So this was their plan all along. They didn’t care about him. Not even a little. They were willing to destroy him without hesitation—sacrifice him to protect Zac and the Gray family’s reputation. Before, it was always Zac stirring up trouble, manipulating events to turn the Gray family against him. But this time? John himself was personally trying to ruin him. For Zac. For their precious family honor. Arthur’s expression hardened. He couldn’t hide the wave of cold disbelief washing over him. John, misinterpreting it completely, smirked with satisfaction—his eyes flashing with disdain. Arthur was probably ecstatic that he was being given the chance to move back into the Gray household. Pathetic. John scoffed inwardly. Arthur was weak. Just like before. All it took was dangling a little bait, and he’d come crawling back, desperate to please. What a joke. Compared to his Zac, Arthur was nothing. John put on a show of magnanimity, waving his hand dismissively. "As long as you sincerely admit your mistake and apologize to Zac, I’ll let this go." Arthur chuckled softly. Then louder.And louder still. The sound of his laughter was sharp, almost mocking. Julie hesitated, lips parting as if to say something—but in the end, she remained silent. Arthur swept his gaze over them—these people, his so-called family—before asking, voice eerily calm, "You all agree with this?" Raelynn’s eyes filled with unshed tears. She wanted to explain, to say something—anything. But in the end, she lowered her head. Rosie turned away, unable to meet his eyes. Of course she knew what they were asking of him. If Arthur did as they said, he’d be labeling himself as a jealous, vindictive liar who had staged an elaborate ploy to frame Zac—going so far as to disgrace the Gray family in the process. Everyone had seen him at the banquet. He hadn’t been drinking. But it didn’t matter. The Gray family’s losses were monumental. The fallout from last night would haunt them for years. Someone had to take the fall. And it was either going to be Zac… or Arthur. But Zac had saved them. When they were younger, he had thrown himself in harm’s way to rescue them—risking his own health, his own well-being. They owed Zac. Even though this was Zac’s fault, they couldn’t let him take the blame. So they chose Arthur. Like they always did. Susie, though slightly guilty, didn’t see anything wrong with sacrificing Arthur to protect Zac.Zac had no real family, no parents of his own. Arthur did. Shouldn’t he be the one to give in? He always had. Even if this was a big sacrifice… wasn’t it his own fault for taking things too far last night? If only he had just shut up and endured like always, he wouldn’t be in this situation. Arthur let out another sharp laugh. This was his family. The family he had yearned for. The family he had foolishly hoped would love him back. "Zac caused this mess himself, and you’re asking me to destroy my own future to clean it up?" Arthur’s voice was calm, but the undercurrent of ice beneath it made everyone stiffen. "You don’t feel even a little guilty?" No one answered. Zac clenched his fists but quickly schooled his features, stepping forward with a sorrowful expression. "Arthur, just let me take the blame instead. I mean… I’m only an adopted son. If I get ruined, it doesn’t really matter. I’ve always been on my own before you took me in anyway…" His voice was full of grief and resignation. And just like that, it worked. Raelynn trembled as she grabbed Zac’s hand, eyes misting over. She didn’t need to say a word. Her actions were answer enough. John’s eyes softened in heartache. Taking a deep breath, he hardened his tone and declared, "Arthur, if you don’t agree—then you are no longer my son."You will never be part of the Gray family again!" Arthur stared at him for a long moment. Then he smiled. It was a cold, empty thing. "Then let’s cut ties." His words were firm. "You—what did you just say?!" The entire Gray family froze in shock, staring at him in disbelief. Arthur met their gazes steadily, unaffected. He had never looked more composed. More at peace. Zac, meanwhile, had to fight to contain his glee. This fool. He had actually said it. Tonight wasn’t just a victory—it was an unexpected jackpot.