Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 154

"No marriage license? Kid, you've got to be joking. Even without the paperwork, as long as they're together and sleeping with each other, it's a real marriage. Twelve years! What kind of idiot would just string along without action?"

Though the words were harsh, Amber kept going. "Unfortunately, Mr. Sutton, my dad is exactly that kind of guy. If you don't believe me, I can go upstairs and grab our family registry for you to see. The neighbors can also testify. My dad and that woman are completely platonic. In public, she tells everyone they're just siblings. Because my dad is honest and kind, he simply helped out a widow. But behind closed doors, she strings him along, using me and her son as excuses. They've known each other for twelve years, but there has never been any physical relationship."

Damien's mouth hung open. "Is he even a man? No, seriously, buddy, you let a woman string you along for twelve years? What do you even get out of it? Fine, no marriage license, but you didn't even touch her? You really are a total doormat."

"Wait, no, I'm getting off track. What does this have to do with me taking my sister back?"

"It has everything to do with it," Amber said. "Mr. Sutton, you were used as a weapon. You said Xanthe disgraced the Sutton family, but in reality, that woman made you disgrace your own family today."

"Let me ask you this. If Xanthe and my dad get together, wouldn't that restore your family's reputation in Fairhaven Village? That woman is jealous of Xanthe. She refuses to marry my dad and refuses to give him any benefits. Why do you think she did this?"

Damien might be a thug, but he wasn't stupid. Moreover, the neighbors were murmuring all around him.

"If you take your sister back, that woman can keep stringing Arthur along."

"For a guy so big and tough, you sure got played for a fool. Now the Sutton family's reputation is truly ruined—by you."

"Exactly. You're the real sinner here."

"Arthur was actually trying to help your family save face, and you just came up and hit him without asking for the truth. Wow, your family's reputation looks *great* right now."

"Hey buddy, what are you standing there for? You didn't hit the person who deserved it, and you beat the people who didn't! You better drag out the woman who manipulated you and ruined your family's face, and beat the living daylights out of her! Make her pay for gossiping and lying!"

"Exactly! That kind of woman is a disgrace to all women. Stringing him along while hoarding him to herself and twisting the truth. If I were you, I wouldn't be a real man if I didn't beat her up today to win back some dignity for the Suttons!"

Damien's head was spinning, entirely brainwashed by the crowd.

Arthur frowned, finding it hard to believe Grace was truly behind this.

He looked at his daughter and saw the cold, disdainful smirk on her lips. Arthur lowered his head, then looked at Xanthe. He bit his lip hard. *How could Grace do something like this?*

Hiding in the shadows, Grace wanted to bolt, but there were people everywhere. If she moved, she would definitely be spotted.

"She hates seeing my dad happy and wants to keep him on a leash. Mr. Sutton, the person you should really be teaching a lesson is her. She's the one who claimed to have known my dad for twelve years. Now you know her true colors. As a brother, you should be protecting your sister. Grace is the one ruining things and bringing shame to the Sutton family."

"Damn it, it really was Grace!"

"I knew it! Who else in this alley is that evil? Only her."

"Stringing Arthur along but throwing a fit when he finds someone else? Who does she think she is, the Queen? I knew she was toxic, but not *this* toxic!"

"Hey buddy, we know where she lives! We'll take you there right now so you can get your family's dignity back."

Everything suddenly clicked for Damien. He finally understood why his cousin Loretta had never led the Sutton family astray. "Alright! Thanks, guys. Xanthe, wait here for me. I'm going to drag her out here! Not only will she apologize, but I'll drag her to Fairhaven Village and make her beg on her knees to the whole family!"

Suddenly, Arthur spoke up. "Enough! How much more of a scene do we need to make? Amber, tell them all to go home."

"Dad!"