


    But to her surprise, Evelyn’s gaze remained steady on the door.


    “Let her in.”


    She knew her daughter too well. For years, she had looked the other way—out of love, out of obligation.


    After all, both Nate and Andromache were her closest family. But this time, Andromache had crossed a line.


    In the quiet, well-lit living room, Andromache subtly scrutinized Evelyn’s face as she carefully made sure the woman took her medicine. Once satisfied, Andromache could no longer contain herself and voiced her concerns.


    She recounted, in vivid detail, how Nate had threatened her, belittled her in front of others, and treated her with disdain, never recognizing her as his aunt.


    “Mom, you have to stand up for me!” Andromache implored, frustration bubbling in her words.


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