Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Flipping the Table

The Lancaster family fell into an awkward silence.

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Claudia had always been like a hedgehog bristling with spines–every argument ended in a clash, never in peace. This was one of the rare times she had sat down with them, and none of them had thought of apologizing.

But she was right. They had judged too quickly. Her grievance was justified.

And what was an apology, after all? It would give her a step down, mend the family’s rift, and cost them nothing.

“I’m sorry.” Lydia spoke first, cutting everyone else off. “Claudia, I’ll apologize on behalf of the family. This all happened because I was hurt and they panicked. If you must hate someone, hate me.”

“What does it have to do with you? It was Julie who was vicious,” Lottie said immediately.

And just like that, the chorus began again–everyone soothing Lydia, forgetting Claudia entirely.

Claudia wasn’t surprised. She only fixed her gaze on Wilson.

Wilson cleared his throat. “I misjudged you this time. Tell me what you want. I’ll see it done.”

“Shares…” She drew out the word deliberately, watching as their faces stiffened.

After a pause, she smiled faintly. “Even if I asked, you wouldn’t give them.”

When each Lancaster child came of age, they were given five percent of the company’s shares. Claudia’s portion had long ago been reassigned to Lydia.

Because they believed she owed her that much.

What was five percent compared to Lydia’s mother’s life?

Wilson felt a pang at her disdain, though he couldn’t say why.

“If you want to ease your guilt,” Claudia said coldly, “then transfer Grandma’s house to me.”

The house wasn’t worth much in money. Its value was in memory.

It wasn’t an excessive request. Yet Wilson and Lottie exchanged uneasy glances.

Wilson avoided her eyes. “We’ll discuss it after your engagement.”

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Chapter 9 Flipping the Table

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“I told you there won’t be an engagement. Jasper and I are over.” Her face hardened as she stared at him. “You said I could ask for anything, but you won’t give me a thing. This is your sincerity?”

Challenged so bluntly, Wilson’s temper flared. He slammed a hand on the table. “You treat marriage like children’s play. I don’t agree to breaking it off. Without the wedding, you won’t get the house.”

“That house was Grandma’s gift to me. What right do you have to use it against me?”

“By right of being your father! By right of the deed being in your mother’s name!” His eyes blazed. “Do you know how many businesses tie the Fentons to the Lancasters? Do you know the damage breaking this marriage will cause?”

“And what does Lancaster business have to do with me?” Claudia sneered. She had never received a single cent in dividends.

Wilson, out of words, lashed out again. “If you won’t marry, then Lydia will. And the house will go to her instead. She’s your grandma’s granddaughter too! Who said it had to be you?”

Something in those words set Claudia off. She shot to her feet and, with one swift motion, overturned the entire dining table. Broth and wine cascaded over every person at the table.

Shouts filled the room.

Eyes red, Claudia glared at the drenched family like a predator ready to kill. “Give it to her? Does she deserve it?”

When the table went over, Lottie had leapt to shield Lydia. But Claudia’s force was too much— the scalding broth still splashed onto Lydia’s head.

Her face was drawn with sorrow. “Claudia, even if you hate me, Grandma was my grandma too. Why would you say that?”

Zane spat out his food. “Don’t bother with her. She’s insane.”

“Unfilial wretch!” Wilson roared. “Flipping the table in front of your parents–what else won’t you dare do?”

Lottie’s face was a mix of fury and panic. Clarence bent over Lydia and his mother, checking if they were hurt.

Outside, the maid hovered nervously, trembling at the chaos inside, unsure if she should enter to clean.

Wilson wiped food from his face, his expression black. “Listen to me. If you want that house,

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Chapter 9 Flipping the Table

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then you’ll go through with the engagement. It’s the only way. Play your part this month, or forget it.”

He knew well that the Fenton boy loved Claudia. Twenty years of childhood friendship–this marriage wasn’t easily exchanged for another bride.

And Claudia, though estranged from the family, had always cared deeply for her grandmother. He was certain she would bend.

But instead of rage, his daughter’s eyes were strangely calm.

She looked at him across the table and felt only distance, only strangeness.

He might have forgotten–but she remembered. When she was small, he had lifted her high and laughed, promising that only the best man in the world could ever marry his little princess. That if anyone made her cry, he would break that man’s legs.

Now, all she said, her voice cold as death, was, “Ignoring Grandma’s last words–aren’t you afraid her ghost will come for you in the night? Wilson. Lottie. Do you really sleep soundly?”

Her disheveled hair, reddened eyes, and pale face lent her words a chilling air. For a moment, she truly looked like a vengeful ghost.

The Lancasters shivered.

But Wilson was stubborn. Claudia knew nothing would be resolved tonight. She turned to leave. On her way out, she grabbed a chair calmly and smashed it against the furniture. Three antique vases, one painting, five ornaments–shattered.

The Lancasters‘ fortune would never reach her anyway. She felt no guilt breaking it.

They all sat frozen, cowed by her frigid, feral glare. Not one dared stop her.

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