Chapter 37
Her gaze shifted from Patrick to Kellan, a flicker of emotion in her eyes.
“It was my duty, Mr. Carter. You just need to keep taking the medicine as prescribed. You’ll be back to your old self in a month, tops.”
“Excellent, excellent.”
Patrick’s voice boomed, and he was grinning from ear to ear. I’ll hold you to that. Kellan, see the doctor out.”
“Yes, Father.” Kellan nodded obediently and moved to Zina’s side, gesturing for her to go first.
As he watched them disappear from view, the satisfaction on Patrick’s face faded, replaced by an air of quiet authority.
“Kneel!”
Before Kyle could react, his knees gave out and he collapsed to the floor, staring blankly at his grandfather.
A wave of fear washed over him, so intense that his teeth chattered.
Beside him, Rosie, pale with fright, quickly knelt down as well.
But Patrick never once glanced at Rosie. His stern gaze was fixed solely on Kyle.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done wrong?”
“I… I don’t, Grandfather.” Kyle shook his head, a chill spreading through him.
Patrick slammed his cane on the floor.
“You are the eldest grandson of the Carter family, yet you let a woman wrap you around her little finger. You insulted our family’s benefactor. That is not how a Carter behaves. From now on, you are not welcome here.”
“Grandfather, I know I was wrong. You can’t do this to me.”
Panic seized Kyle. He was counting on getting his share of the inheritance; being banned from the house was tantamount to being cut off from the family.
No matter what Kyle said, Patrick remained unmoved, his expression growing colder.
The standoff ended the moment Kellan stepped back into the living room.
“Why are you still here? Go home. You’re not welcome, and neither is that… thing you brought with you!
The casual words made Kyle’s face burn with humiliation.
With no reason left to stay, Kyle gritted his teeth, stood up, and dragged Rosie out of the house.
Kellan walked over to Patrick, his voice softening.
“Father, she’s gone. The doctor said she’ll come by once a week.”
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Chapter 37
“Good” Patrick’s tone was at his closed eyes hiding a storm of emotion. “Kyle’s not a bad kid at heart.
“But you saw what he did, didn’t you?”
Kellan’s voice held a teasing note. Patrick fell silent, letting out a long, weary sigh
“Fine. I’m too old to get involved in your generation’s affairs. Just… promise me you’ll spare his life, no matter what happens.
“Don’t worry, Father.”
With that, Kellan helped Patrick upstairs to rest, both men tacitly agreeing to drop the subject.
The lakeside villa returned to its superficial calm, as if nothing had ever happened.
Meanwhile, in her car, Zina took off the mask. She bit her lip, staring out at the scenery.
Her mind was a mess, making it impossible to focus on driving.
Kellan’s face flashed in her mind, how he had leaned in close just before she left. His words, “Have we met before? You seem very familiar,” echoed in her ears.
“So annoying” she muttered, the sound barely audible before it dissipated into the air.
After a long pause, Zina finally pulled herself together and prepared to drive off.
She had to pretend today never happened. After all, she had more important things to do
She wondered how Chris was progressing with his tasks.
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