Chapter 463 Asking for Trouble
Trevor, who was sitting nearby, coughed and lightly kicked Wylie under the table, hinting him to stop talking.
Wylie realized he had overstepped as soon as the words left his mouth.
Alistair was a very traditional person. He particularly disliked it when younger people questioned his decisions, especially in front of everyone. It was a form of disrespect to his authority.
Over the years, although Alistair had aged, his authority in the Smith family remained strong as before. His words carried absolute authority, and even during James's most rebellious moments, he was exceptionally obedient in Alistair's presence.
This rule was like a brand etched into the souls of everyone in the Smith family, impossible to resist.
And now, Wylie's behavior was a mistake.
Wylie could express his dissatisfaction privately to Alistair, but saying it in front of so many members was disrespectful.
Wylie knew this principle. But unfortunately, he was controlled by his emotions at that moment.
Admittedly, Alistair frowned slightly and said, "I'm not discussing this with you."
Under Alistair's authority, Wylie finally panicked. He quickly lowered his stance and nodded, saying, "Yes, Alistair, I'm so sorry. My bad!"
Alistair responded indifferently, then turned to James and said, "James, you need to do well. Don't disappoint me, understand?"
James' lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn't. He just nodded.
Actually, he didn't plan to stay long this time. He still needed to discuss bringing Jennifer into the Smith family with Alistair. But given the current situation, it wasn't the right time to bring it up. He would wait until after dinner to talk to Alistair privately.
The atmosphere became even more tense. There were over twenty members at the table, but no one spoke. Everyone was eating, at most whispering to the person next to them.
James observed the scene and inwardly shook his head. Despite the vastness of the Smith family, with power spanning across the nation and a lifetime free from worries about wealth and status, it lacked warmth and genuine human connection. They were, after all, family, yet even sharing a meal together was an exercise in timidity and restraint, far removed from the dynamics of a healthy family.
The Johnson family had a much more comfortable and warm atmosphere.
Among everyone at the table, Erin was the most relaxed and happy. To her, James was everything. Now that James was back, she was content. She kept putting food on James' plate, looking incredibly kind.
Caroline couldn't hold back any longer and said, "Alistair, there's something I want to tell you."
Alistair said, "What is it?"
"Today, James slapped me twice and even threatened that if Wylie sought revenge, he would deal with Wylie, too!" Caroline put on an extremely aggrieved look, her eyes welling up with tears.
As soon as she said this, the already tense atmosphere dropped to freezing point. The temperature plummeted.
Everyone knew that James had slapped Caroline, but they didn't expect Caroline to have the guts to bring it up now.
Even Wylie was momentarily startled, but he soon relaxed. He, too, was curious to see how Alistair would handle the situation. Deep down, he yearned for a chance to face James openly in battle. He wanted to demonstrate through action that he, Wylie, was truly the most brilliant talent of the Smith family and that the position of the head should rightfully belong to him.
Everyone perked up their ears, eager to see how Alistair would deal with James. The Smith family was very strict about rules. Caroline was annoying, but she was still James' aunt, an elder. Now that James had slapped an elder, it was a serious offense.
They all turned their eyes to James, wanting to see how he would react.
But they were disappointed. James had no reaction at all. He continued eating as if he hadn't heard Caroline, his calm demeanor earning the admiration of many.
Alistair frowned and said, "Is this true?"
Seeing that Alistair wasn't angry, Caroline was overjoyed and put even more effort into her act, looking extremely aggrieved. "Yes! Today, I was coming out of the kitchen and almost fell when Erin bumped into me. I didn't sleep well last night and was in a bad mood, so I said something harsh. But it wasn't my fault, and then James jumped down from upstairs and slapped me twice!"
Caroline paused, wiped away her tears, and said, "Alistair, I know James has never liked me. He holds a distinguished status, but he shouldn't treat me this way. After all, I am an elder, regardless of anything else. And talking about dealing with Wylie. Aren't brothers supposed to stand united?"
She looked pitiful, and her words made sense. Anyone who didn't know her would be fooled.
Alistair put down his chopsticks, his face darkening, and said to James, "James, did you slap Caroline?"
Immediately, all eyes turned to James again.
Caroline still looked very aggrieved on the surface, but inside, she was extremely happy, almost pathologically so!
James nodded and said, "Yes."
"Why did you hit her?" Alistair's tone was low, seemingly angry.
In truth, they all knew Caroline's nature; she had frequently bullied Erin over the years. Nevertheless, Caroline was still James' elder. There were plenty of other ways to seek private revenge. Slapping her outright and uttering such audacious words—was this not inviting trouble?
Everyone was stunned by his words.
They all thought James was too arrogant, even foolish, to say such things in front of Alistair.
They all knew Caroline's character. She had indeed bullied Erin over the years. But no matter what, Caroline was still James' elder. He could have used other methods to retaliate privately. Now, he had slapped her and said such arrogant words. Wasn't he asking for trouble?
Caroline was even more delighted after hearing this, with her smile almost uncontrollable. But she had to hold it in, her facial muscles aching.
Erin immediately said, "Alistair, it's not James' fault. It's my mistake. If you want to punish someone, punish me!"
Alistair nodded and said, "I'll deduct half a year's dividends from you. Don't do such things again. A family should be harmonious and united."
"I understand!" Erin responded.
Everyone's expressions were utterly remarkable; none had anticipated that Alistair would handle the situation in such a manner.
This wasn't even a punishment!
Caroline's expression retorted really ugly.
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