Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law-Chapter 35: Hello There

"Sir Collins, you must be mighty pleased!" A jovial voice rang out from the gathered crowd, filled with curiosity and barely concealed excitement. "Both your grandsons are finally back in the country! No wonder you've found the heart to return as well! Both the heirs have returned!"

A wave of murmurs spread through the elegantly dressed guests, their eyes turning toward Sir Robert Collins, eager to witness his reaction. After all, it was the first time the Collins' family was hosting a celebration after Lady Collins' death.

Sir Robert let out a deep, hearty laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners with warmth. "Yes, yes. This old man has seen much in his time, but nothing pleases me more than having my family together again. Now that both my grandsons have returned home, I can finally rest easy and let them take the reins."

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A ripple of polite nods passed through the gathering, but beneath the surface, their expressions told a different story. Everyone knew the truth—only one grandson had been groomed to lead the Collins empire since Adam Collins' had long been thrown out of the family as the black sheep.

"Spencer is more than ready," Sir Collins continued, "Top of his class, excelling in every way—he has more than proven his capabilities. As for Adam—" he paused, "—he's had his time exploring the world. Now, he is back to learn from his brother."

The words were clear. Spencer was the heir, the one meant to carry the family name forward and inherit the business. Adam Collins', on the other hand, was back only to play a subordinate role, to fall in line like an obedient soldier behind the general. The gathered guests exchanged knowing glances, their polite smiles masking the unspoken hierarchy that had been affirmed. They knew now, whom to bow to.

Another voice from the crowd chimed in, "And what about their marriages? Now that both eligible young bachelors have returned, you must have prospects lined up for them. We've even heard whispers that Miss Melanie, the interim CEO, is the chosen bride for Spencer?"

Another guest quickly added, "Yes, yes! I've heard the same! In fact, there were rumors that they were already married, but we dared not say anything since there was no official confirmation from the family. Come on, old Collins. Don't keep secrets from your friends. Tell us."

A murmur of agreement spread through the group, fanning the flames of speculation. Another voice, this one more confident, declared, "Well, if Miss Melanie really is the daughter-in-law of the Collins family, then I must say, your grandson has excellent judgment! The changes she has implemented in the company these past three years have been nothing short of remarkable! Truly worthy of being the future madam of the Collins family, chosen by the heir himself."

"Of course she is the daughter-in-law!" someone scoffed. "Do you think Sir Collins would have allowed just anyone to hold control over the company for three years? That position could only be entrusted to family!"

Sir Collins' mouth tightened. As expected, the guests were prying, their curiosity sharp. If things had gone according to plan, he would have simply announced that Melanie had been acting on Spencer's behalf, a mere steward ensuring the company remained in safe hands. But now...

Now, the situation was no longer so simple.

His eyes narrowed, deep in thought. Perhaps this was an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. Let them believe what they wished. If the whispers grew loud enough, if the pressure mounted, then Melanie herself would have no choice but to accept the title they were so eagerly thrusting upon her. Public expectation could be a powerful force. Yes, it was better this way...

He sighed," The boys are both grown up. They make their own..." Just as he was about to say that Spencer had always held Melanie in his heart, a shift in the crowd's energy caught his attention. A murmur swept through the gathering like a rising tide. Heads turned, hushed whispers swirled, and then, finally, Sir Collins saw the reason for the sudden shift in atmosphere.

Melanie had arrived.

And she was not alone.

The sudden shift in the crowd's energy was unmistakable, a ripple of murmurs and sideways glances spreading like wildfire. The reason became evident the moment her companion stepped into view—not the heir, Spencer Collins, as many had expected, but the spare... Adam Collins.

Sir Collins' sharp gaze locked onto them, assessing every detail with quiet intensity. It wasn't just Adam's presence that drew attention—it was the way he held Melanie. Not with the detached formality of a gentleman escorting a lady, but with unspoken possession, his arm wrapped securely around her waist instead of allowing her the socially acceptable option of resting her hand on his arm. A deliberate choice. A statement.

Sir Collins' eyes narrowed. This morning, Adam had casually mentioned bringing a woman to introduce to the family. At the time, he had paid little heed to it. But now—could that woman be Melanie?

If so, then that meant... Adam had known all along. Could it be that Adam had been the one to make sure that the marriage was never registered?

The implications sank in, sharp and unsettling. If that was the case then Adam had been aware of everythin- the will, the marriage was not valid, etc. He had played his hand without revealing his cards. A slow realization settled over Sir Collins, mingled with the sting of miscalculation.

It seemed he had underestimated this grandson of his. Despite being in the hospital at the time, if he had managed to pull that off... Who else could have caused a misunderstanding at the civil affair bureau.. His eyes met Adam's and the glint in them made him stiffen, making him now even more sure. Adam had played him for a fool. From the very beginning he had pretended to not be interested in the family business but on the inside, he had been preparing to take everything...

Meanwhile the people beside Sir Collins' were already chatting amongst themselves," So this is what you meant about the boys being grown up and choosing their own life partners."

"No wonder no one ever received a confirmation from Mr Spencer when asked about his wife. It seems everyone was mistaken! It was Adam Collins' who had chosen Miss Melanie!"