Third person's POV
Zander's words made even the eloquent Ambrose turn to look at him. "What did you say?"
"Dad, Derek was caught in the explosion, and there's been no sign of him since. It's highly likely that he's passed away," Zander said, delivering the harsh truth in the gentlest tone possible.
Everyone present was stunned. Although Derek had been based in Seattle for years, his status and position were unquestionable.
If he were dead now, wouldn't all the family fortune and inheritance rights fall on Zander?
No wonder Alpha Elliott agreed to let Phoebe and Zander come back. It was for this reason.
Ambrose had heard some rumors these days, but he always thought they were just gossip made up by people with ulterior motives.
Derek was doing just fine, wasn't he? How could he just die like that?
But when it came out of Zander's mouth, Ambrose started to feel uneasy. "Without concrete evidence, what makes you say he's dead?"
"Dad, you heard about the explosion at the abandoned factory the other day, right? Do you really think Derek could have survived something like that?" Zander retorted.
Ambrose fell silent for what felt like an eternity. His expression was lifeless and cold.
Alpha Elliott gradually calmed down under Andrea's soothing touch.
He settled back into his wheelchair, his gaze calm and steady as he looked at Zander and Phoebe.
"Enough arguing," he said firmly. "Zander, you apologize to Tabitha, and let's put this matter to rest for today."
Zander squinted his eyes, seemingly pondering why the plot wasn't unfolding according to his own script.
Phoebe seized the opportunity to make a scene. "Elliott, it was Tabitha who splashed Zander. Why should he be the one to apologize?"
"Why? Just because I lived with Tabitha for a while, I know what a kind and sunny person she is, and how cunning and deceitful Zander is!"
Phoebe had grown accustomed to wielding her influence lately, genuinely believing that the Black Thorn Pack had fallen into their grasp.
At that moment, Alpha Elliott suddenly accused Zander in front of so many people, and Phoebe couldn't bear it.
"Elliott, I know you've always looked down on my background and thought I wasn't good enough for Ambrose. But we truly love each other, and all these years have proven that. Do you have any idea how hard we've struggled outside? Why do you still have such deep prejudices against us? What exactly have we done wrong?"
Phoebe's tearful complaints pushed Alpha Elliott into the spotlight.
Onlookers would only perceive him as a heartless father.
"Sir, it's been so many years. What's there to still hold onto? That arranged marriage stuff is so outdated."
"Yeah, if my son were as devoted as Ambrose, I'd be laughing in my sleep."
"You can't make a forced relationship sweet. Why bother? After all, he's your own grandson. You can't be so heartless."
Everyone was chiming in, one after another, all blaming Alpha Elliott for his cold-heartedness.
"Have you finished?" Alpha Elliott pointed at Phoebe.
"Do you really believe it's okay to tear Ambrose's family apart? You've been causing chaos again and again, trying to break them up. I don't judge people for being poor, but I can't respect those who are so destitute they've lost their dignity."
Phoebe clutched her chest, looking deeply hurt.
Even back then, Alpha Elliott had never insulted her with such words.
"Dad, that's enough. Phoebe is my wife." Ambrose immediately came to her defense.
Alpha Elliott didn't even bother to argue with him. Instead, he spoke with a cold expression, "Your wife? Fine, then let me reveal the true nature of your wife and child. I had intended to overlook their behavior today, considering it a joyous occasion, but they overstepped on my birthday celebration and spoiled the mood. If you've upset me, then don't think you'll be happy either!"