The Heartbreak Prescription (by Glazed Snow) novel Chapter 1189

Edric's stomach twisted.

Roger was actually going to speak to Noelle.

For years, Noelle had been desperate to win Roger's approval. Under any other circumstances, Edric would've been thrilled that his father was finally willing to take her call.

But Roger clearly wasn't answering to welcome her into the family.

"Dad, let me get that," Edric said quickly.

Roger gave him a sharp look. "I said I'll handle it."

His tone left no room for argument.

Edric fell silent.

Roger answered the call.

Noelle's soft voice came through immediately. "Edric, how's it going?"

Outside, Noelle and Kate were still sitting in the back of a luxury sedan, eagerly waiting for the scene inside to play out. They were certain the photo would ruin Ivy's reputation for good.

Kate leaned in excitedly. "Did Dad pick up? Put him on speaker. I hope Grandpa gets so angry that he throws Ivy out and finally lets us into the family. Then I'll be his favorite granddaughter."

Noelle shot her a warning look, then put on her usual pleasant tone. "Edric?"

Roger swiftly answered. "It's me."

Noelle went rigid. She didn't expect him to pick up.

Kate heard him as well and immediately grew nervous. "Mom, what's going on?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Quinn. I honestly didn't know the whole story. I wasn't trying to cause trouble. Someone sent me the photo, and it looked suspicious, so I thought Edric should know about it."

She tried to pass herself off as an innocent bystander who had only been looking out for the family.

She conveniently left out the fact that the photo had been manipulated. She also refused to admit that she had deliberately chosen a crowded birthday party to reveal it because she wanted to humiliate Ivy in front of everyone.

Roger had spent most of his life dealing with ruthless business rivals and scheming families. He had heard every excuse in the book.

Noelle's act was painfully obvious. The more she tried to play innocent, the angrier he became. Any restraint he might have shown her for Edric's sake vanished.

His grip tightened around the phone, and his voice thundered through the speaker.

"Enough with the innocent act! Do you really think we're too stupid to see exactly what you were trying to do?"