Chapter 59: Standing Up For Her

When Morgan arrived home, Albert immediately briefed him on everything that had transpired during the Hayes family’s visit.

To ensure he had the full picture, Morgan also listened to Nurse Nancy’s account. Her version was far more detailed and objective.

The more he heard, the darker his expression became.

By the time both of them had finished, fury was raging beneath his calm exterior.

For a brief moment, he was tempted to call the head of security and order that the Hayes family be permanently barred from entering Lancaster Mansion.

The thought lingered longer than it should have. Only years of discipline kept him from acting on impulse.

By the time he made his way to the master bedroom, his expression had returned to its usual calmness.

The moment he entered, however, his heart tightened.

Kristine was standing alone on the balcony.

The setting sun painted the western horizon in shades of crimson, gold, and orange, but she seemed oblivious to the breathtaking view.

Her slender figure stood motionless against the fading light. Her shoulders were slightly hunched. As though she was carrying a weight too heavy for her to bear.

Morgan’s chest ached.

Such a gentle soul. Such a kind woman. How could her parents be so blind? How could they repeatedly choose that bratty Katherine over her?

He crossed the room in a few long strides and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

The familiar scent of her shampoo drifted into his senses. He inhaled deeply.

"I heard your parents and Katherine visited today," he said softly before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Mm."

That was all she gave him. Her eyes remained fixed on the horizon.

Morgan tightened his embrace.

"Don’t worry. I’ll instruct the guards not to allow them into the mansion again."

For a long moment, Kristine said nothing. Then she shook her head lightly.

"Honey, please don’t do that."

Her voice was a little bit sad.

"They’re still my parents after all."

Morgan closed his eyes briefly. Even after everything they had done, she still could not bring herself to hate them.

His heart ached even more.

"My mother told me to dismiss Isobel and hire a new wet nurse," Kristine continued softly.

A bitter smile touched her lips before quickly fading.

For a moment, she seemed hesitant to continue.

As though merely repeating the words left a bad taste in her mouth.

Then she lowered her gaze.

"I think it’s because Isobel offended Katherine yesterday."

She paused.

"My mother said..." Her voice faltered. "She said Isobel was trying to seduce you."

The temperature around Morgan seemed to drop several degrees. A dangerous glint flashed across his eyes.

His jaw tightened.

Of all the absurd accusations he had heard over the years, this had to be one of the most ridiculous.

He was angry because they had forced her to listen to such malicious nonsense.

Despite the storm brewing inside him, his embrace remained gentle.

One hand rose to stroke her hair.

"Honey," he said quietly, "you know Isobel isn’t that kind of person."

His gaze softened as he looked down at her. She still had her back on him.

"And you should know that there has only ever been one woman in my heart."

Kristine did not hesitate, not even for a second.

"I know."

The answer came so naturally that Morgan felt something in his chest loosen. There was no doubt in her eyes. Her trust in him was absolute.

And that unwavering trust made him love her even more.

Morgan lowered his chin onto her shoulder.

Then an idea came to him.

"How about we spend the weekend at The Horizon?"

Kristine blinked.

"The Horizon?"

"The babies have never been to the beach yet."

That finally drew her attention away from the sunset.

She turned around in his arms. For the first time since he had entered the room, a genuine smile bloomed on her face.

Morgan felt a wave of relief wash through him.

"Really?" she asked. "You haven’t taken them yet?"

He smiled.

"Of course not. We are waiting for you."

His hand brushed gently against her cheek.

His gaze softened.

"So we could go together as a family."

...

It was not until Kristine had fallen asleep that Morgan finally moved.

For a few moments, he remained seated on the edge of the bed, watching her. He watched her chest as it rose and fell with every breath.

The tension that had weighed on her all evening had finally disappeared. Her breathing was slow and steady, her face peaceful in sleep.

Morgan brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. His gaze softened. Then he remembered the tears she had tried so hard to hide.

The softness in his eyes vanished.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of bed and walked toward the balcony. The cool night air greeted him as he stepped outside.

Behind him, he quietly slid the glass door shut. The moment it clicked into place, the gentle husband disappeared.

Morgan pulled out his phone and made a call. The line connected after a single ring.

"President Foster."

Morgan’s gaze drifted toward the city lights glittering in the distance.

His expression was unreadable.

"Jack."

His voice was calm.

"Cancel several of Katherine Hayes’ upcoming endorsements."

There was a brief pause on the other end.

"Understood."

"And put some pressure on Hayes Group."

Morgan’s eyes darkened.

"Nothing drastic. Just enough to remind them who held the greater influence. Enough to make them think twice before hurting Kristine again. Consider it a warning."

His voice turned cold.

"They are not to mess with my wife."

"Yes, President Foster."

Morgan ended the call without another word.

For several seconds, he stood silently beneath the night sky. Then he took a deep breath and let the anger leave him.

When he returned to the bedroom, the coldness on his face had disappeared.

He slipped back beneath the covers and wrapped an arm around Kristine’s sleeping form.

Almost instinctively, she moved closer to him.

Morgan pressed a kiss to her forehead.

This time, when he closed his eyes, there was peace in his heart.

No matter who stood against her.

He would always stand on her side.