Chapter 261 Cracks in the Family

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“Dad,” Reba hesitated, her voice low, “even if Mom was wrong, you can’t just—”

“Can’t what?”

Franklin turned sharply, his eyes cutting into hers. “Reba, remember this: from now on, your life only needs me.”

His tone was firm, almost domineering, heavy with the weight of control.

“Your mother only cares about her own pride and her need to control. Stay with her, and she’ll destroy you. From now on, you don’t need her. I’ll make your decisions.”

Reba was stunned into silence by the obsession burning in his eyes.

She had always known her mother was harsh, spiteful, suffocating in her need to dictate every detail of their lives. But this–thisplete severing–felt just as dangerous.

A vine of suspicion curled through her chest, tightening.

“Dad… do you…” She bit her lip, forcing the words out. “Do you already have someone else?”

Franklin’s expression changed instantly–not to panic, but to a re of anger at being exposed.

“Don’t talk nonsense!” His voice cracked like a whip. He forced himself to take a breath, lowering his tone. “Everything I do is for you. Stop imagining things. Go upstairs and rest.”

But the outburst was too sharp, too revealing.

Reba saw the flicker in his gaze, the way he refused to meet her eyes. The pedestal she had ced him on wavered, a fissure running through it.

The father she thought she could lean on suddenly felt more frightening, more alien than her mother.

“I won’t!” Reba shot to her feet, staring him down.

“Tell me the truth! You don’t want to be with Mom anymore, do you? You’ve found someone else, haven’t you? That’s why you’re treating her like this!”

Franklin’s fists clenched, knuckles nching.

Her stubborn defiance, the fire in her eyes–it was Martha all over again, only tougher, wilder.

“Reba, this bis /badult business. Stay out of it.” His voice hardened, trying to crush her questions

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Chapter 261 Cracks in the Family

under the weight of paternal authority.

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“Just remember: everything I do is for your sake. This family—having me is enough.”

Outside, Martha’s pounding weakened, reced by muffled sobs.

Her mind drifted back years ago, to when Franklin had been a poor young man begging her hand, promising he would cherish her for life.

His eyes had glowed back then, his tone full of humble devotion.

Now, that same man hid behind a locked door, unwilling to even let her in.

Inside, Franklin faltered under Reba’s using stare.

The satisfaction he had felt in control evaporated, leaving only emptiness.

He had thought surrounding her with protection, wealth, and power would mend old wounds.

“Reba, I…” He opened his mouth, but every word seemed hollow.

He couldn’t tell her that his disgust for Martha had long rotted into his bones.

He couldn’t admit that his marriage had been nothing but a transaction for power.

He couldn’t confess that he had been nning to break free for years.

But his silence only deepened Reba’s suspicion.

She wondered what secret was heavy enough to make him risk tearing the family apart.

From the outside, the Joyners had always looked perfect–a model family.

Maybe once, it had even been true.

But Scarlett’s brilliance had shattered that illusion, leaving only cracks and resentments.

“Dad,” Reba whispered, her voice trembling, “I hope you don’t have anyone outside. I hope you haven’t betrayed us.”

She turned and headed for the door.

Franklin’s chest tightened–he hurried after her.

The iron door creaked open, and Martha copsed inside like a broken doll, drenched,

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Chapter 261 Cracks in the Family

bedraggled, filthy.

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She lifted her face. For a moment, hope flickered in her eyes when she saw Franklin–only to twist into venom.

“Franklin!”

“Enough!” he barked, his voice sharp as ash. “If you want to make a scene, do it at home. Don’t humiliate us here!”

Martha reeled at the shout, then seized on it, jabbing her finger at him.

“And you call me shameless? Locking your wife outside is the real disgrace! Franklin, you’ve got another woman, don’t you? Who is she? Tell me!”

“Mom!” Reba rushed forward, trying to pull her back. “Stop it!”

But Martha shoved her aside.

“Martha! That’s enough!” Franklin’s anger exploded. He grabbed her wrist, squeezing so hard she cried out. “One more word, and I’ll throw you out for good!”

“Stop it, both of you!” Reba’s voice broke into a sob, rising over their sh.

“Can’t you see I just got out of lockup? Can’t you let me sleep one night in peace?!”

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