Chapter 617

Hamilton’s words were like an emotional grenade, detonating without warning and leaving shockwaves in their path.

Not only did Frederic’s face look like it had taken a hit, but I bet even a fly buzzing by would have swelled up from the blast. Only his dad knew how to handle this black sheep of the family,

Glynnis shrunk behind Frederic like a quail in hiding, too scared to even show her face.

Evadne hurried over, her voice soft and soothing, “Marilla, honey, don’t be scared. I’m here, your brother and granddad are here too.”

Marilla lifted her tear–stained face from Jareth’s embrace; her cheeks were swollen as if soaked by the moon’s glow, dampening his shirt with her tears.

“Evadne.”

That term of endearment brought a swell of emotion to Evadne’s eyes, a numbing pain to her heart.

Marilla, choking back sobs, clung to Jareth’s shirt, her delicate hands gripping tight, “I don’t want to be apart from Jareth.”

In that moment, Jareth felt a sharp pain in his chest, pulling her in closer as if to crush her into his being, “We won’t be apart, Marilla, no matter what happens, I won’t leave you,”

Evadne stood speechless, her heart brimming with empathy.

In Marilla, she saw her own past self- the one who had been locked away at home by Emeric, the one who had leapt from her window on a stormy night, frantic to find Thaddeus.

She too had been held in his arms, insisting over and over that she couldn’t bear to be apart from him.

But she had been luckier than Marilla.

Emeric was all bark and no bite, his harsh words belied a tenderness and a willingness to compromise for the love of his daughter.

But Frederic was different. Self–serving and cold–hearted, how could he truly have Marilla’s best interests at heart?

To him, his reputation and the Abernathy family’s interests trumped everything, even family ties.

I came here today to back these young lovebirds!” Hamilton’s gaze was steely

What are you saying?”

fuming, his eyes bloodshot with anger, his words almost laughable, “Why should I die?”

why should a man like you die? Especially since you’re the esteemed chairman of the Abernathy Group. You’ve just managed to push me into retirement; you

for Marilla and Thaddeus‘ sake, but you’re acting as if you’re the

his hand gripping the stair’s railing, veins bulging with

father had berated him with harsh words

in front of his

suddenly realized. which he never took to heart. and Jareth as well.

did Hamilton know every detail of their conversation with Jareth? He had just arrived, hadn’t

half an hour

quietly parked outside

Inside the vehicle.

und Hamilton, watching his lady love openly display her skills in front of Hamilton,

handed

done?” Hamilton looked at her in amazement.

“Yes.”

talented! Not like Thaddeus, good only for making money!” Hamilton said, playfully pinching

Thaddeus turned silent.

old man, not only was he putting him down, but

trio huddled together, intently watching everything unfold on

bullied, clenched

we go now?” Thaddeus asked, his voice

was grave, “Let’s

youngsters were

this is undoubtedly a tough test

to see just how much Jareth loves Marilla and whether he has the strength to protect my little granddaughter. The Fairhaven family, as

and Thaddeus exchanged looks, deeply

love of an elder for the younger generation.

with his actions, had thoroughly earned Hamilton’s

give his blessing,

a warm, friendly smile as he beckoned the young couple over, “Marilla, Jareth, come

and, with his arm around

nearly swollen shut from crying, but her sweet demeanor made the scene

“Ah.”

his granddaughter’s hand in his, “My dear girl, you’re

head through her tears, “No,

features contorted

bomb. All those years she’d spent playing the sweet and dutiful granddaughter, fawning over Hamilton, were a

game of love and family. She’d

gaze settled on Jareth once more. “Jareth, my granddaughter is in your hands now. You’ve got to take good care of her, spoil her rotten. Just like Thaddeus loves llana, be

“Grandpa, I can.”

reddened eyes, “I swear to you, and I swear to God. I will love Marilla for all my days, till death do us part. Otherwise,

could finish, Marilla tiptoed up to him, her

Jareth. You don’t have to say

at her tears secretly, while Thaddeus wrapped an arm around her

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