Chapter 346 Conflict Erupted
Kimberly's unexpected slap sent a reverberating shock through the room. She had always showered Fiorello with affection, never resorting to scolding, let alone physical reprimand.
Joseph cut in hastily, demanding, "Mom, what's the deal? Talk to us."
Holden added, "Grandma, Fiorello's like your favorite. What's gotten into you?"
Eleanor opted for silence, sympathizing with Fiorello but wary of escalating the family discord.
Despite his confusion, Fiorello, sensing the tension, maintained his composure. Locking eyes with Kimberly, he addressed her as "Grandma," a term that typically softened her demeanor. However, this time, her anger remained unyielding.
"Unless you split up with Maggie, don't Grandma me. Marrying Maggie was a daft move, Fiorello."
Fiorello's brow furrowed slightly. "But Grandma, Maggie is my wife. I made that choice."
Joseph interjected, "Mom, why are you coming down on Maggie again? She hasn't done anything to deserve this."
Joseph vividly recalled Kimberly pressuring him to end things with Eleanor in the past.
Head held high, Holden asserted, "Grandma, Fiorello and Maggie are already hitched. What's eating at you so much that you want them to part ways? There must be a reason."
Kimberly snapped, "Fine, I'll spell it out. Maggie's got no pedigree; she's a street peddler, not even a college grad."
Joseph countered, "Mom, those things shouldn't matter. We all started as street vendors ages ago."
Kimberly glared at Joseph. "And Maggie can't conceive. That's enough reason for her not to tie into our lineage. Fiorello, you've been deceitful about your fertility. It's a stab in my heart."
Joseph and Holden's expressions shifted - one taken aback by Maggie's infertility revelation, the other puzzled at Kimberly's insight. Holden pondered how Kimberly learned this, certain he and Benjamin hadn't divulged that detail.
Amidst the tension, Fiorello remained composed.
Joseph probed, "Is what she's saying true? Who can't have children?"
Unfazed by Joseph's question, Fiorello locked eyes with Kimberly. "Grandma, who spilled this? Who's causing all this turmoil?"
Kimberly remained obstinate. "It doesn't matter who spread it. Just answer me this – will you split from Maggie or not? Our family needs heirs."
An air of tension thickened in the room.
Trying to inject a bit of levity, Holden quipped, "Hey Grandma, you've got me. I'll make sure you have ten grandkids to spoil."
His attempt at humor fell flat amidst the charged atmosphere. Holden awkwardly scratched his head, casting a supportive look at Fiorello, silently conveying, 'I've got your back as much as I can. The ball's in your court now.'
Fiorello's demeanor hardened. After a moment of contemplation, he asserted, "I never intended to divorce Maggie, children or not. If you believe I'm damaging the family, I'll step down as CEO and pass the reins to Holden."
A wave of surprise swept across everyone present.
Internally, Holden dismissed the notion; assuming control of the company was more hassle than he desired.
Kimberly, incensed, rose to her feet. "This is preposterous."
Joseph's tone was firm. "Fiorello, this is absurd. Resigning isn't a solution, and concealing Maggie's infertility is outright wrong."
"Dad," Fiorello began, only to be interrupted by Dulce's voice drifting in from the corridor.
"Maggie, where are you heading? Maggie!"
Fiorello swiftly swung the door open, catching a glimpse of Maggie vanishing around the corner.
In that moment, he disregarded Kimberly's presence entirely, swiftly trailing after Maggie.
Kimberly seethed behind him, "He's truly under a spell."
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