Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 481

Bella, in turn, tried to placate him. "Sebastian, please don't fight with your father over me. It's not worth it. He's still the patriarch of the Blake family, and there are many things that aren't up to you.

At worst, I can endure being wronged a few more times. It doesn't matter. As long as they can see my sincerity, they'll come around to our relationship eventually."

Though it sounded like she was calming him down, her words were actually fanning the flames.

Sebastian was the CEO of the Blake Group, yes, but he didn't have much of a say in Blake family matters.

Old Mr. Blake was still alive and well. Despite his age, he was in good health and held absolute authority within the family.

Sebastian might have seemed like the one in charge of the company, but if his father decided to interfere, there was little Sebastian could do.

So, in reality, Old Mr. Blake was the true power behind the scenes, the one who made the final decisions.

Bella's provocative words only added to Sebastian's pressure.

Because of his birth as an illegitimate son, he had always been sensitive and insecure. Though he now held a high position, he had only gotten it by a stroke of luck.

So, even in his lofty position, he often couldn't shake the deep-seated insecurity he'd always felt.

Whenever a conflict like this arose, it would resurface uncontrollably.

Bella had seen right through this and was intentionally stirring the pot.

Sebastian's resolve only hardened. "I can't wait that long. Your parents may not care about my feelings, but if they think I'm going to give you up, they are sorely mistaken!"

But Dad was completely disrespectful. It was our first formal meeting, and Bella prepared so many gifts. In the end, you left before the meal was even over and didn't take a single gift. Isn't that a blatant slap in the face to Bella, a clear sign that you look down on her?

Bella has contributed so much to the company over the years. Even if you disapprove of her background, you should at least acknowledge her skills and hard work."

Before he could finish, Old Mr. Blake emerged from the study.

He had heard everything Sebastian said.

In all his life, he had never spoken so loudly to his own wife. Sebastian's behavior was unbelievably disrespectful, shouting and blaming them so openly.

He grabbed a teacup and smashed it at Sebastian's feet, his voice sharp. "Since you're so determined, then do as you please. But before you marry Bella, you'd better calculate exactly how much of a loss you can afford to take!"