Eddy took Blanche by the hand all rating skins and card thate gro
Fernands noticed how Terrell watches the farelly of three walk away hid themeførs shoulders stomping with disappointment Fernando red his son’s hair and said quietly ad will do his best
Dar
Terrell nodded solemnly “Healy likes Lara’s mom better as always mean to the pretty lady, always making her mad, and he won’t even let me have her as my mom That’s just not fair
“The pretty lady said I was a good boy today I try harder too I won’t make her angry, and I’ll grow up faster so I can protect her
“I wish the pretty lady would choose me instead of Healy
Terrell’s innocent words made Fernando smile, though he knew such a wish could
never come true.
Healy was Blanche’s child–no matter what mistakes he made, she’d always love him, forgive him, and help him. That would never change
Fernando didn’t want to crush Terrell’s hope, so he just answered softly, “Alright.”
“Professor, Ivycrest University sent over an invitation for tomorrow’s Founder’s Day. They’d like you, as a distinguished alumnus, to give the keynote address” Hugo Black, noticing Fernando’s weary mood, added, “I saw Miss Griffiths name on the guest list too.”
A flicker of light returned to Fernando’s eyes. He lifted Terrell up, his spirits much brighter as they headed home. “Help Dad pick out a sharp suit for the speech, alright? Something that’ll impress.”
Hugo trailed after them, watching father and son chatting and laughing as they disappeared into the night.
Later that night, Blanche dozed against the car door, exhaustion washing over her.
Eddy glanced at Blanche’s sleeping face and insisted on bringing Healy back to the old estate.
“Dad, I’ll be good from now on, I promise. Please don’t leave me here.”
“Healy, I thought you loved staying with Grandma?” Eddy said, knowing Loraine had already heard about the drama at the Andersons‘ engagement party. “It’s late. Gr upstairs, take a bath, and get some sleep. Grandma will read you a story later.”
21:40
With a reluctant nod, Healy let the butler lead him away.
Blanche shifted uncomfortably, waking to find herself still in the car outside the old family home. She stepped out, too tired to drive back to her own place, deciding to spend the night there.
She walked through the arched stone gate and, as she entered the house, saw Loraine and Eddy in the living room–Loraine seated, Eddy standing across from her, deep in conversation.
Blanche’s heels clicked softly against the
floor as she drew closer.
Suddenly, Loraine’s stern voice cut through the air.
“How could you let Jeannette marry Kelvin and let Lara call him Dad? Loraine was furious. “Yes, we welcomed her into this family, but that doesn’t mean you can just let things run wild.”
“You’re far too indulgent with Laney.”
“Mom, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”
When it came to Blanche, Eddy was always fiercely protective. He never wanted to hear a word against her.
Loraine knew it was pointless to argue, but she held up a stack of photos, dropping them on the coffee table. “Since Jeannette is marrying Kelvin, it’s time to let her go.” “Pick someone else from these girls.”
Blanche froze mid–step, listening from the hallway, curious how much uglier things
might get.
Eddy’s reply was icy. “Mom, isn’t Lara enough for you?”
“Lara is an Anderson now. She’s not coming back to us. If anything happens to Healy, who will inherit everything? The Simmons Group can’t be handed to just one child.” Loraine shoved the photos toward Eddy’s face. “These girls resemble Laney. even more than Jeannette does.”
Eddy didn’t even glance at them. His eyes stayed locked on Loraine. “Don’t push me,
Mom.”
“If you can accept Jeannette, why not pick someone who looks even more like Laney?” Loraine’s voice rose, a sudden realization dawning on her. “Don’t tell me you’re falling for Jeannette?”
Chapter 121
Her tone turned wounded. “You actually have feelings for her now?”
The living room fell silent. Eddy stared at Loraine, his face expressionless, refusing to dignify her accusation with an answer.
Loraine suddenly lost control, pounding her fists against Eddy’s chest, her voice nearlyrical. “You’re a man! You’re allowed to be fickle, but you can’t fall in love like this! You’re just like that bastard! I wasted my life raising you! All for nothing!”
“Get out! Get out of my sight!”
Eddy steadied the distraught Loraine into her chair, bowing his head. “Please look after Healy for the next few days, Mom.”
For a moment, the elegant matriarch of the Simmons Group looked utterly broken. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, “If I’d known it would come to this, why did I fight so hard for this company? Who was I working myself to the bone for, anyway?”
Eddy let her words hang in the air, saying nothing as he walked out of the living room. When his shadow crossed paths with Blanche’s wounded gaze in the hallway, shock flickered across his face, quickly chased by fear.
He rushed to her side. “Blanche, wait–let me explain.”
