Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 1513: Your only claim

"Do you really want to take that away from him?"

As expected of Mrs. Davis, she had no qualms wasting others' time—sipping her tea leisurely for a full minute while Nina stood there. But now that she had spoken, she wasn't one to waste her own time getting to the point.

However, Nina hadn't come here to preach.

"I'm not breaking off the engagement, Madam Davis," Nina replied, meeting her gaze without flinching. "I will marry Finn, and unless he breaks it off or changes his mind, I will not."

Mrs. Davis snorted. "What did I expect? Of course you wouldn't. Considering—"

"Considering I can't bear to break his heart," Nina interrupted, her voice firm. "Madam Davis, what you're asking of me is not just to break off an engagement. You're asking me to leave your son with a scar that may never heal. You're asking me to inflict a pain that could follow him for the rest of his life."

Mrs. Davis fell silent for a brief moment as Nina held her gaze, unyielding. Then her lips parted.

"People's hearts change. Everything can be trained," she said calmly. "My son might get hurt, but it won't last forever. In time, you and Finn will thank us for trying to separate you-before you end up hurting each other more."

She exhaled sharply, frustration flickering across her expression.

"Nina Reed, I may not like you for my son, but I don't hate you. I simply don't approve of this marriage—especially after that family gathering. The Bennets, the Cortezes, and the Davises will never get along."

this marriage is just about you and Finn, but it's more than that," she continued. "Marriage ties families together. And from what

pressed her lips together. This would go on forever unless one of them gave in—and neither of

curiosity itched

aside... would it be rude to ask what else made you disapprove of me? To the point of pulling

eyes. "I don't know what strings you're referring to. But even without

"Unqualified?"

easy. My husband and I have worked hard to secure Finn's inheritance and position. Do you truly believe someone like you can provide him the support he needs?" She paused, her

look for dirt to throw at you once you take on that role. And I will not allow someone like you with a disgraceful track record-to stand

insult. If Finn hadn't made it clear he would stand by her, she might've had second thoughts. After all, who would want in-laws like

But no.

cut ties with his parents if that were the only way to protect her. It wasn't a very filial thought—but then again, Mrs. Davis and her husband were the

perfect, Madam Davis. Nor have ever claimed to be. But I've lived my life with a clear conscience. I've never stepped on others to

rose to her feet, eyes still

hard. My efforts might not be enough in your eyes, and maybe they don't make me worthy of

they come at the cost of hurting others of silencing people just to preserve your image. And I refuse to let our future children grow

took a step back,

came here to tell you that, because of

six-year-old with medical complications-is struggling to survive.

Her gaze hardened.

might not care. But if being the Davis matriarch means hurting the innocent and dimming the light in other people's lives, then I'd rather just be Nina - Finn's wife, and the mother of