After Prison I Rushed into Marriage with a Comatose Tycoon-Chapter 43: Eliza Sutton Defends Shane Lockwood
The next day.
It was the fifteenth day of the lunar month.
According to the Lockwood Family’s customs, they were required to have breakfast at Master Lockwood’s main residence on the fifteenth.
The scene Emmett Lockwood had caused at Green Bamboo Garden the day before, as well as Eliza Sutton’s kidnapping, were common knowledge throughout the Lockwood Family. Master Lockwood also brought it up with her.
"Eliza, I’m aware of what happened yesterday. I’ll have Shane handle it personally, so you don’t need to worry."
Eliza Sutton stood up. "Thank you, Grandfather."
"There’s no need for such formalities among family."
Florence Young’s voice was grating. "That’s right, no need for formalities. For all we know, this disaster was brought on by Shane. He’s good at everything, but his methods are ruthless and he never shows mercy. And what about him? He’s surrounded by bodyguards, so of course he’s perfectly fine. You’re the pitiful one who got dragged into this mess. You were just lucky. A little less luck, and you might have been killed."
Shane Lockwood’s expression was calm, as if he hadn’t heard a thing.
Mrs. Lockwood’s face, however, turned grim. "Florence, how can you say such things!"
"Am I wrong? Eliza Sutton was in prison for five years—the only people she knows are inmates. Who among them could possibly orchestrate such a major kidnapping? The only person it could be is Shane Lockwood. Eliza may be new to the family, but as her aunt, I have a duty to make sure she knows the truth."
Master Lockwood shouted, "Be quiet! You talk too much!"
"Dad, I was just trying to be fair." Florence Young cowered slightly, her tone fawning, but her gaze toward Eliza Sutton was that of someone looking at a poor, pitiable creature.
Eliza Sutton said, "Second Aunt is right. I do deserve to know the truth."
Seeing Eliza Sutton agree with her, Florence Young broke into a smile. "I knew Eliza would understand my good intentions."
Eliza Sutton said, "Second Aunt, you should thank Shane right away. No need to kowtow; just offering him a cup of tea will be enough."
Florence Young’s expression froze, and she grew annoyed. "What are you talking about? Since when does an elder serve tea to a junior to express thanks!"
"If you and Shane were merely an ordinary aunt and nephew, then even if the elder were sharp-tongued and tactless, he would have to endure it. After all, he’s the junior. But that isn’t the situation, is it?
Shane isn’t just your nephew; he’s also the CEO of the Lockwood Group and the Head of the Lockwood Family. I may not know much, but I do know that to maintain that position, he must not only offend countless people but also face endless dangers.
In other words, the comfortable, prosperous life you’re living, Second Aunt, is entirely thanks to Shane’s protection. Yet, not only are you ungrateful, you slander him like this. I don’t know how others feel, but I’m absolutely heartbroken."
Eliza Sutton pinched herself hard, and her eyes began to redden.
And Mrs. Lockwood was already sobbing uncontrollably.
The thought of the dangers her son had faced, and how he had nearly died not long ago, filled her with a wave of sorrow.
With a THUD, Mrs. Lockwood fell to her knees before Master Lockwood and began to wail. "Dad, take back the position of CEO and the title of Family Head! My Shane won’t do it anymore! Our branch of the family doesn’t care for it! I just want my son to be okay, to be healthy and safe! Dad! I’m begging you, please do something!"
Eliza Sutton walked over and helped Mrs. Lockwood up. "Mom, please get up. Grandfather will definitely set things right for us."
Master Lockwood already felt guilty over Shane Lockwood’s illness. Now, seeing his eldest daughter-in-law crying so wretchedly made him feel even worse. His face turned ice-cold as he looked at Florence Young.
Florence Young’s heart skipped a beat. "Dad..."
"You are not to come to the main residence for the next six months."
Florence Young’s face paled. "Dad, how can that be? I still have to come and show my filial piety to you!"
