Hi Ex, Your Uncle Is My Hubby Now - Chapter 57: Chapter 57

"Shelby has signed over her shares in the media company. As of today, I'm the majority shareholder.
"In return, I've written a letter of leniency, stating that I forgive her for what she did to me.
"But in the course of my investigation, I uncovered something worse—Shelby repeatedly forced artists under her company into escorting and sexual exploitation, all under coercive contracts, just to build connections and profit."
"What?" The elders of the Jackson family were visibly shaken.
Oliver's face darkened with rage. "That brazen, despicable woman! I always suspected her business wasn't clean—but to sink that low? She's utterly shameless!"
Elias turned to Irene. "So what are you planning to do?"
Irene didn't hesitate. "She broke the law, so she belongs in prison. I've already submitted all the evidence to the police. Barring any surprises, she'll be serving time."
As she said this, a flicker of guilt crossed her face.
She added quietly, "Shelby is the daughter-in-law of the Jackson family. Her arrest will definitely affect my younger brothers' reputations. For that, I'm deeply sorry."
That apology was the main reason Irene had come home today.
Oliver waved it off. "It's not that serious. She's not a blood relative. It won't cause too much damage."
But even so, the impact wouldn't be zero.
Elias, always calm and fair, gave her a sympathetic look. His voice was gentle. "The ones this hits hardest are you and Lucas.
"You've really had a tough break, having a mother like that."
Irene had been bracing for blame—expecting her uncles to call her impulsive or reckless. Instead, they showed only concern and understanding.
Her heart swelled, aching with emotion.
"Oliver, Elias…"
She lowered her head, her voice catching. "I grew up in the countryside with Grandma. I wasn't taught the proper manners. I know I've said and done some awful things in the past—and caused trouble for you and the others.
"But you never turned your backs on me. You treated me with kindness and patience. I… I don't deserve that."
She poured herself a glass of wine, stood, and raised it. "Please allow me to offer a sincere apology to you all."
Then, without hesitation, she tipped the glass back and drank it in one gulp.
She poured another. This time, she turned to Gwen.
"Gwen, I once let my resentment cloud my judgment. I blamed you for the wrongs my grandmother suffered, and I treated you with disrespect.
"But I overlooked something—you were also deeply hurt and betrayed by Grandfather. You were never the one to blame. The real villain was him—Liam.
"Today, I want to sincerely apologize to you."
She drank the second glass, her throat burning as it went down.
Then she poured a third. Looking around the table, she raised her glass again. "Thank you—to all the elders here—for your support over the years. And thank you to my brothers, for your patience with me.
"From now on, I'll start fresh. I'll carry myself with humility and integrity."
With that, she drained the third glass.
Three glasses in—enough to sober a fool or wake a dreamer.
The dining room was silent. You could've heard a pin drop. Everyone was watching Irene with quiet pride.
In that moment, they all saw it clearly—she'd grown up. She'd finally come into her own.
"Irene," Gwen said gently, reaching out to hold her hand. Her eyes were full of warmth and love.
She spoke from the heart, "Bringing a child into the world without raising them—that's your parents' failure. But growing up in the countryside didn't diminish you one bit. Your grandmother raised you with strength and dignity. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
"Recognizing the love of your elders and having the courage to face your past—that's how I know you've truly matured.
"It takes real strength to admit your mistakes and grow from them," Gwen said warmly. "I believe you'll become an even better version of yourself."