Chapter 240 Kenneth Crumbles, Felix Makes a Move
Sure, Lauren was the real daughter of the Bennett family. But the engagement? That had always been with Willow.
The Gray family knew from the start that Willow wasn’t actually a Bennett by blood.
But back then, Willow had been the favorite–the center of attention. So of course they went ahead with the engagement. She was the one everyone wanted in their corner.
What the Grays never expected was that Willow would turn out to be so cruel underneath all that polish.
But for Kenneth, none of that mattered. In his mind, only the real daughter of the Bennett family was worthy of being his fiancée.
Once he found out Lauren was the true Bennett heiress, he convinced himself that she was supposed to be his bride.
What he conveniently ignored was the way he’d treated her.
He never stood up for her. Never supported her. Never believed her.
All he ever offered was judgment and blame.
And now, seeing her in Felix’s arms–trusting him, leaning on him like he was her anchor–Kenneth lost it.
Jealousy took over. And he snapped.
That’s why he shouted something so ridiculous, so out of touch with reality–because in his twisted mind, Lauren still belonged to him.
Brendan, Brielle, and Elaine all winced at Kenneth’s outburst, the secondhand embarrassment washing over them like a wave. They wanted nothing more than to disappear.
Felix, still quietly soothing Lauren, slowly lifted his eyes to lock onto Kenneth.
They were sharp. Dangerous.
His lips curved into a cool, almost mocking smile. And then, with calm precision, he lifted a hand and gently held the back of Lauren’s head.
In the next breath–without warning–he leaned in and kissed her.
It was so sudden, the room froze.
Lauren had been lost in sorrow, wrapped up in the thought that someone like her could never stay beside someone like him.
And then… his lips were on hers.
Her brain short–circuited.
Felix kissed her like there was no one else in the room. Like the moment was his to claim. He didn’t hold back. And as he kissed her, his gaze stayed locked on Kenneth–unblinking, unwavering.
She’s mine, his eyes said. You were never even close.
Kenneth’s heart hammered in his chest. His entire body trembled with rage.
“You son of a- I told you not to touch her!” he yelled, charging forward with a clenched fist.
But before he could lay a hand on Felix, Brendan moved in fast and blocked him.
Without hesitation, Brendan smacked him across the face–hard.
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1:15 PM
Chapter 240 Kenneth Crumbles, Felix Makes a Move
Finished
Brendan shot him a glare, voice tight with anger, “She’s not your girl. Lauren agreed to Mr. Brooker’s proposal. That makes her his fiancée. As for the woman you were supposed to marry…
He stopped for a beat, his expression flickering with shame. He didn’t want to say it–but facts were facts.
“You were engaged to Willow. So quit the drama. You’ve got no claim here.”
Kenneth looked like someone had knocked the wind out of him. His shoulders slumped, and the fire in his eyes dimmed.
But he still couldn’t stop staring at Felix.
And that’s when Felix pulled Lauren into his chest–his hold firm, protective. Then, without a word, he bent down and swept her into his arms.
He stood upright, holding her like she belonged there.
Then he turned and walked upstairs–calm and composed, like he had already won.
Lauren never looked back.
Not once.
“Laurie!” Kenneth yelled, desperation rising in his voice.
But Lauren couldn’t hear him at all.
“Lauren! Bennett!” he shouted again, louder this time, almost frantic.
He snapped. Completely unhinged, he tried to rush after her, but Brendan grabbed him and held him back with both hands.
All he could do was watch as Felix carried Lauren upstairs and disappeared into one of the rooms. The door closed behind them–and just like that, she was gone.
A cold dread settled over him, crashing through his chest and dragging him straight to rock bottom. The last sliver of hope he’d been clinging to crumbled to dust.
His mind spiraled.
What were they doing in there?
Felix had kissed her in front of everyone–what would he do now, with no one watching?
The thought made Kenneth’s head spin. His vision darkened, and he nearly collapsed from the storm building inside him. Brendan caught him just in time.
Kenneth dropped to the floor, hands covering his face, trying to hold back the tears–but–failing.
“I messed up… Laurie… just look at me. One more time…”
And then there was nothing. Just the sound of his sobbing filling the room.
Brendan and Brielle watched as their son completely fell apart, and even though they were furious with him, their hearts still ached.
But what could they possibly do?
They had failed Lauren too.
They’d stood by. Stayed silent. Made choices that hurt her.
The fact that she hadn’t turned her anger on them–that she hadn’t even said a word to them–was more mercy than they deserved.
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