Chapter 360 Aiden's Cruelty at Such a Young Age
In the midst of Aiden's unsettling silence, Aaron extended the mysterious bottle towards Howard. "Howard, can you identify the contents of this?" he asked.
Howard accepted the bottle, bringing it to his nose for a cautious sniff. His expression hardened as he confirmed, "It appears to contain hallucinogens."
His revelation stirred the crowd into a flurry of whispers and murmurs. Nicholas, his face drained of color, turned to Ken in fury. "Is this your son's doing, Ken? What have you to say for yourself?"
Ken's gaze, filled with a chilling cruelty, flickered towards Aaron. He addressed his son, his words laced with insinuation. "Tell me, Aiden, how did this bottle end up in your possession? Could it be that someone planted it on you?" His intention was clear - to imply that his son was being framed. If Aiden played along, he would escape blame.
However, Aiden failed to grasp his father's underlying message. His stubborn response shocked the crowd. "I couldn't stand those three brats. I wanted to teach them a lesson. It's a shame the dog didn't finish them off!"
His words sent a ripple of shock through the previously silent crowd.
"He wished the dog had killed them? Is Aiden truly this ruthless at such a tender age?" one guest exclaimed.
"Look at his father. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," another added.
The crowd was abuzz with disbelief and speculation.
Aaron's gaze turned icy. "When a child lacks discipline, it's the father's failing. Ken, you've truly outdone yourself in parenting!"
Kenneth, standing nearby, echoed Aaron's sentiment with a cold, stern expression. "Indeed, the Turner family has a unique approach to parenting!"
Jackson, amidst the crowd, frowned deeply as he observed the unfolding chaos. How had things spiraled out of control so rapidly? His initial plan to form an alliance with Ken's family and win over the Woodhouse family had been upended. Now, not only was a union between the two families unlikely, but the Woodhouse family would likely harbor deep resentment towards the Turners. In the process, the Hamilton family had also been offended. The young Turner heir was indeed a troublemaker.
Ken's expression darkened as he suddenly seized Aiden by the neck, hoisting him into the air. "Aiden, have I spoiled you too much? How dare you act so recklessly?"
Aiden dangled helplessly, his feet kicking the air as he cried out in fear. "Dad, let me down! Didn't you promise to support me if I was bullied?"
His plea, given the circumstances, only served to fan the flames of anger. Ken's forehead veins bulged as he tightened his grip. "You ungrateful brat, you dare to talk back!"
Aiden's eyes rolled back as he gasped for breath.
Just then, Ken's wife burst into the room. "What are you doing, Ken? Put our son down! Are you trying to kill him?" She clawed at Ken, her face etched with desperation. Ken was actually putting on a show for the several families present.
Realizing his wife's intervention could ruin his performance, released his son, tossing him into her arms.
Aiden coughed violently as his mother cradled him, patting his back and whispering soothing words, her heart aching for her son. Ken turned to Nicholas, his voice heavy with feigned regret. "I apologize, Mr. Woodhouse. My son can be quite mischievous. I assure you, he will be appropriately disciplined when we return home."
Upon hearing the words, Nicholas retorted coldly, "Do you believe a mere apology can rectify the situation? It's not that simple."
Ken, struggling to contain his anger, inquired, "Then what do you propose?"
Nicholas's gaze, seething with fury, swept over Aiden.
"My grandson's tendons have been severed. Can you fathom the agony he endured? If you truly wish to apologize, let your son experience the same torment; break his tendons too!"
Break his son's tendons?
A shadow crossed Ken's face, turning it gloomy.
His first child with his wife was a daughter, and his extramarital dalliances had also resulted in several daughters, but he had never fathered a son.
Finally having a son like Aiden was no small feat. He was always treated like a precious gem. How could Ken bear to see his son harmed?
Suppressing his anger with great reluctance, Ken responded patiently, "Mr. Woodhouse, the incident has already transpired, and harming my son won't rectify it. How about this? Since our families are discussing a collaboration, I can offer you a more favorable deal as compensation for your grandson. What do you think?"
Nicholas merely smiled coldly, "What do I think? I think not! After what has transpired, do you still wish to discuss collaboration? I'm sorry, but from this moment forward, the Woodhouse family will never collaborate with your family again!"
Upon hearing this, Ken could no longer restrain his fury.
"Mr. Woodhouse, I tried to reason with you, but you have no shame!" Ken burst out.
Nicholas scoffed, "Ken, who do you think you are? Behaving as though everyone should bow down to you? You're so full of yourself! I seriously doubt that with someone like you at the helm, the Turner family will even be a footnote in Lindwood City's history in the years to come!"
"You..." Ken began to retort.
"Deal with this mad dog!" Nicholas commanded his servant, no longer willing to waste his breath on Ken.
The old saying goes, "To judge a dog, one must also look at its owner." Nicholas's actions clearly demonstrated that the Woodhouse and Turner families had irrevocably severed ties.
"No, my dog!" Aiden cried out, watching his beloved pet being led away by the servant, his instinct to chase after it.
"Quiet! You've caused enough trouble. Come back with me this instant!" Ken's wife muffled her son's protests and dragged him away.
Aaron observed Nicholas's fury, his expression darkening. He suggested, "Uncle Nicholas, perhaps you should go inside and take a rest."
Nicholas glanced at him, his expression softening slightly.
"I'm not in the mood to rest. I'm still uncertain about my precious grandson's condition," Nicholas replied.
"Don't worry, you must have heard of Master Healer Dr. Sun, right? She is Nora. Her medical skills are unparalleled, and with her present, Ryan will be fine," Aaron reassured him.
Upon hearing this, Nicholas's eyes lit up. "Are you serious?"
He had indeed heard of Master Healer Dr. Sun, but he had never expected her to be Nora!
"Yes, indeed," Aaron confirmed with a nod.
"Excellent, with her present, my grandson's hand will undoubtedly heal, correct?" Nicholas exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice.
"Yes," Aaron affirmed.
Nicholas looked at him, wanting to speak, but hesitated. In the end, he patted Aaron's shoulder wordlessly and walked away.
During this time, Emma had returned home and tearfully confided in him and his wife on multiple occasions. Her husband, Ebenezer, was adamant about having Nora acknowledge her roots.
He had harbored resentment towards Nora and even harbored negative feelings towards Aaron. Influenced by his daughter and granddaughter, he even considered aiding Jackson in seizing power.
He contemplated having Jackson replace Aaron as the head of the Gordon family.
Fortunately, he had yet to act on these thoughts.
Jackson and Ken were close friends, but Ken's actions were morally reprehensible, and Jackson was not much better.
He was determined not to collaborate with Jackson and Ken!
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