Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

Chapter 178: Clifford Way of Handling Situations

Nearby members of the Clifford family had no inkling of what was unfolding. Positioned at the front rows, they couldn’t see the shifting tide behind them. Though they noticed Jonathon whispering to Jacob, followed by his walk toward the stage, no one thought much of it. They assumed it was business as usual.

On the stage, Nicholas Clifford stood watching the slideshow... a carefully curated series of photographs that chronicled James and Jennifer’s shared memories. He was visibly pleased. The pictures showed a pair deeply in love... laughing in their school uniforms, walking hand-in-hand in their teenage years, celebrating birthdays, graduation. To him, it was a love story.

Nicholas had married the woman chosen for him by his family. But, against all odds, he had loved her deeply. He had never once betrayed her, not in word nor in deed. Even after her death, he had remained devoted. His life, and even much of his success in business, he often attributed to the peace and strength she had given him.

So, when James chose to marry for love... even if that love came from a second-rate family, Nicholas had been quietly supportive. The Whitmore name didn’t concern him. What mattered was that his grandson had chosen sincerely.

And with a great-grandchild on the way, it was, to him, the beginning of a new Chapter... a happy one.

But Jonathon’s sudden approach unsettled him.

"Dad," Jonathon said in a voice that those near them could hear, his face unusually tense, "there’s a problem with one of our recent contracts. I need your immediate guidance. Could you please come to the side for a moment?"

Nicholas turned to look at his eldest son. He saw the urgency in his eyes. Though reluctant to miss the final slides, he nodded and followed Jonathon to the far end of the stage, away from the guests’ view and earshot.

There, Jonathon turned to him and spoke in a hushed but deliberate tone.

"Father... I know this will sound melodramatic, but I beg you to promise me something first."

Nicholas’s eyes narrowed slightly. "What is it?"

"Whatever I’m about to show you... no matter how furious you feel, no matter what comes to mind... you must not react here. Not in front of all these people. Not at this event. We’ll deal with it at home. Calmly. Quietly. I need your word on that."

A frown tugged at Nicholas’s face. There was irritation, clearly. But after a long pause, he finally gave a slight nod.

"Very well. Speak."

Jonathon had been prepared. He pulled out his phone and swiped swiftly through the images. He showed a series of mid-folder photos... explicit images of James with multiple women. Faces were visible. Context unmistakable.

to every guest," Jonathon said grimly. "Check the crowd... they’re not watching the

and saw the guests showing each other their screens and discussing

Jonathon continued. "Yes, James has clearly been cheating, but we could’ve dealt with that privately.

the explicit images of Jennifer Whitmore,

men? We have to think about the baby... we can’t confirm it’s James’s. And even if a DNA test says so, who will believe it? Everyone will think we faked it to cover the

behind his calm facade. The betrayal... the humiliation... all playing out

is watching. Let me handle the damage.

clenched his fists. He looked as though he might erupt like a volcano straining against its crust. His breathing

"Handle the mess."

down the stage steps, his posture rigid, his

the crowd, a low ripple of attention followed him. Jacob, having understood the signal from his father, quickly strode forward and walked beside his grandfather, offering quiet support. Other Clifford family members, alerted by Jonathon’s silent gesture, joined them and followed the

James was confused and anxious. He had seen his grandfather walking away and had rushed down the steps to find out

asked, trying to keep his

barely paused and

was all he said before ascending the stage and turning to face the restless crowd. Seeing the head of the Clifford family looking at them, the

apologise. One of our senior family

awkward exchanges of

of course, bear all expenses for tonight’s arrangements. Thank you for joining

and stepped down. His face remained composed, but

began to quietly leave, slipping away as though

already walking briskly toward the car park. They didn’t stop to gossip like others. Their part in the night’s disruption was done...

***

unaware. They were still immersed in the warm nostalgia evoked by the slideshow... holding

Nicholas, her expression composed. On the opposite side, William and Jeanne clasped hands, watching the display

when Jonathon stepped onto the stage and discreetly ushered Nicholas aside, the first hints of

James noticed too.

his son, Jacob, would inherit the family mantle. Seeing the shift in Nicholas’s expression after Jonathon whispered to