“Everything I do is for the family’s sake!” Carter said, the words leaving his mouth so fast it felt rushed.

A knowing grin played across Elliana’s lips. She didn’t waste time dancing around the real issue. “So you’re not just trying to edge Cole out so your grandson Clarence can swoop in?”

“Don’t put words in my mouth, Elliana!” Carter’s temper flared, his words growing sharper. “Whoever takes over should earn it. I never said Clarence had to be the new family head. Jason is the one I’ve supported!”

Worried the exchange would spiral, Irene decided to step in. She turned on Elliana, ready to defend Carter and throw shade. “You’re picking a fight with every point he makes, Elliana. That’s not how you show respect to your elders.”

Not once did Elliana acknowledge Irene’s nonsense. Her attention stayed glued to Carter, watching every flicker of his expression. By calling out his true motives, she was hoping he’d reveal more than he intended—and it worked.

“Carter, if you’re as selfless as you claim, why not prove it with a public vow?” Elliana asked sharply.

Raising her voice so no one could miss it, she put Carter on the spot. “Carter, please swear to everyone here that you’re acting only for the good of the family. If there’s any selfish reason behind it, may your own grandson pay the price!”

Elliana’s demand exploded through the room, leaving the elders at a loss for words. Rumors had always circled about Carter’s underhanded ways, but Elliana had just shown she wasn’t afraid to fight back.

It was clear to everyone that Carter had been backing Clarence from the start, and now Elliana’s harsh demand was pressing Carter against the wall. The way she said it, it felt like she drove a blade straight through his chest and gave it a slow turn.

Anger shook Carter to the core. He jabbed a trembling finger at Elliana, his voice barely steady. “You… You’re ruthless!” he stuttered.

Elliana couldn’t hide her amusement. “What’s the matter, Carter? Afraid to make the vow?”

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Carter was left speechless. Of course, he didn’t dare to make such a vow. He knew that one vow would kill any chance of pushing Clarence as the family head in the future.

Carter had brushed off Elliana as someone insignificant, but her words landed where they stung the most.

Refusing to let up, Elliana pressed even harder, saying, “If you have nothing to hide, why the silence now? Looks to me like all your righteous talk is just a smokescreen for your own agenda!”

Carter’s complexion turned ashen. The veins in his neck stood out, but no words came. Frustration overwhelmed him. He stumbled backward, a hand clutching his chest in pain.

Clarence hurried over to keep Carter from stumbling, his eyes fixed on Elliana with sharp disapproval. “Is this how you treat your elders, Elliana? And you really believe you deserve the title of the Evans matriarch?”

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