"Does my word no longer carry any weight?"
Florence Young hurriedly said she wouldn’t dare.
She wanted to beg for mercy, but Master Lockwood had already impatiently summoned Butler Lockwood.
"Escort the Second Madam out."
Florence Young left in disgrace.
Master Lockwood’s gaze swept over everyone present.
Everyone who met his gaze felt their scalp tingle.
Master Lockwood said, "All of you, remember this: The Lockwood Family is a single entity. We prosper together, and we fall together. If anyone dares to speak nonsense and sow discord again, I will open the ancestral hall and expel them from the family!"
They all quickly agreed, then forced friendly smiles as they looked at Shane Lockwood, afraid that Master Lockwood would think them hostile.
Shane Lockwood’s gaze fell upon Eliza Sutton. For the first time, behind the usual scrutiny and assessment, a flicker of emotion appeared in his eyes.
His father had died young. To protect their branch of the family, he had joined the Lockwood Group before he was even an adult.
From that moment on, he had faced endless attacks from countless people.
Enemies from the outside, and relatives within the Lockwood Family.
There were plenty who called him a cursed star, a demon, or the King of Hell behind his back. The number who hated him was even greater.
They despised him and feared him, yet they had to rely on him.
This was the first time someone had ever stood up and said he should be thanked for his protection.
It was also the first time someone had stood in front of him to counter the attacks aimed at him.
In that moment, Shane Lockwood had to admit that his heart was beating differently because of Eliza Sutton.
But a voice deep inside kept telling him, ’You can’t keep looking at her.’
’The person I am responsible for is Vivian Forrest—the woman who gave me her innocence and braved gossip and slander to give birth to Emmett Lockwood!’
After breakfast ended, Eliza Sutton was asked to stay behind by Master Lockwood.
Everyone watched Eliza Sutton with jealousy.
One had to understand that while they were all members of the Lockwood Family, the clan was large with tangled relationships. Master Lockwood was typically busy and rarely asked anyone to stay for a private word, least of all a junior who had just married into the family.
Eliza Sutton was a unique exception.
Once they had all left, the vast dining room instantly fell quiet.
Master Lockwood led Eliza Sutton to the sunroom.
Butler Lockwood had already prepared the tea that Master Lockwood usually drank.
Master Lockwood sat in his chair, sipping his tea slowly and deliberately, as if he had completely forgotten about Eliza Sutton standing off to the side.
Eliza Sutton stood quietly, her expression unhurried and calm.
After a long while, Master Lockwood finally looked up at Eliza Sutton and said, "You have more composure than I expected."
Eliza Sutton said, "That’s all thanks to your guidance, Grandfather."
Master Lockwood’s smile vanished. "Eliza Sutton, you have a lot of nerve, daring to sow discord among the Lockwood Family. Who gave you the gall!"
Eliza Sutton feigned great surprise. "Grandfather, what are you talking about? When did I sow discord among the Lockwood Family? I was merely speaking up for my husband."
She looked at Master Lockwood with a puzzled expression. "Grandfather, am I not supposed to defend my husband?"
Master Lockwood was left speechless. Of course, he couldn’t say that she shouldn’t.
After a moment, he laughed and pointed a finger at Eliza Sutton through the air. "Quite the nerve."
Eliza Sutton respectfully poured Master Lockwood a cup of tea and said, "The only thing I’m relying on is the fact that Grandfather genuinely dotes on Shane."
"Use these sweet-talking skills of yours on Shane. What’s the use of trying them on an old man like me?" Seeing Eliza Sutton still standing there, Master Lockwood said irritably, "What are you standing around for? Get going."
Eliza Sutton bowed slightly and turned to leave.
Master Lockwood watched Eliza Sutton’s departing figure, his smile slowly fading. "I have wronged Shane."
Butler Lockwood said, "The Young Master will understand your good intentions one day."
Master Lockwood said nothing, only letting out a long sigh.
