Chapter 1240

“That boy is far too arrogant! Who does he think he is?” someone hissed.

“If we don’t put him in his place now, he’ll walk all over this family! What are we going to do?” another asked.

Anita listened quietly and then sighed.

“You all talk about putting him in his place. Tell me, which of you has the plan—or the strength—to actually do it?”

Silence. Every gaze dropped to the floor.

Anita’s frown deepened.

“Thought so. He’s still a Griffiths. The young act rashly—it’s in their nature. For now, we’ll endure him.”

Endure him? That was just a polite way of admitting defeat.

What choice did the Griffiths family have? If they pushed too hard, Cole would take his wife and daughter and vanish. Then the Griffiths would have no leader, no heiress—and Maxine’s dying wish would crumble.

Everyone knew that without Elliana, the Griffiths family wouldn’t stand a chance. She was the only one capable enough to hold them together. Anyone else in charge, and the Griffiths would be swallowed whole. Especially with Miguel waiting in the shadows. Without Elliana, they’d be easy prey.

No one spoke another word.

Anita’s gaze drifted to Sophie, and she motioned Sophie forward.

Sophie stepped up quietly.

“Yes, Anita?”

Anita softened her tone.

“Sophie, Cole is your son. You must talk to him. The Griffiths name carries weight and decorum. Even though he doesn’t live among us, he should remember who he is and act accordingly. Don’t you think so?”

Unable to rein Cole in herself, Anita placed her hopes in his mother. Maybe a mother’s hand could reach where authority could not.

Sophie almost laughed at the irony. Years ago, her brilliance had made her the family’s pride—until her illness turned her into an outcast. The elders had shunned her, and the younger ones had mocked her. Respect was the last thing she had ever gotten since then. Now, suddenly, Anita spoke to her with warmth.

And Sophie knew why. It wasn’t her the Griffiths family respected—it was Cole’s power. Without him, they wouldn’t even look her way. But she let it slide. Since Elliana was now leading the family, she had no reason to hold grudges anymore. Keeping her composure, Sophie said evenly, “I’ll do my best to keep him in check.”

“Good,” Anita replied with a small, relieved smile.

A murmur of agreement swept through the room. Just like that, Sophie had become the family’s quiet anchor—her position subtly restored.

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