Chapter 238: Everyone Has Gemma’s Back
Margaret couldn’t understand it.
She had stepped in just because she was worried her son would mess things up. How could things go so wrong?
She spun around.
Marcus stood at the door, watching her with indifference.
For the first time, she felt the distance between them.
The warmth that once filled his gaze was gone.
A wave of panic gripped her.
“Max, I was just trying to help you.”
Marcus leaned against the doorframe, his tone flat.
“Obviously, you ‘helped‘ me a lot.”
Margaret’s heart pounded.
Marcus had always been obedient.
No matter how far she pushed, he had never once turned against her. He had always respected her, stood by her side.
But now, he was blaming her?
She struggled to accept this sudden shift.
“Max… you’ve changed.”
Marcus didn’t reply. Instead, he turned to Hector. “Call a shareholder meeting.”
Margaret hurried after him, wanting to say more, but Hector blocked her path.
She could only watch helplessly as her son disappeared around the corner.
Her chest tightened like an iron fist had clenched around her heart.
How did it come to this?
What happened to her son?
Was it because of his two days in detention? Had that changed him?
And why had he been detained in the first place? Because Gemma dragged him to that mountain village and got him caught up in trouble.
She knew it–Gemma was nothing but a walking disaster!
Just then, her phone vibrated.
It was Mabel.
After the incident with the Raven family, Mabel had chosen to stay put, focusing on her pregnancy.
She never left the Wilson’s estate, even though she endured constant ridicule from the servants and Margaret herself. She was thick–skinned enough
to take it.
Margaret assumed she was calling to complain.
She had no patience for that right now, but her frustration needed an outlet.
So, she answered, ready to tear into Mabel.
But the moment the call connected, Mabel launched into a rapid–fire monologue, giving her no chance to speak.
“Margaret, I have an event to attend. I wasn’t planning on making a comeback, but my old company begged me, so I have to go.”
“Don’t worry, I’m bringing the nanny.”
“Oh, and guess what? This event involves Gemma. Apparently, some big shot wants to meet her–probably for a medical consultation.”
“Are you coming tomorrow?”
Margaret’s attention snapped to that last part.
She frowned.
“Which big shot?”
“Someone from S City… Oh, right, the Dolton family.”
Margaret’s expression darkened.
Ever since the divorce, Gemma’s status had only risen.
And now, she was getting involved with the Doltons?
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Setting
Chapter 238: Everyone Has Gemma’s Back
Unacceptable.
She couldn’t let Gemma climb any higher.
Otherwise, her so–called friends would mock her for failing to recognize Gemma’s worth and driving her out of the family.
She would not be humiliated like that.
***
That night.
Gemma received a message.
It was from Bradley.
[We’ve brought them to N.L. City. You promised to cooperate with the verification–don’t back out now.]
As if worried she might refuse.
He immediately followed up with a “puppy eyes” emoji.
Gemma had known every details from Cassius. She simply replied:
[Relax. I keep my word.]
Bradley, satisfied.
He bombarded her with voice messages.
He
Sixty seconds each.
One after another.
Gemma, “…”
She had no interest in listening.
Better to just go to sleep.
The next morning.
When she woke up, she found Noah outside her door, his eyes red.
“What happened, sweetie?”
Noah sniffled.
“Gemma, are you leaving N.L. City?”
Gemma, “Huh???”
Where did that come from?
Noah rubbed his eyes, looking heartbroken.
“Uncle Shawn said you’re meeting your real family. He said you’re going to leave us.”
Gemma bent down and scooped him up.
“You believe anything that comes out of your Uncle Shawn’s mouth? That man talks nonsense just to mess with you!”
Noah instantly stopped crying.
“Really?”
Gemma nodded firmly. “One hundred percent. I’d never leave my little Noah behind.”
Noah’s face lit up.
But Shawn’s words still lingered in his mind, making him uneasy.
So, he made a request.
“Then… can I go with you? When you meet them?”
Gemma chuckled. “Of course. I’ll even get you excused from school.”
Noah’s worries vanished.
By breakfast, he was back to his usual cheerful self, grinning like a happy little puppy.
After breakfast, they set off for H.T. Plaza Hotel-
The agreed–upon meeting place.
Shawn grumbled.
“If they know about Gem, shouldn’t they be rushing to our estate to meet her?”
“Now it’s like we’re the ones chasing after them.”
Cassius remained silent, his expression cold.
The temperature in the car seemed to drop.
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Chapter 238: Everyone Has Gemma’s Back
Noah piped up in his soft voice.
“Aren’t we going for the seafood buffet?”
Gemma laughed.
“Exactly! We’re food detective! Today, we’re going to see if H.T. Plaza’s buffet is worth it.”
“If it’s good, we’ll come back. If not, we’ll blacklist it.”
Noah rested his chin on his hands. “I won’t blacklist it. What if they get better food later?”
Gemma hugged him. “Awww… You little foodie.”
This so–called family reunion lacked sincerity.
By choosing this location, the Dolton family had given themselves an easy way out.
If they found Gemma unworthy, they could claim they just happened to run into her at the buffet and exchanged a few words.
But if they decided she was worth acknowledging, they could say they had a “heartfelt conversation” over dinner and decided to do a DNA test.
The power was in their hands.
Or was it?
Gemma glanced at the silent man beside her.
Since the Doltons had arrived in N.L. City, Cassius had been aware of their every move.
But he hadn’t interfered.
That could only mean one thing–H.T. Plaza Hotel had already been secured. If the Doltons dared to pull anything, they’d suffer the consequences.
So, she had nothing to fear.
Besides, she had no deep attachment to family ties. Her conversation with Cassius the other night had prepared her for this.
She had no expectations.
“I heard they brought a fake heiress, too.”
Shawn sneered.
“First time I’ve seen a real daughter needing a fake one’s approval before she can be acknowledged.”
“Gem, don’t worry. Just do your thing. I’ve got your back.”
While the Doltons were powerful in the country, the Smith family held significant sway overseas.
And since the Doltons were expanding internationally, they couldn’t afford to offend the Smiths.
So, Shawn had every reason to back Gemma up.
Noah clenched his tiny fists.
“Me too! I’ll cheer you on!”
Gemma’s eyes grew misty. Warmth filled her heart.
“Don’t worry–I won’t let them push me around.”
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