Chapter 167
167 A Name That Matters
“Scarlett, for the sake of your three brothers who once cared for you … can you spare Oliver ? ”
Martha’s voice trembled as she pleaded.
She had suddenly realized–if Oliver truly became a servant in the Lane family, with Owen’s ruthlessness, he might as well be walking into a slow death.
She had always favored Rebecca, yes–but that didn’t mean she didn’t love her other children.
Sophia stepped in without hesitation, shoving Martha away. Her cold gaze pinned Franklin like a spear.
“Is your wife out of her mind?”
Franklin immediately grabbed Martha’s arm. She had been doing fine–why lose control now?
“Martha! Come with me!”
But she yanked her arm free.
She had already lost Rebecca.
She couldn’t bear to lose another.
“Scarlett!”
Her eyes welled up with red–rimmed desperation.
“I was the one who doted on Rebecca too much–that’s why I sought a matching kidney. It was me who wronged you! But you already severed ties with the Joyner family. Making your older brother your servant now–if word gets out, what will it do to your reputation?”
Taylor’s voice sliced through her desperation like a knife, cold and cutting.
“Who said Oliver would serve Scarlett?”
“Scarlett is the most honored little princess of our family. He’s not worthy.”
Martha’s breath caught. She stared at Taylor in stunned silence..
What … what did he mean ?
Taylor smirked cruelly. “A servant shines wherever they’re placed.”
He didn’t reveal where Oliver would be sent–letting that uncertainty fester in their minds like poison.
One thing was clear: Oliver was finished.
Owen raised a hand. “These people are no longer welcome. Show them out.”
Security moved in with swift efficiency..
In moments, the Joyner family was being escorted out.
As Martha passed Scarlett, she tried to meet her eyes–only for Scarlett to lean in slightly, lips curling into a
167 A Name That Matters
soft , almost kind smile .
“ Oh, I forgot to mention–Rebecca would’ve fully recovered after just two more doses of the herbal treatment. But if the treatment’s stopped now, her condition will rebound. Fast. It’ll accelerate straight into renal failure.”
Martha’s body jolted violently.
Her twisted expression revealed just how much her fear and fury had shaken her.
“You’re lying, aren’t you?!”
Scarlett smiled again, voice calm and cold. “Won’t be long now. And when it hits, not even a god can save her.”
Martha opened her mouth to scream–but security gave her a shove, and she nearly toppled over.
Connor tried to speak up on her behalf, but a guard slapped him so hard his vision went black. They dragged him out before he could regain his footing.
Scarlett stood there, watching it all–unblinking, serene.
The Joyner family, once her living nightmare, had just become Jalindale’s biggest laughingstock.
Then, before all the guests, Sophia made a formal declaration.
“My daughter Scarlett has no connection to the Joyner family. Let everyone here bear witness–if they ever try to use the Lane name to their advantage again, we will show no mercy.”
Given the Lane family’s position, letting the others leave unharmed today was already mercy.
Next time?
They wouldn’t be so lucky.
But the banquet wasn’t over.
Sophia composed herself, gently took Scarlett’s hand, and smiled.
“There’s still a proper introduction waiting. Come on, darling, let’s go back to the party . ”
The commotion had even drawn out the Lane matriarch herself.
Before the birthday banquet resumed, the elderly lady took Scarlett’s hand with visible warmth.
“I’ll be the one introducing this girl tonight.”
Her social circle consisted of figures so powerful, a single word from them could send tremors through Jalindale.
Even with so many descendants, the old matriarch had never made such a public gesture for anyone before. And once she did, the entire room shifted. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Findnøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
All eyes now regarded Scarlett with heightened respect.
167 A Name That Matters
My granddaughter suffered a lot growing up outside the family,” the matriarch said . “ But she always kept her head high, stayed true to herself, and achieved something on her own. I hope, if she ever makes mistakes in the future, you’ll all show her a little patience. On her behalf, this old woman thanks you all .
With that, she led Scarlett to the front of the banquet hall—where everyone could see her clearly .
“ From today on, I declare this child’s name to be Scarlett Lane. She is the true, rightful heiress of the Lane family.”
The words fell like thunder.
And applause roared through the room.
Scarlett felt little emotion at the ceremony itself.
She had made her choice to stay with the Lane family–and this came with the territory.
The Joyner name meant nothing now.
She had cut ties completely.
Whether she kept that name or not… no longer mattered.
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