Spoiled by My Ex's Uncle

Chapter 8 Arthur's Taboo

Viola didn't respond to Kate's suggestion. She knew that Arthur was formidable, but she wasn't easily intimidated either.

Staring directly at Arthur, she spoke firmly, enunciating each word.

"Yes, that 10% of the shares is rightfully mine. I won't take what isn't owed to me, but I also won't let myself be shortchanged."

No one expected Viola to stand her ground so resolutely, even under the weight of Arthur's intimidating presence. The crowd shook their heads, murmuring among themselves.

"She really thinks having Ms. Potts on her side means she can take on the Harel family? She's in for a rude awakening."

"She's got no idea what she's up against."

"I've heard that Viola was adopted by the Abbott family. After they found their real daughter, her life went downhill fast. No wonder she's so desperate for money."

"She's risking everything for that 10%—does she really think Arthur will let her walk away with it? She's dreaming."

The gossip swirled around her, but Viola remained unbothered, holding Arthur's gaze without flinching.

Bruno, clearly annoyed, sneered. "What you're owed? Viola, you've spent a few years playing housekeeper in the Burton family, and now you think that entitles you to 10% of Burton Group? You've really planned this out well, haven't you?"

"So, this was your plan all along when you rushed into marrying me, right?"

Despite his words, Viola felt a pang in her chest. Three years of love and dedication had been reduced to nothing but a calculated scheme in his eyes.

It made the last three years feel like an even bigger joke.

The friends who had come with Bruno chimed in.

"Ten percent? Does she even hear herself? If we let her get away with this, every gold digger out there will start pulling the same stunt."

"Exactly! We can't let that happen."

As she heard their crude remarks, Angela's expression grew darker. She raised her voice, warning them sharply. "If any of you say another disrespectful word about Ms. Abbott, I'll have you all thrown out—clothes and all."

Years ago, a group of entitled rich kids had caused trouble at Intoxicated Hue. Angela hadn't hesitated to have them stripped and tossed out, leaving them utterly humiliated. No one forgot that incident.

Her warning instantly silenced the group, none of them daring to challenge her.

Angela then turned to Arthur, her tone measured despite the risk of offending him. "Mr. Burton, both the Harel and Burton families are highly respected in Lagos City. Bullying a woman like this hardly seems dignified."

Arthur cast her a cold glance before turning back to Viola. Without much emotion, he pulled out a business card and handed it to her. "If you need help with the divorce, contact him. I'll inform him to expect you."

The card belonged to none other than Bryce, the very lawyer Viola had already enlisted for her case.

'What a coincidence.'

A flicker of surprise crossed Viola's face. After a brief pause, she accepted the card. Even though Bryce was already handling her divorce, there was no need to reject Arthur's goodwill in public.

Still, she couldn't help but wonder why Arthur was offering her help. He was Bruno's uncle, after all. 'Shouldn't he be supporting the Burton family?'

She wasn't the only one confused. Bruno himself looked bewildered.

"Arthur..." Bruno began, but before he could finish, Arthur cut him off coldly.

"Infidelity? Is this what the Burton family has taught you all these years?"

"You're a disgrace."

Bruno suddenly remembered that, in Arthur's world, cheating was absolutely unacceptable.

"If I hear that you've been throwing around the Harel family's name again, don't expect me to clean up the mess for you."

Viola exhaled quietly, finally understanding why Arthur had chosen to help her.

Years ago, there had been a scandal in the Harel family—Hugo had cheated during his marriage, and as a result, the family had banished him from Lagos City.

That incident had left Arthur with a deep disdain for unfaithful men.

It was said that before Arthur entered into any business partnerships, he always did thorough background checks. If someone had a messy personal life, they were immediately excluded from consideration.

This practice had earned the Harel Group an impeccable reputation.

Though the scandal had happened years ago and many had forgotten, its impact on Arthur remained.

Lori, realizing the severity of the situation, quickly tried to defend Bruno. "Arthur, Bruno..."

But before she could finish, Arthur cut her off with a cold stare. "I don't recall the Burton family ever acknowledging someone like you, Ms. Abbott."

His words were sharp and merciless, making it clear to everyone that he had no patience for Lori.

Immediately, the friends who had come with Bruno and Lori started to distance themselves, afraid of being caught up in the fallout and drawing Arthur's ire.

Lori bit her lip, furious but unable to say another word.

Arthur's assistant stepped forward and reminded him, "Sir, the negotiations are finished, and Mr. Vasquez and the others are waiting for us outside. We've been here for a while now; it's time to go."

Glancing at his watch, Arthur nodded slightly. He gave Viola a brief nod before turning to leave with his team.

Having been publicly scolded by Arthur, Bruno had no face left to stay. He quickly took Lori and left, clearly humiliated.

The rest of the crowd dispersed as well.

Angela initially wanted Viola to stay, but since it was getting late, Viola politely declined. She and Kate left together.