SWNOVELS Chapter 516
By the end of their chat, Suzanne's voice had shed its usual softness, taking on a sharpness that hadn't been there before. She'd held a trump card back in the day, using it to strike a deal with Connor.
Connor finally broke his silence: "Sure, we had a deal, but the agreement was that I'd protect her until she was grown-up, not that I'd definitely marry her."
Suzanne's expression shifted. Connor's face turned cold, his voice carrying a familiar chill and confidence: "Diana's twenty now, a full-grown adult. Our agreement's done and dusted."
Suzanne's face fell, but she kept her composure. "Mr. Connor, with Diana in this state, don't you feel any responsibility? If marriage wasn't your plan, why let the rumors fly? For ages, everyone in the Eldridge Elites thought Diana would join the Sartori family. Then suddenly, Ms. Chloe shows up, and you're married in a month. How's Diana supposed to handle that? What will the Eldridge Elites think of her?"
"Aunt Suzanne, that's not what we settled on back in the day."
Suzanne blinked, taken aback. "What do you mean?"
"You only asked me to keep your daughter safe, no matter the cost. Aren't you asking too much now?"
Suzanne's face went blank. She'd always known Connor to be distant, yet his kindness towards Diana led
yet his kindness
her to believe Diana was special to him. When Diana was trapped in the basement by Claire for four days, nearly dying, Suzanne was
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desperate, just wanting someone to watch over Diana. She hadn't dared to ask for more, especially with Diana being so young back then.
But over the years, Connor's special attention to Diana, despite his usual aloofness, had Suzanne hoping for more. It turns out, though, it was all just wishful thinking. To Connor, this was just business, a deal wrapped up with both parties walking away.
Suzanne felt a mix of helplessness and fear. Was Connor really so detached from Diana? Would he truly leave her behind?
Her voice softened, tears slipping down her cheeks as she pleaded, "Our poor Diana, she's been through so much, and now she's... well, it's our fault as parents."
Switching tactics, Suzanne continued, "Mr. Connor, if you're set on leaving Diana behind, then go. From now on, the Gilbert family will cut all ties with you. We won't bother you again."
Connor didn't respond. He simply
pulled a velvet box from his pocket and placed itun Suzanne's hands. "Diana's accident pains me deeply, but we have to look ahead. As for Chloe, don't worry, I'll make sure she doesn't harm Diana. But beyond that, her life is her own to lead. Everyone has their own hurdles. As her parents, you should guide her. I hope she finds the strength to live well."
With that, Connor turned to leave. Suzanne opened the velvet box. Inside was the Gilbert family heirloom, a pink emerald dragon pendant.
She paused, calling after him, "Connor, you're just going to leave this too? Don't you know what this pink emerald pendant means?"