1/2
“Calvin, this whole thing really has nothing to do with you,” Veronica interrupted him, shaking her head
gently. “I just want to live my own life now. I don’t want to think about anything else.”
She knew Calvin had been blaming himself for going abroad early all these years. Her parents‘ death had
been too sudden, and the days she spent living with Stewart’s family weren’t his fault either. Even so, he always felt that he could have protected her from so much bullying if he hadn’t gone abroad back then.
Calvin let out a sigh. “Alright, do whatever you want.”
At the Tate residence, Reynard sat at the head of the room, while Heath kneeled stiffly on the floor.
“Heath, you better give me a good explanation. Why is that woman living in your marital home and sleeping in Veronica’s room? In this entire city, is our family the only shelter left?”
Reynard slammed his hand heavily on the mahogany table. He was so furious that his chest heaved with every breath. Back in Shalton, rumors about them had spread like wildfire, and he had lectured Heath more than once about this. Yet, as soon as they returned to Jouver, this scandalous mess had erupted.
“What did you promise me back then?” Reynard questioned.
Heath’s lips were pressed into a tight line as he kneeled on the ground, his back straight and unyielding. Just then, Eleanor stumbled into the room, tears streaming down her face.
Reynard saw her and roared, “Who let you in?”
She choked back tears and said, “Mr. Tate Senior, please calm down. I wasn’t feeling well, so Heath took pity on me and let me stay in Veronica’s room. Please don’t blame him or the children. This is all my fault.”
Heath finally spoke up. “Eleanor, what are you talking about? You know medicine, and I asked you to help care for the kids. That’s the only reason you stayed in Veronica’s room. This has nothing to do with you.”
Reynard let out a cold chuckle. “Wow. You two really have the nerve to put on a show in front of me now? Heath, you’re still protecting this woman?”
Eleanor trembled as she slapped herself hard across the face. Blood appeared at the corner of her mouth, making her look even more pitiful. She said, “Mr. Tate Senior, I’m sorry. I’ve shamed the Tate family. I’ll pack up and leave Jouver tonight, never bothering you all again.”
“That’s enough!” Heath pulled Eleanor into his arms, shielding her protectively. “Grandpa, Eleanor didn’t do anything wrong. I was the one who let her stay.”
Miriam burst into tears and threw herself in front of Eleanor with open arms. “Great–Grandpa, please don’t
make Ms. Turner leave!”
Chapter 31
2/2
The entire room fell into a deadlock, and Reynard looked like he was about to pass out from rage. “Look at this! Miriam is already corrupted by her! Her real mother is still lying in bed, and she’s already treating
this bitch like her own!”
“Grandpa, that was uncalled for,” Heath said, frowning as he stood and held Eleanor’s hand. “If we really want to trace things back, you’re the one who owes the Dolton family a debt, not me.”
He spoke every word with quiet force. Yet, the weight behind them was undeniable.
Suddenly, a porcelain teacup smashed against Heath’s shoulder.
“Heath!” Eleanor immediately threw herself in front of him, and the teacup struck her slender neck.
“You ungrateful brat! Swear to God right now! Are you seriously telling me you never had feelings for Veronica?” Reynard demanded.
Heath looked at the woman in his arms with eyes full of heartache and answered firmly, “Never.”
Seven years ago, he had first met Veronica at a graduation party. She had been dazzling and captivating
in the crowd. Indeed, he had drawn closer to her out of momentary curiosity. However, that was just the
kind of mistake any man might make.
It wasn’t until Reynard announced the arranged engagement, and it turned out to be Veronica, that he
realized their entire encounter had been a setup. Her manipulations weren’t worthy of his love.
Everything that followed, his marriage to her, was all transactional. He wanted an heir, and she wanted
the title of Mrs. Tate.
They were just using each other.
or had been devoted to him all these years, never asking for anything in return, so
ng it broke his heart.
rageous, you brat! Is being the Tate family heir such a burden to you? If you don’t want it,
others do!” Reynard slammed the table again.
Heath held Eleanor tightly. “Do as you please.”
With that, he left with her in tow.
He was no longer that powerless son from the second wife, who had no connections and was ignored by
everyone. He had taken over the largest private company in Shalton in just three years.
Chapter 32
Chapter 32
