Chapter 23
Not only Graham but also the prominent figures around him turned in astonishment to look at Simone.
Cyrus silently positioned himself in front of her, a small gesture that spoke volumes about how much he valued his daughter.
AT ARE MORent, Graham’s eyes were filled with anger. He coldly reprimanded
absurd! You don’t even have a wife. How can you have z
daughter?”
Cyrus narrowed his eyes, fully aware that Graham’s anger wasn’t about him having a daughter, but rather that he brought her here, essentially acknowledging her existence.
Graham fixed his sharp gaze on Cyrus and said coldly, “Cyrus, please escort this young lady out.”
Graham wanted to pretend this situation never happened. Cyrus could see right through that- Graham wasn’t willing to acknowledge this granddaughter.
“Cyrus, don’t disappoint me,” Graham warned sternly when Cyrus remained still for too long.
Cyrus glanced back at Simone, whose expression was flat, revealing no excess emotion. She appeared indifferent to everything.
But Cyrus understood; she wasn’t indifferent–she simply had no expectations from anyone.
Suddenly, Cyrus looked straight at Graham, his voice booming. “A paternity test has already been done. This is absolutely my daughter.
“Cyrus,” Graham exclaimed, his voice rising several octaves. His façade of calm was beginning to crack, clearly infuriated.
Just as he was about to explode, his gaze fell on the necklace around Simone’s neck. He shot up from his seat, pointing at Simone with a twisted
expression. “You… you actually gave her the Eternal Love?”
“The Eternal Love?‘ Simone thought, glancing down at the necklace on her neck, starting to piece things together.
Cyrus replied confidently, “She’s my daughter. If I don’t give it to her, then who?” Of course, his daughter deserved the best things.
“Does she deserve it?” Graham’s fierce gaze swept over Simone as he shouted angrily.
“She’s my daughter, so of course she does. Should I give it to your scandals instead?” Cyrus’s eyes turned icy.
“Shut up.” Graham’s face darkened at being openly contradicted in front of others.
The father and son faced off, neither willing to back down.
After a long silence, Graham said, “That’s your mother’s heirloom.” Plus, the Eternal Love was worth billions.
In the past, this son had never spoken about anything related to his mother, nor allowed anyone to mention or touch her belongings. But now, was casually giving the Eternal Love away to someone else.
Simone was a little taken aback. She knew the necklace was valuable but hadn’t realized it was an heirloom of Cyrus’s mother.
Before she could think much further, Cyrus said, “Since it belongs to my mother, I have the right to handle it.”
he
“Cyrus, are you going against me?” Graham’s age brought a commanding presence to his voice; even slightly deepening his tone suffocated those around him.
The young people present felt scared and dared not say a word.
Cyrus met Graham’s gaze, firm and unwavering. “Dad, I’m not asking for your permission.” His tone was resolute.
Graham’s face remained stern, his anger still apparent, but he finally relented. “She’s just a kid. She won’t cause any real trouble. If you want to keep her for fun, go ahead.”
‘For fun? Do you think I’m a pet? What nonsense!‘ Simone thought and looked at Graham, her expression indifferent. Suddenly, she thought of Jerome. At least Jerome was lovable,‘ she thought.
Noticing the gaze from a distance, Graham turned to look at Simone. When Simone met his fierce eyes, there wasn’t an ounce of fear in her expression.
The younger members of the Irwin family looked at Graham like mice facing a cat, revealing their nervousness. Even Cyrus, during his youth, had felt a deep–seated fear of him.
It was rare for Graham to encounter such a bold younger generation, especially a girl. His interest was piqued.
1/2
“What’s your name again?” he asked.
“Simone.” She looked directly at Graham, her demeanor poised and confident, leaving no room for criticism.
“Bold for someone so young,” Graham remarked faintly, leaving his intentions ambiguous.
Simone smiled cheerfully before replying, “Thank you for your compliment, but I’m just doing alright.”
Graham narrowed his eyes, thinking. This girl knows very well I didn’t mean that. She’s doing this on purpose, isn’t she?‘
Anyone could tell that Graham’s words carried a hint of dissatisfaction towards Simone. Yet she acted as if she were oblivious, leaving him momentarily speechless.
“What school do you attend?” Graham frowned and asked again.
“Sogin High School.”
“How are your grades?”
Graham was all about his career, holding high expectations for his children, and it was rare for him to be impressed by anyone. He looked at this girl, his tone resembling that of someone questioning a subordinate.
Dad, Simone is not your subordinate.” Cyrus had always been treated like one, so he felt uncomfortable when Graham asked Simone that.
Just as he was about to say something, he heard Simone’s voice, laced with a hint of pride.
“I’m doing okay, just ranked first at school.” Simone held her head high, akin to a proud little kitten.
That left Graham at a loss for words. He waved his hand dismissively and turned to Cyrus, using a sarcastic tone. “Your daughter is quite impressive.”
Cyrus felt a smile creeping onto his face but managed to suppress it in front of everyone.
After saying goodbye to Graham, Cyrus led Simone to the snack area.
‘Which one should I try?‘ Simone pondered, her love for sweets evident as she eyed the various cakes and desserts, frowning slightly.
“Take whatever you like,” Cyrus offered, seemingly reading her thoughts as he handed her a large plate. Simone accepted it without hesitation, piling it high with her favorites.
Cyrus grabbed another plate filled with assorted snacks, and they found a quiet spot to sit down.
“You did quite well back there, completely surprising me,” he said, recalling how Graham had been left speechless. A subtle smile tugged at his lips.
Simone took a bite of ice cream and looked at him. “He doesn’t like me, and I don’t like him either.”
There was no way Simone would put on a smile for someone who disliked her. After all, she had died once, and she wasn’t going to compromise anymore. If Graham insulted her, she wouldn’t hesitate to call him out.
Cyrus hadn’t expected her to be so straightforward. He opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say, as Simone was just speaking the truth. After that little confrontation, everyone present knew that Cyrus had a daughter and that she had been acknowledged by the Irwin family. This would become the most explosive piece of news among the upper class that day.
