Chapter: 1179

Sean talked with a voice that was both cold and merciless. He remained unmoved by the situation unfolding before him.

Marlene slowly lifted her gaze and met his detached stare. A wave of despair washed over her.

“You should enjoy your life with the money I give you, and not play any tricks."

He shook her hand off and watched as she stumbled.

"If not, I can take back everything I've given you at any time."

He turned away and walked downstairs, not even glancing at Marlene.

His back seemed to radiate ruthlessness.

Marlene gently leaned against the wall, sliding down to sit on the floor. She wrapped her arms around her knees and cried. It was the first time she had made the first move, but she received a ruthless rejection. Her heart felt shattered.

Sean was dismissive of Marlene's actions, treating her affectionately when pleased and sternly when upset, much like one would with a pet kitten.

Meanwhile, Susanna stumbled upon some entertainment news that unsettled her-a photograph of Sean and Marlene. It left her feeling queasy.

Next to her, Joanna glanced at the same news piece, her expression turning grim.

They had recently been discussing rumors about Sean, and now, fresh gossip emerged, highlighting the distinct appearance of the woman involved.

Joanna scoffed, "Men are all the same."

Phillip's expression shifted as he quickly reassured Susanna, encircling her with his arms, "I'm not like that. I only love you."

Struggling to find the right words to defend her brother, Susanna resorted to pinching Phillip's ear sharply.

“Phillip, listen. If you ever betray me, I will hunt you down relentlessly."

“Can't you see my love for you? I won't be like Mr. Scott," he protested.

Phillip was admittedly clueless about Sean's intentions, which seemed to grow more unpredictable following Norah's disappearance.

"You men are all the same." Joanna's cold remark was followed by a fleeting look of loneliness on Duncan's face. It reminded him of Joanna's growing disinterest in relationships.

Sean was well aware of the repercussions of appearing at a banquet with Marlene, yet it didn't deter him.

As for Nancy, she was preparing to travel to Bellfolk for the quarterfinals of a piano competition. Kayla had organized for the entire family to support her, emphasizing the significance of the event.

A week before the competition, Kayla and Nancy traveled to Bellfolk.

There, Nancy conducted a free public performance organized through a local institution.

On the eve of the opening ceremony for the piano competition, motivated by Kayla, the Scotts arrived in Bellfolk, ready to cheer Nancy on.