Chapter 395 Cecilia's Dominant Declaration
"Seriously?" Theodore's face totally shifted at Ophelia's words.
His question was directed at Vivienne.
Theodore's eyes went ice-cold.
Vivienne bit her lip, speechless for what felt like forever.
Because Ophelia had laid bare the truth.
Vivienne never thought Ophelia would spill the beans like that.
In her head, Ophelia's crush on Andrew was way over the top.
Andrew always figured no matter how he treated Ophelia, she'd always have his back, no questions asked.
He just couldn't wrap his head around Ophelia going this far.
Plus, when Vivienne showed up, she sweet-talked Ophelia, and Ophelia swore up and down she wouldn't let Andrew rot in jail.
Turns out Ophelia was just blowing smoke!
In the end, Ophelia still flipped on her.
Vivienne's face twisted with rage.
Right then, she wanted to strangle her like she usually did!
"Mom, get up," Theodore said, helping Ophelia.
Ophelia looked at Theodore, tears streaming down her face. "Theodore, I've been doing a lot of thinking. I've done so many dumb things in my life. When you were a kid, you were clearly smarter and more capable, but because your dad and I didn't get along, and he liked you, I ignored you on purpose. Over time, Vincent messed with my head, and I treated you worse and worse. But you always repaid my wrongs with kindness. The more I think about it, the more I regret it."
"Mom, it's all in the past," Theodore said, trying to comfort her, hating to see her so torn up.
"No, I gotta get this off my chest today. If I don't, I won't be at peace. So many times, I wanted to come to you, but Vivienne kept me on a tight leash, and I couldn't leave her place. Any move against her, and she'd make my life hell. Plus, I was too ashamed to face you. I've wronged you so much, and I didn't know how to face you. My biggest regret is not appreciating your loyalty and falling for Vincent's family's fake love."
"Alright, Mom. I really don't hold any grudges anymore. Now that you see my worth, I'm already super happy. Let's not dwell on the past; what's done is done," Theodore said firmly, holding Ophelia's hand.
Ophelia felt even more guilty hearing Theodore's words.
Thinking about the crap she went through with Vivienne's family and Theodore's forgiveness now, Ophelia was filled with self-loathing for her past actions.
"Mom, now tell me, how do you plan to handle Andrew's situation?" Theodore could see Ophelia's guilt and didn't want her to stew in it, so he quickly changed the subject.
"As for Andrew..." Ophelia was still on the fence.
Andrew was the one she spoiled rotten since he was a kid.
All the good stuff and love went to him, while she ignored her other grandkids.
"Mom." Vivienne dropped to her knees. "Mom, Andrew's your only grandson, the only male heir of the Lockhart family. If he goes down, how's the Lockhart Group gonna survive? Mom, don't act on impulse. Don't let your anger at me mess with Andrew. He's innocent. It's all on me. Do whatever you want to me, but please, spare Andrew. Please, you gotta spare Andrew..."
"Like mother, like son!" Ophelia's brief hesitation turned into resolve. "If you can treat me like this, so can Andrew! And I remember clear as day, it was Andrew who told you to treat me this way! Every time he saw you tormenting me, he just stood there, doing nothing. Do you think I'll ever help him after that?"
"But if you do this, you'll wreck the Lockhart family's legacy..."
"Vivienne," Cecilia got up from the couch.
She walked over to Vivienne, looking down at her.
Vivienne looked up.
Cecilia hadn't even done anything yet, but Vivienne was already shaking with fear.
Cecilia said, "Who says only men can carry on the family name? It's just a last name! From now on, my kids will have the last name Lockhart!"
Vivienne stared at Cecilia, stunned.
After a long pause, she shot back, "It's not just a name. For thousands of years in the Yakurosean Empire, carrying on the family line has always been a man's job. Women have never been considered..."
"Can you guarantee Andrew will have a son?" Cecilia fired back.
"Nothing's set in stone!" Cecilia continued. "So how can you guarantee Andrew will carry on the family line?"
"Cecilia, you're being ridiculous..." Vivienne retorted.
"I'm just stating facts," Cecilia said coldly.
She didn't want to waste any more words on Vivienne.
She turned to Theodore and Ophelia, saying, "At least one of my kids will have the last name Lockhart. I can carry on the family line too! Historically, it's just about a name, a name that can be passed down. Nothing more. Besides, in today's world, men and women are equal. Women can do anything a man can do, and more!"
Theodore was naturally pleased by Cecilia's words.
When it came to carrying on the family line, he had traditional views but didn't think it was the be-all and end-all. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stopped at having just one daughter, Cecilia. He could have had a son. But now, Cecilia's words made him feel really proud.
Having a granddaughter or grandson with his last name would indeed make Theodore happy.
He looked at Cecilia, asking, "Do you really think this way? Will Alaric agree?"
"He will," Cecilia said firmly.
Alaric wouldn't mind such things.
Cecilia was confident that Alaric would respect all her choices.
But if it were Dominic...
Cecilia could only sneer!
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