My Adorable Daughter Can't Be A Villainess - Chapter 22 - Confrontation

Dead silence fell over the reception hall after Eric relayed his decision regarding the engagement with Christina.

Lady Blackwood’s smile faltered as her brows drew together and she said, “You never told me that you like someone, son. I asked you multiple times in the past, no? You never mentioned having someone in your heart.”

Eric nodded. “You are right, and I apologize for that. But now, I have made my decision, Mother.”

Angela kept her composure and, after a brief pause, she asked, “But how so suddenly? I know my son isn’t someone who makes hasty decisions.”

Eric shook his head. “This wasn’t a hasty decision, Mother. The only reason I never dated anyone or thought about marrying anyone until recently was because I had her in my heart all this time.”

Angela hummed in response, still maintaining the mask of understanding as she asked, “I believe you’re talking about the same woman I just met at the door?”

“Met?” Eric asked, his brows raised. “I believe you completely ignored her, Mother.”

Angela was taken aback. “I did? Ah, that was not my intention, Eric. Trust me.”

The man gave a short nod before leaning back in his seat.

Resting his hand on his knee, he asked, “So, I assume you are in agreement with my decision to be with Chloe?”

Angela’s lips parted for a moment, then she finally spoke in slight panic, “I mean, you should wait until you talk to your father about it—”

“No. I want to hear your opinion, Mother,” Eric pressed, his tone firm. “Do you accept Chloe as my wife and Charlotte as your granddaughter?”

Angela’s eyes widened. “Granddaughter? That little girl is your daughter, Eric?”

Eric briefly smiled and asked, “You didn’t know, Mother?”

Angela shook her head. “No… how would I have known?”

Eric hummed before he got up. “Please wait for me.”

Before Angela could say a word, Eric was already making his way upstairs.

Giving a soft knock on the door, he stepped inside.

Charlotte had already fallen asleep, and Chloe was sitting beside her, her eyes focused on a book.

Upon Eric’s arrival, she turned toward him.

Eric extended his hand and asked her, “Can you come with me for a moment?”

Chloe was startled. “Why—”

“Chloe… this is the first and last time I will ask you to do me a favor and accompany me. Please.”

Chloe was stunned to hear his request spoken so desperately. She could tell that whatever the reason, Eric wanted her to be with him.

She glanced at Charlotte once and slowly got off the bed.

Truth be told, she didn’t want to go anywhere near that woman, but she knew that if it wasn’t urgent, Eric wouldn’t have pushed her like this.

As they stepped out of the room, Eric said, “While I can’t force you to say anything… I really wish you would speak the truth, Chloe.”

“About what?” she asked, her gaze narrowing.

Eric didn’t respond, and they soon reached the reception hall, where Maylie was serving Angela—who sat there with a frown on her face.

As he returned, Eric sat across from Angela.

Confused but wary of Angela, Chloe chose to sit beside Eric.

Angela glanced at Chloe once before she asked, “Eric?”

The man leaned forward, his fingers loosely intertwined as he said, “Mother, I need the truth. And that’s why I brought her here.”

Angela blinked in surprise. “You could have just asked me if there was something on your mind.”

Eric nodded. “Then please tell me—have you never met Chloe in person before?”

Angela froze in place, her body turning completely rigid.

She threw another glance at Chloe, and the silver-haired woman could tell that she was anything but pleased at the moment.

“She never told me anything, Mother,” Eric clarified. “And I am still doubtful, not convinced. So tell me—have you ever met Chloe for any reason in the past?”

Angela replied in a slightly serious tone, “She once was a noble child, so surely I must have come across her a few times in the past.”

Eric chuckled. “How do you know she once was a noble and is not anymore?”

Angela stuttered, “News like this circulates like wildfire.”

Chloe bit her lower lip in frustration, seeing the woman lie through her teeth, but she didn’t say a word.

Eric hummed in response before he leaned back. After a brief pause, he asked, “So… you never met Chloe in person, right?”

Angela nodded. “Why would I lie to you? Is Chloe my enemy, son? I can never hate someone who is the reason for my son’s happiness.”

Chloe flinched briefly at the last part.

She briefly glanced at Eric, but his steely gaze made it unclear whether the lady had guessed things right or not.

However, what followed from Eric’s end stripped the two women of their swirling thoughts.

“If that is so… Mother, then why did you send someone to kill her?”

“…!!” Angela’s and Chloe’s eyes widened, though the latter soon lowered her gaze as if she had expected this.

Angela’s expression showed great shock as she asked, “What are you even saying, Eric?! Trying to blame your mother—”

“Nofan is your head maid’s brother, who has clearance to the Prism, and he ambushed Chloe a few days ago. Now, I don’t remember a single reason for your maid to be antagonizing Chloe.”

Angela’s face turned slightly pale at the realization. He knows.

However, she was far from giving up. “How much are you going to insult your mother, son? Do you think I can do something so evil?” Her eyes brimmed with tears, her shoulders shaking.

Chloe wanted to scoff at the sight, but she hid her feelings well and remained seated in silence.

Eric, however, remained unchanged, his expression even.

After a brief pause, the man finally spoke. “Alright then, I will take Nofan to the church. They will discern who is the real culprit behind this ambush.”

Angela flinched… he was still alive?!

The situation between mother and son was escalating.

And for the first time, Chloe felt that the perception she had built about Eric might not be completely true.