Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 145 Quench the anger

Victoria’s POV

"I have nothing to do with the Sterling family anymore except for blood relation," Damien explained calmly. "Sterling Enterprises has never been connected to me. I haven’t deceived you, and Ethan and I have no real relationship."

"Who knows what your family is planning? Haven’t you Sterlings hurt my Victoria enough? Get out! Did you not hear me say get out?" William’s Alpha roar boomed so loudly I could hear it from outside where I’d been taking a call.

I quickly ended my call and rushed inside. "Grandfather, what’s wrong? Are you okay?" I handed him a cup of tea. "Please don’t get upset. The doctor said you can’t afford to get agitated in your condition. Don’t make yourself sick."

I turned to Damien. "What happened?"

"Someone’s attempting to cause trouble between us," Damien replied, his jaw tight.

He clearly recognized that Patrick had deliberately mentioned the Sterling family’s past to my grandfather, reminding him of old wounds to make him despise Damien.

"I only spoke the truth," Patrick countered. "You’re the one with something to hide. Look how upset you’ve made Alpha Lancaster! He told you to leave because he doesn’t want to see you. Is it some Sterling family tradition to hurt the Lancasters? First your brother ruins Victoria’s life, and now you’re trying to upset her grandfather. Your intentions are deplorable!"

"Patrick! That’s enough!" My voice snapped, edged with an Alpha’s warning.

Patrick shrugged. "I’m not wrong. Ask your grandfather."

I was still supporting William, trying to keep him calm. "I told you to stop. And Damien, perhaps you should go. Grandfather is quite upset right now."

I knew my grandfather had misunderstood, but I needed time to soothe his emotions. Though I hadn’t heard everything Patrick had said earlier, I caught enough to understand why William was furious.

Damien nodded. "I apologize for upsetting you, sir," he said to my grandfather. Then to me: "Take good care of him. Call me if you need anything."

"I will," I promised.

After Damien left, I helped William sit comfortably. "Why did you get so angry?"

"He’s a Sterling! After how that family hurt you, how could I not be furious?" His wolf eyes flashed with protective anger.

"Sterlings are Sterlings, but Damien is different," I explained gently. "He’s barely spent any time with that family. We can’t judge him just because he shares a father with Ethan. Damien is actually a good man, Grandfather."

As I defended Damien, I noticed Patrick’s expression darkening. The pain in his eyes was unmistakable. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Was he jealous? Did he think I had feelings for Damien?

"Victoria, you’re too kind-hearted. You’ve forgotten the pain they caused you," Patrick interjected. "Alpha Lancaster is only trying to protect you because he loves you. He doesn’t want to see you hurt again."

My patience snapped like a dry twig. "That’s enough, Patrick. This is between me and my family. You’re an outsider here. I asked you to stop talking, but you keep going. How is this any of your business? I appreciate your concern, but I don’t need your commentary right now!"

These conversations would only upset my grandfather more, and his health couldn’t take it. Patrick’s words, intentional or not, would only make William hate the Sterling name even more.

My words seemed to cut Patrick deeply. I could almost see the pain flash across his face. He finally went silent and moved away.

I poured William another cup of tea. "Please calm down. Could you listen to me for a moment?"

"Victoria, what are you going to say? That you’re defending that Sterling man?" His tone was still harsh.

"No, Grandfather. I just want you to mind your health. If something happens to you, what would I do?" I took his hand in mine, feeling my bond with my pack Alpha strengthen through the simple touch.

"Grandfather, it’s all in the past. I’ve moved on, so why can’t you? I know you’re worried about me, but shouldn’t you be happy that I’m doing well now? If I were truly harboring hatred, I wouldn’t even mention their name. But look at me—I’m fine, not heartbroken at all. Isn’t that a good thing?"

"Victoria..." His grip tightened on my hand. He could see I genuinely seemed to have healed.

"Remember when you were in the hospital? Damien stayed with me the whole time. He arranged for a cardiac specialist to examine you," I reminded him gently. "We can’t blame everyone for one person’s actions. Damien and I are friends—we look out for each other. His visit today had nothing to do with the Sterling family."

I continued, "And when Ethan kidnapped me, Damien was the one who saved me. He was about to board a plane when Grace called him, and he came immediately without hesitation. If it weren’t for him, who knows what might have happened? Damien shot Ethan several times and had him arrested. I don’t project my hatred for Ethan onto Damien, so please don’t hate him either, okay?"

My grandfather looked surprised. "Victoria, is all of this true?"

"Of course it is. Ask Grace if you don’t believe me. Why would I lie to you? You’re my family. I would never deceive my own family for someone else."

Finally calming down, William asked, "Was I too harsh with him then?"

I smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry, Grandfather. Damien isn’t petty—he won’t take it personally. I’ll explain everything to him later."