Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Peter stared at his own hand, his face twitching with regret. "Ruby, I didn't mean to... I..." "I don't want to live anymore!" Ruby wailed, covering her face as she ran up the stairs, sobbing uncontrollably. "Ruby!" Peter started after her, but at that moment, Julianne also turned on her heel and stormed off. He hesitated for a second, torn between the two, before ultimately chasing after his girlfriend. Out in the courtyard, Julianne yanked her arm away from his grip and, without hesitation, slapped him across the face. "Let go of me! If you want to stay with me, you're moving out of the Matthews estate and into my family's home. "From now on, you're not allowed to come back whenever you feel like it. If you don't agree, we're done. I never want to see you again!" Her voice was sharp and unwavering as she threw down her ultimatum. Theodore had just stepped outside, intending to break up the argument, but upon hearing those words, his face darkened. "Julianne, don't be ridiculous. Peter is the only son of this family. There is no way he's marrying into your family." "Stay out of this, Dad!" Peter snapped, frustration boiling over. That only angered Theodore more. "You ungrateful brat! She's just a woman, and you dare raise your voice at me?" Inside the house, Lilian and Eugene had gone upstairs to calm Ruby down. Moments ago, the room was packed with people, heated with arguments and shouting. Now, only Adora remained, sitting at the dining table in the now eerily silent house. With the show over, she calmly stood up and headed back to her room. If she left now, Ruby would win completely. She had to stay in this house so stubbornly that not even a bulldozer could get rid of her until she had the evidence she needed. And sure enough, her instincts were right. That very night, after the storm had settled, the four members of the Matthews family, along with Eugene, gathered in the upstairs study for a private family meeting. Ruby sat with an ice pack pressed against her swollen cheek, her red, puffy eyes still brimming with tears as she let out occasional sniffles. Peter tried to apologize multiple times, reaching out to check on her face, but each time, she turned away with a huff, refusing to let him near. Eugene felt sorry for his fiancée, but as he listened to the family's decision, he couldn't help but also feel a twinge of pity for Adora. "Mr. Matthews, are you really planning to throw Adora out? She's already sick... she probably doesn't have much time left. If she's forced to leave now, she'll be completely alone..." "Still claiming you don't love her?" Ruby snapped, her eyes blazing with fury. "If you care so much, why don't you go and stay with her?" "Ruby, I just pity her, that's all." Theodore looked at his future son-in-law, his expression stern. "Eugene, Ruby's right. You need to keep your distance. Everyone knows you and Adora were once engaged. Your attitude now is too ambiguous. No wonder Ruby is upset." Eugene pressed his lips together and fell silent. Peter, still frustrated, added coldly, "Either way, Julianne made herself clear-if Adora stays, she's leaving me." Lilian looked conflicted, hesitating for a moment before finally making the call. "Tomorrow. She'll move out tomorrow. I've already arranged a new place for her." "That's the only option," the rest of the family agreed. Ruby kept the ice pack pressed to her cheek, her face impassive. But deep in her eyes, a flicker of triumph gleamed. Early the next morning, Adora was out for a run. 2/3 bonus כו * The Market Gods group chat on the messenger app was already buzzing with conversation. Overnight, the international stock market had taken a dive, and now everyone was speculating on how it would impact the local market. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.