Winnie let out a cold, mocking laugh at Brianna’s words.
So, a few days with the Holt family and she really thinks Milo is her son now? She sees herself as the lady of the house, does she?
Brianna stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Jotham turned to follow, but Winnie grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
“Let her go! Are you out of your mind? Do you even realize what’s happening right now? The estate, the company, your reputation—are you seriously willing to throw all of that away?”
Jotham felt his blood boiling, every nerve in his body straining to the breaking point.
But Winnie’s words snapped him back to reality, yanking him out of his emotional spiral.
If he chased after Brianna now, everything he’d worked so hard to build would go up in smoke.
He drew a deep, steadying breath and turned to face Winnie, his expression suddenly calm and controlled.
“Mom, I told you, it’s not what you think. Since things have blown up like this, maybe it’s better if she leaves sooner rather than later.”
Jotham softened his tone, trying once more to explain the situation with Brianna.
Winnie wasn’t fully convinced, but she didn’t want to hear more.
“Let me make this clear: I’ll be watching you from now on. Anyone can walk through the front door of this family—anyone but Brianna.”
Jotham gave a resigned nod. “I understand.”
“And what about Ramona? I heard from the staff she’s moved out?”
Even mentioning it made Winnie’s mood sour.
Brianna might be here, but why did Ramona get to throw a tantrum? If Ramona hadn’t left without a word—abandoning the house and the company to Jotham—would Brianna have ever gotten her chance?
“Mom, you share some of the blame for what happened with Ramona. But I’ll handle it.”
Jotham didn’t want Winnie meddling any further and left it at that.
But Winnie was still fuming. “She’s just using me and Eulalia as an excuse. She’s competing with you, can’t you see that?”
“I’m telling you, this family will never let Ramona walk all over us. Stop indulging her! If she wants to leave, let her! Sooner or later, she’ll come begging to come back!”
Winnie was practically shaking with anger. But in the matter of Brianna, Jotham had no defense, so he simply endured her tirade.
After venting her frustration, Winnie stayed until nearly midnight, only leaving after Griffin called to check on her.
Before she left, Winnie gave Jotham one last warning: he was never to see Brianna again.
But the moment Winnie was out the door, Jotham picked up his phone and called Brianna.
She didn’t answer.


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