Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 706

Diana delivered the words without a trace of emotion.

It was clear she hadn't made this decision out of wounded pride or heartbreak. She had made it for the Hutton family, as she did with every difficult call.

Albus' tone softened slightly. "Is there no other way? Leon isn't a fool. If you stepped in and helped him clean up his side, he would listen to reason."

"Grandfather." Diana did not answer the question directly. Her voice remained level. "Just now, while he was downstairs, that secretary was waiting for him in the car."

That alone told Albus how much Helen mattered to Leon. If he had been willing to do what needed to be done, he would have done it the first time Diana made her displeasure clear. He would have made the woman disappear quietly and completely. Instead, he kept letting her resurface.

Albus' gaze turned cold and sharp. His decision came without hesitation. "Then if it's over, end it cleanly. Don't let that boy drag it out or string you along. Next time you return to Brimcrest, file the paperwork."

"All right." She had expected him to agree. Even so, something inside her quietly loosened.

Albus looked at his granddaughter. She was just past 30. He had never been easy on her. He had given too much discipline and too little warmth. He knew it.

She had grown into someone razor sharp, self-possessed, and clear-eyed, everything the head of the Hutton family needed to be. In a marriage, those same qualities could leave a person exposed in ways that had nothing to do with strength.

He placed his hand gently over hers and said, "You have carried too much for this family. I am sorry."

Then the edge returned to his voice. "As for that Kingston boy, he needs to think clearly about what he actually has. Every one of the Kingston brothers is shrewd. How did Leon secure the inheritance? Because of his engagement to you. That is the only reason.

"Walk away from him and you remain the eldest Hutton daughter. You remain in charge. But him? Once you are gone, nothing is guaranteed."

Because of Leon's stupidity, his own granddaughter would carry the mark of a broken marriage. Albus couldn't hide his anger.

He looked at her and swallowed the words that followed. "Remember this. You are not to think less of yourself for a single moment. If anyone outside this family dares to use it against you, I will deal with them personally."

Something stung at the back of Diana's nose. She laughed despite herself, her eyes bright and slightly wet.

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