Chapter 496

Theodore moved with lightning reflexes, darting forward to yank Lawrence off Evelyn's furious secretary. His arms locked around Lawrence's torso in a vice-like grip.

"Lawrence! Have you lost your damn mind?" Theodore's voice cracked like a whip. "Since when do we solve family disputes with fists?"

"Lost my mind?" Lawrence spat blood onto the marble floor. "He's the one who's lost his damn soul over that Kingsley woman!"

Gregory scrambled to his feet, wiping his split lip. "I'm just doing my job as their legal counsel. But our baby brother here? He's turned into some lovesick guard dog for Evelyn Kingsley!"

The library doors burst open as Walter Pembroke stormed in, his wife clinging to his arm. The patriarch's face darkened at the sight of his sons' injuries.

"Enough!" Walter's command shook the chandelier. "Both of you—my study. Now."

Eleanor Pembroke wrung her hands, her usual composure shattered. She'd never seen her sons come to blows before.

Gregory attempted damage control. "Father, Lawrence was just upset about the Salvador case. Emotions ran high—"

"I'm staying at the penthouse tonight." Lawrence shrugged off Theodore's grip, his knuckles still raw from the fight.

"Lawrence!" Eleanor cried out. "At least let the physician—"

"Oh please," Gregory sneered, adjusting his ruined tie. "We all know where he's really going. Does Evelyn Kingsley need her lapdog to tuck her in?"

Something snapped inside Lawrence. His fist connected with Gregory's jaw before anyone could react.

"You filthy—" Lawrence's voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Say her name like that again. I dare you."

Walter stepped between them, his presence like a force field. "Not another word. Gregory, apologize. Lawrence, control yourself."

Lawrence's chest heaved. "I'll take whatever punishment you deem fit, Father. But I won't apologize for defending Evelyn's honor. And if Gregory insults her again?" His eyes burned with conviction. "I'll break every tooth in his smug face."

The tension shattered when the head butler announced, "Mr. Pembroke! Harrison Kingsley's personal envoy has arrived."

Quentin Prescott entered with perfect composure, though his sharp eyes catalogued the scene instantly. "Mr. Pembroke," he inclined his head. "Chairman Kingsley requests the pleasure of your family's company at Willow Creek Estate this evening."

Walter's diplomatic mask slid into place. "Please extend our gratitude to Harrison. We'd be honored."

The moment Quentin departed, Gregory wheeled toward the staircase. "Count me out. Jet lag."

"Like hell you are." Walter's voice turned glacial. "You will attend if I have to drag you there myself."

Gregory's jaw worked silently before storming off. Theodore exhaled sharply, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

In the charged silence, Eleanor whispered, "When did our family become a battlefield?"

No one had an answer.