Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 60

Evelyn called out, “Finally, you’re here. I’ve been waiting ages for you.” 

She shot a glance at the seat across from her. “Sit.” 

Shepard stood tall. “Grandma, can we just get to the point?” 

Evelyn let out a dry laugh. “So, what exactly do you mean by getting to the point? How many times have I told you to stay away from Vivian? 

“I will never accept her. And you? You act all obedient in front of me, but behind my back, you do whatever you want.” 

“Grandma, Vivian saved my life,” Shepard said. 

“So you’re telling me you want to marry her just because she saved you?” Evelyn snapped. “Vivian and her whole family have gotten plenty of favors from the Carters over the years. I know how many deals you’ve handed to the Fletcher family.” 

If they actually did the math, the Fletcher family would have raked in at least billions in cash thanks to us. 

‘Isn’t that more than enough to pay back the whole saved Shepard’s life thing? 

‘And now Shepard wants to put himself and his marriage on the line for this?‘ she thought. 

Evelyn’s anger only grew. “If you put that same effort into helping Briana’s real brother, Briana and her brother would’ve been living large by now.” 

“Grandma, the Lane family has gotten plenty from us, too,” Shepard said. 

“I’m talking about Briana’s brother, Charles, not her uncle, Edward,” Evelyn snapped. 

Evelyn knew all too well that a woman needed a solid background and someone to rely on to truly stand tall and hold her head high. 

Now that the Lane family was in Edward’s hands, none of it really had anything to do with Briana and Charles. Once Wrenley passed away, the Lane family would probably end up in a messy family feud over the inheritance. 

Everyone knew this deep down, but no one ever said it out loud. It was not like anyone in the Lanes or the Carters was stupid. 

They were just keeping up appearances, pretending everything was peaceful, but the moment real interests were at stake, they’d turn on each other in an instant. 

“And another thing.” Evelyn pointed out. “The help you’ve given the Fletcher family is tenfold compared to what you’ve done for the Lane family.” 

Shepard’s expression stayed calm. “People’s hearts always lean one way.” 

13:13 Tue, Dec 23 M… 

Chapter 60 

It was not like he could just weigh things out evenly. He couldn’t keep everything perfectly balanced. He loved Vivian, so he was more than willing to give her more, to do more for her. 

However, he only ever throws the Lane family a bone once in a while, and that was just out of a little leftover marital obligation and respect for the old family ties. 

Briana lowered her gaze, quietly listening to Shepard speak. She thought, ‘Yeah, favoritism always leads to special treatment. The one who gets all the attention becomes bold and fearless. 

“That’s why Vivian kept provoking me, in public and in private, scheming against me time and time again. 

Evelyn demanded, her voice shaking with anger, “So those photos online are real? You’re with Vivian, you brought her back home, and kept her close. You cheated on Briana.” 

She was so worked up, her face flushed bright red as she pounded her chest, coughing uncontrollably. 

Seeing this, Briana wanted to step forward. But Isabelle was faster, settling herself beside Evelyn, gently soothing her back, and bringing over a cup of water. 

“Easy does it, Evelyn,” Isabelle murmured. “Don’t let yourself get worked up. You just got out of the hospital. The doctor said you need to take it easy.” 

“How could I not be furious?” Evelyn snapped. “I’ve warned him over and over to keep his distance from Vivian, but does he listen? For three generations, no one in the Carter family has ever gotten divorced. 

“We’ve always stuck with our first spouse. And now he’s got someone else on the side.” 

Before Isabelle could say anything, Shepard cut in, his voice firm. “Vivian isn’t some mistress.” 

Evelyn hurled her cup to the floor, smashing it to pieces. “You,” Evelyn stammered, her voice shaking with fury. Even now, right here in the Carter residence, Shepard was still sticking up for Vivian. 

“You and Briana are husband and wife. If Vivian isn’t a mistress, then what is she?” Evelyn demanded, her voice trembling with anger. “Is this how you treat Briana?” 

Shepard stood tall, his face calm and unwavering. “I told you before we got married. The woman I love is Vivian. Now, five years later, standing here in front of everyone, I’ll say it again. I love Vivian.” 

After he finished speaking, he shot a look at Briana. But Briana didn’t spare him a glance. She didn’t catch his look at all. 

Because Briana wasn’t even paying attention to what Shepard was saying. She was too busy figuring out how to tell the Carters the truth. 

She and Shepard had already ended their marriage. All that was left was waiting for the official divorce papers. Everyone in the Carter family, except for Shepard, absolutely adored her, loving her like she was one of their 

own. 

If she were the one to ask for a divorce, it would hit the Carters even harder. They’d be completely devastated and shocked. 

13:13 Tue, Dec 23 M 

Chapter 60 

Evelyn was so mad that she lost all reason. She glanced around, snatched up the cane from the armrest, and started swinging it at Shepard, 

Shepard had no intention of dodging. If Evelyn wanted to hit him, he would accept it. He figured it might help her vent some anger. This was his way of fighting for Vivian’s position and recognition. 

“Briana, step aside,” Evelyn ordered. “I don’t want you getting hurt. Just see how I deal with this ungrateful Shepard today.” 

Briana didn’t move right away. She tugged at Shepard’s sleeve. 

She thought, ‘Come on, just dodge already. Why are you just standing there like a statue? Evelyn is way too old to be faster than you. No way she’d actually hit you.‘ 

Seeing Shepard still just standing there, Briana leaned in and whispered, “You really think letting her beat you up is gonna get Vivian into the Carter residence? Guess you think you’re some kind of hero for love, huh?” 

“None of your business,” Shepard said. 

Briana scoffed, ‘Whatever. Try to help, and this is what I get. Not like I actually cared. Shepard had it coming! 

Evelyn’s cane swung down hard, slicing through the air with a sharp gust. Looks like she didn’t hold back at all. Bet Shepard’s gonna have a massive bruise after that. 

Briana thought, ‘Honestly, Shepard had it coming. He totally deserved a good beating! 

But when it actually came down to it, she found herself unable to look. Her heart went soft. ‘After all, it’s not like Evelyn would stop after just one swing,‘ Briana thought. 

Isabelle was standing right there, and she didn’t even try to step in. But right then, Richard moved fast, stepping up and grabbing the cane before it could come down. 

Evelyn’s motion stopped cold. She tugged hard at the cane, but Richard held on tight, refusing to let go. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” Evelyn demanded. “I can’t even hit him now? You’re really going to step in for him?” 

“Hitting him isn’t going to fix anything,” Richard said. 

“How is it not going to fix anything? A good beating might knock some sense into him,” Evelyn snapped. 

Richard let out a sigh. “You really think that’ll work?” 

Evelyn opened her mouth, but for once, she was at a loss for words. All these years, Shepard was still hung up on Vivian. His feelings for her never faded. 

Now he wasn’t even trying to hide it anymore. He was laying it all out there for everyone to see. 

Evelyn finally said, “So what do you suggest we do now? The internet’s blowing up. We need to say something. Are we going to deny it, admit it, or just ignore it? The photos are out there. Proof you can’t argue with.” 

13:13 Tue, Dec 23 M. 

Chapter 60 

“Let’s hear what they have to say.” Richard said. 

Richard shot a look at Briana first, his usual frown creasing his forehead, then turned to Shepard. He said, 1 think you should be with the woman you really love.”