“How do you plan to manage the business if we divorce? I didn’t know you were such an irresponsible person.”

Father changed tack to explain why divorce was impossible, mentioning negative perceptions of divorce and the complex procedures for child support.

That didn’t mean he approved of her research, either. Starting with the cost issues, how would she resolve the neglect of the family? Father raised his voice.

“I know what you’re worried about, Lord. If a divorce takes place, nothing will tarnish your honor. Also, I will ask my blood relatives to maintain the corporate partnership.”

“……”

“The Polong estate will bear all the child support costs.”

Isabelle then turned her gaze to the siblings.

“Now, go back to your rooms.”

Before Father could open his mouth, Isabelle signaled to the maids guarding the entrance. The maids, sensing the atmosphere, patted the puffyfaced siblings on the back and helped them stand. One by one, the siblings rose and headed for the stairs.

“What about Lise, then?”

As I also rose from my seat, supported by Betty, Father’s gaze met mine.

“……”

“……”

My heart sank.

“…Let’s discuss that after the divorce is finalized.”

“It’s clear what you’re thinking. You’ve always disliked Lise. So you plan to take all of the Marsen lineage except for her? To ensure she can’t continue the Marsen line!”

I still hadn’t left the entrance when my eyes met Isabelle’s. She briefly glanced at me before coldly turning her head. I felt as if I were standing alone on a cliff.
Now I finally realized. The person who would be most harmed by the bankruptcy wasn’t Father, or Mother.

‘It’s me.’

Confronting the truth, my feet wouldn’t move.

“……Lise is more competent than the other siblings.”

“What?”

My shoulders twitched.

“She’s lively and sociable like the twins. She’s altruistic and considerate like Bernard. She’s quickwitted and reads the room well, like Felicia. And she’s also academically faster and excels in all aspects more than Rodney.”

“…….”

“So sometimes I wondered if she really wasn’t my child.”

“…….”

“If I were to hand Lise over to the Marsen family, it would not bring misfortune to them, but rather luck. Because if she becomes the head of the Marsen family, they will prosper even more in the future.”

Isabel spoke clearly, without stumbling over her words.

“Heh. Are you expecting me to believe that now? Do you think I don’t know you’re trying to steal my bloodline?”

“If you dislike divorce, then approve the research. If you continue to be so oppressive, I have another way.”

At Isabel’s words, Father’s face turned pale.

“Since we’ve bypassed mutual divorce, the only option is to publicize your affairs.”

“Affairs? Besides that one night with that woman in the past…”

Isabel chuckled softly.

“So everyone saw nothing? It’s already a hot topic among the wives. You have no idea how awkward that makes me.”

“What, what are you talking about! It’s just a rumor! You know that such ridiculous rumors frequently circulate among the wives!”

“Even though there’s evidence?”

“……D, don’t lie.”

“Count.”

Isabel calmly called Father.

“Do I look like I’m lying?”

“…….”

“Sorry, but I’ve never lied. Not in the past, and not now.”

Afterwards, the discussion ended inconclusively.

We lived as if we were dead. My siblings and I did as well.

The atmosphere in the house was a complete mess, and everyone lost their energy day by day.

“Count, it’s time to decide…….”

“I’ll be late today. Handle dinner yourself.”

Isabel hoped for progress on either divorce or the research, but Father avoided her even before she could open her mouth.

Five days passed like this.

Unable to wait any longer, Isabel threatened Father through letters or maids.

If he continued to defer, she would expose his disgraceful actions in court, causing him to lose face. Initially passive, Father now responded oppressively.

“If my honor is tarnished, it will hit your family quite hard too. Don’t think your family’s reputation won’t be affected. And I can talk too. If the story gets out, I’ll spill everything, regardless of whether it’s true or false. I’ll make sure your family suffers.”

It was a petty and despicable way.

As this continued and days passed, Felicia gathered all the siblings in her room. The twins sat quietly. A shadow was cast over Bernard’s face as well. Felicia’s face was devoid of color.

Then, one after another, we all began to cry. When our individual sobs combined, I couldn’t hold back my tears either.

“Will Mom and Dad divorce, and will we… will we never see each other again?”

“…….”

“I don’t want to separate. I like it as it is……! Rodney, Felicia, Bernard, Swell, and Lise! I don’t want to separate from anyone!”

With her sobs, Silke blurted out her feelings. All of us siblings nodded, crying.

I didn’t want divorce.

I didn’t want to be separated from Isabel and my siblings.