Chapter: 958
Norah inclined her head slightly, her tone unwavering as she addressed Marlin. "Mr. Boyd, you made it clear that if I couldn't provide a satisfactory explanation, you would escort us out. There is no need for such measures. We'll take our leave on our own."
Her confident demeanor, disregarding the Boyd family's authority, elicited a collective shake of heads from the bystanders. They thought Norah had underestimated the influence of the Boyd family and she would soon learn the consequences of her defiance.
No one felt compelled to intervene on Norah's behalf; forming an alliance with her seemed unnecessary.
Sean stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Norah. His gaze darkened as he glanced at Dolores, still visibly distraught.
"The truth is plain to see. I haven't sought retribution against Miss Shaw. She slandered my girlfriend..."
Norah's words rang with clarity, emphasizing the stark contrast between the red handprints on Dolores's face. The discrepancy in size and intensity between the marks was evident, exposing Dolores's falsehood.
Marlin had been cognizant of the deception all along.
Yolande found herself nodding in agreement. Even if Norah had indeed struck Dolores, it was Dolores who had initiated the conflict with her slanderous accusations.
"Marlin! Dolores got what she deserved! You can't just send Norah and her boyfriend away over this!"
Yolande demanded an explanation for Dolores's slander against Norah, especially since Norah had openly denied any acquaintance with Dolores.
With eyes alight, Yolande took a stand in front of Norah, her voice firm.
“The difference in the handprints on Dolores' face is clear to all.
Do you think it's right to expel Norah and her boyfriend at such a moment? We, the Boyd family, must also consider our own standing."
Norah, caught off guard, stared at Yolande. She was taken aback that Yolande, whom she found rather haughty, would defend her.
"Marlin, Yolande is correct. It's only right that Dolores apologize now that her error is acknowledged," Hans whispered to Marlin, noting that although the issue seemed minor, the gathering crowd made it significant, urging that the Boyd family take a clear stance. Should they overlook Dolores's actions or address them justly?
Dolores, quivering, clutched at Marlin's shirt, fearful.
She had assumed the Boyds would quietly banish Norah without this direct confrontation and was now visibly unnerved.
How would Marlin handle the situation now that they had been together for barely a month?
Dolores felt a mix of nervousness and regret for maligning Norah, realizing too late that her actions had escalated the conflict unnecessarily.
Marlin, his gaze firm, wrapped an arm around Dolores’ shoulders.
Hans felt a twinge of disappointment. He had believed Marlin capable of seizing control of the Boyd Group with ruthless efficiency. Yet, in defending a woman, he had now brought embarrassment upon their family before numerous influential families in Silverdale.
"Miss Wilson," Marlin stated icily, "regardless of who initially slapped Dolores, you certainly did in front of everyone here. I must insist you apologize to her."
His stern demeanor garnered Norah unexpected sympathy from those gathered.
Marlin's temper was notorious. Those he crossed typically found it easier to concede their misfortune and apologize. Yet, this was the first instance of anyone challenging him so openly.