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Chapter_73
Ronan stood still, his expression unreadable as he met Leah’s frantic gaze. The air in the room was thick with tension, and every word that followed felt like it carried the weight of years of unresolved conflict.
“I’m not doubting you,” Ronan said, his voice steady, but the tension in his eyes betrayed his calm demeanor. “But I’ve heard a lot of things tonight, things that make me question what’s been going on. The way Sadie was treated, the things she said…” He turned his gaze briefly to Kathleen. “And the way things were handled. This doesn’t feel like a simple family gathering.”
Leah’s face flushed with frustration. “What are you trying to say? That I’m lying? That everything I’ve done for you, for us, doesn’t matter?”
“Leah,” Kathleen intervened quickly, sensing the situation slipping from her control. “Stop. Let’s calm down.” She turned to Ronan, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re right. I overreacted earlier. Sadie has always been a difficult person to deal with, and tonight, she crossed the line. I just wanted to protect my family.”
Ronan’s gaze softened, but the distance between him and his mother was clear. “I understand the instinct to protect, but it’s hard to ignore the facts that Sadie presented. You both need to realize that these actions have consequences.”
Kathleen’s jaw tightened as she looked from Ronan to Leah. “I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense. Ronan, I’m your mother. I’ve done everything for you, and you’re siding with that woman? She’s a poison to this family.”
Leah, her eyes wide with desperation, grabbed Ronan’s arm. “Ronan, please. Don’t let her manipulate you. Don’t let Sadie get in between us. You know what she’s like—she’ll always try to tear us apart.”
Ronan pulled his arm gently from her grasp. “Leah, it’s not about Sadie. It’s about the way things are being handled. I’ve seen how she’s been treated by everyone here. And I can’t just ignore that.”
There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Kathleen clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “You’re both overreacting. All I did was try to protect you, and now you’re questioning me?”
“Mother, it’s not just about protection anymore,” Ronan said quietly. “It’s about respect. It’s about understanding what’s happening around us. And right now, I’m not sure I understand what’s been happening here with all of you.”
Leah looked at him with pleading eyes. “Ronan, please. Don’t do this. I can’t lose you.”
Ronan sighed deeply, his expression hardening as he turned toward the door. “I need some time to think. We’ll talk about this later.”
Kathleen watched him leave, her face a mask of anger and frustration. As the door clicked shut behind him, she slowly turned to Leah, her voice tight with barely controlled rage. “Do you see what you’ve done? You let her poison him, and now he’s questioning everything.”
Leah stood frozen, the weight of the situation pressing down on her chest. “I never wanted this, Mom. I never wanted to lose him.” She whispered, her voice trembling.
Kathleen’s eyes narrowed. “You better figure this out, Leah. If Ronan turns against us, it’s all your fault.”
