The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 1154:

When he heard this, Merrick, one of the leaders of the Elder Council, squinted, his eyes glinting with a calculating look.

Merrick’s voice carried weight as he spoke. “Darrion’s branch scheming against the head of the Hopkins family deserves no mercy. Stripping them of their wealth is only the beginning. Erasing their names from the family records is the least of what should be done. However…”noveldrama

His gaze lingered on Ralph, sharp and calculating. Absentmindedly, he ran his thumb over the ring he wore.

“Andromache’s actions have indeed disgraced the Hopkins family, but they do not warrant eternal condemnation. Is it not excessive to cast her out so publicly?”

Though his words seemed to call for compassion, they held a hidden sting. His message was clear—Ralph was ruthless, a man willing to sever ties with his own daughter for the sake of honor.

The gathered people were quick to grasp the unspoken meaning. Their eyes flickered with understanding. Expressions shifted, some intrigued, others wary.

Ralph met Merrick’s gaze, his expression unreadable. A shadow of thought passed over his face before he spoke. His lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

“The Hopkins family has always upheld strict traditions,” he said, his tone measured. “I am merely following those traditions. Do not mistake me—I love my daughter. A father’s duty is to teach his child. Andromache is no longer part of this family. Her fate is sealed. But as her father, I must bear the consequences of that.”

He exhaled, as if the weight of his own words settled upon him. “From this day forward, I will withdraw from public affairs and reflect on my failures. Should any urgent matters arise, you may bring them to Nate.”

Ralph rose to his feet, offered a courteous nod, and took his leave without another word.

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Merrick watched him go, his gaze narrowing as Ralph’s figure disappeared from sight.

Ralph was willing to sacrifice his own daughter to preserve the Hopkins family’s reputation.

With a single statement, he had severed Andromache from the family, cutting off any chance of retaliation.

To the world, it seemed like he was punishing her severely. In truth, he was shielding her—removing her from the Hopkins name so none of their family’s enemies could seek vengeance against her.

Age had only made Ralph more calculating.

But the real question remained—would Andromache understand the weight of his decision? Would she live up to the price he had paid?

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