The First Heir

The atmosphere in the hospital room seemed different.

Giada smiled a smile that encompassed the warmth of a spring breeze, one that Philip knew there was more than met the eye.

It was a smile that removed herself from the narrative while she mocked and threatened at the same time.

Standing from her seat, she walked toward Philip who looked as if his entire world had crashed. She spoke gently, “Take your time as you explain to Wynn, would you? We’ll meet again, very soon.”

With that, Giada waved to bid Wynn farewell. “I’ll be leaving first then, Wynn. I’m sure Philip has his reasons to hide from you, so I do hope you’ll keep an open mind and hear him out.”

Wynn was about to stand and send her out only to be held back by Philip.

With no other choice, she smiled politely. “You can come over next time then, Aunt Giada.”

“Oh?”

There was a new hint of shock in Giada’s expression at the invitation. Her brows curved into a smile. “Very well then, I’ll visit when I have time. I’ll get going now, wouldn’t want to intrude on you two any longer after all.”

Only after Wynn respectfully bode Giada farewell did Giada leave the room.

This left Wynn and Philip alone in the hospital room.

the door,”

child who had been caught red-handed, Philip hummed a sound of acknowledgment and went to

he felt a fear he had never

did Giada

Was it his identity?

Was it something else?

Wynn wore an expression of detached

elementary school student, Philip sat as

job, Philip Clarke. For how long have you been hiding this from

coldness of her tone seemed to carry

a glance at Wynn, Philip got a

‘What?’

unease written on her face as she pressed on. “Why’d you hide it from me? I’m your

felt disheartened. Tugging on Wynn’s hand, he played the guilty card.

You have to tell me

‘Stepmom?’

In a rush, he asked, “What else did

Riverdale is to check on how you’re doing. She also said that she hopes I can persuade you to go home, something about how your family needs you and how your dad’s side of the family wants you back too. Why didn’t you say yes? You’re father and son, what resentment can there possibly be between a father and his son? Find a time and clear your schedule.

uneasy and pressed on. “Did

is Giada Wallis

restaurant business? You told