Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 463

```markdown

"Huh?!"

The Slater family, upon hearing the news, widened their eyes in disbelief, "What?!"

The three little ones also had their eyes wide open, equally shocked.

Tarquin, unfazed, smoothed a crease on his suit sleeve and repeated, "I am the guardian of these kids. What do you, the Slater family, want to discuss? How do you want to settle this?"

Nola was flabbergasted, "Tarquin, have you lost your mind? They're not your kids. How can you claim to be their guardian?!"

Tarquin looked at her, "If I say I am, then I am. Got a problem with that?"

"I…" Nola bit her lip, feeling utterly wronged.

Aileen knew trouble was brewing the moment Tarquin made his stance clear. Her heart sank, and she fainted.

"Mom!" Nola cried, rushing to Aileen’s side.

The family doctor quickly attended to her, assuring everyone that Aileen had just passed out due to overwhelming emotions and was otherwise fine.

Donovan, having just recovered from the shock of their family heirloom being destroyed, glared at the three youngsters. He wished he could tear them apart, but with Tarquin protecting them, he dared not act rashly.

He turned his furious gaze towards the servants of the Slater family, "What exactly happened here today? I want the full story, and nobody better lie to me, or else!"

Nola then turned to Donovan and Tarquin, tears streaming down her face, "I’ve been framed! I don’t know what they’re talking about! I never intended to harm anyone, let alone children. They’re making all this up; they’re framing me!"

Tarquin ignored her, turning to Donovan with a cold gaze. Donovan, no fool, knew the truth even without evidence. His breathing became erratic with anger!

He gave Nola a stern look before addressing Tarquin, "Tarquin, I will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure the kids get a proper explanation. Give me a few days, and if it turns out as the butler and maid have said, I will personally bring Nola to apologize to the children’s guardian. We will also seek the guardian’s input for appropriate compensation."

"There’s no need. Once you've figured it out, just contact me directly. I don’t want any outsiders bothering them anymore," Tarquin added, "The kids were quite frightened today. If they end up with any psychological trauma, the Slater family will be held accountable!"

Donovan paused, the kids frightened? He must have missed that entirely! Feeling frustrated but unable to retort, he simply nodded in agreement.

```