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Chapter_82
The tension from the engagement party lingered as it came to a close, the weight of family struggles still heavy in the air. Most of the Ellington family had already departed, leaving behind only Percival’s immediate family. The atmosphere was tense, heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions.
As the last of the guests trickled out, Beatrice seized the opportunity to confront Dorian. Her presence was commanding, and she didn’t mince words. “Dorian, when are you going to give me that thing?”
Dorian’s heart sank. He had hoped to avoid this confrontation, but it was inevitable. He looked at his mother, a mixture of disappointment and lingering hope in his gaze. “Mom, have you really decided? For that thing, you’re willing to give up on me, your son?”
Beatrice didn’t hesitate. Her decision was firm. “You’re the one who gave up on me, not the other way around. You’ve been defying me over and over again for that woman. If you don’t care about me or the Hawthorn family, then fine. I won’t consider you my son. Give me the thing, and we’re no longer related. Don’t think I need you to look after me either.”
Her words stung, and Dorian, though prepared for this, felt the sharpness of her rejection deep within. She had already severed ties once before, but now it was final.
Dorian turned to look at Cordelia, Vivienne, and Thaddeus, then sighed deeply. He knew it wasn’t a matter of if, but when he would comply. “We’re all worn out today. Let’s rest tonight, and tomorrow I’ll go to Hawthorn Mansion to hand it over to you.”
With finality in his voice, he added, “If you’ve really decided to give up on me, then call your lawyer tomorrow. We’ll get everything notarized. That’s it.”
Without waiting for a response, Dorian walked away, leaving his mother standing there, her face a mask of frustration and anger.
Outside, the bright sun seemed to mock Dorian’s inner turmoil. He stood for a moment, silent, as his family remained by his side, offering him a quiet solidarity. Thaddeus, unable to understand the depths of his father’s pain, tugged gently on his hand, his innocent words breaking the silence. “Dad, don’t cry. Thaddeus will always be with you.”
Dorian smiled softly, wiping away a stray tear. “Dad’s not crying. I just got something in my eye.”
Cordelia, ever the understanding partner, took his hand gently. “Dorian, let’s go home.”
And just like that, Dorian had a sudden realization. Why should he be upset? Whether the Hawthorn family was in his life or not didn’t matter anymore. He had his family now, and that was enough.
Back at the hotel, after Dorian’s departure, Beatrice was still simmering with anger and impatience. Michael approached her, concern etched on his face. “Mom, do you really think Dorian will hand over the thing?”
Beatrice’s reply was sharp. “We’ve asked him countless times, and he always says he doesn’t have it. But now, it’s clear. Dorian’s been lying to us. But if he’s willing to hand it over now, that’s something.”
Michael’s relief was palpable. “If Dorian hands it over, the Hawthorn family can be saved. We might even prosper more. That thing is worth more than ten million dollars.”
Beatrice’s mood lightened significantly at the thought. “You better call the lawyer. We can’t let Dorian change his mind now.”
Meanwhile, Arabella, who had been silently watching the exchange, seemed to have something on her mind. She hesitated before speaking up. “Grandma, I heard Michael say that the thing Dad has is worth more than ten million dollars. Why didn’t Dad sell it after he left?”
Beatrice’s face clouded slightly at the mention of Evelyn, but she quickly recovered. “What else could it be for? Of course, it’s for love! Your father, once he sees a woman, loses all control. First it was Evelyn. Now it’s Cordelia. These two women are the bane of our family.”
Arabella, confused by her grandmother’s bitterness, pressed on. “But Evelyn’s gone. What’s the point of Dad keeping it now?”
Beatrice grew uncomfortable at the mention of Evelyn, and Arabella wisely dropped the subject.
Beatrice then leaned in, her tone lowering as she spoke to her granddaughter in a conspiratorial manner. “Arabella, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”
Arabella looked up at her, intrigued. “What is it, Grandma?”
Beatrice’s eyes gleamed with calculated determination. “I want you to get close to Percival, win his heart, and then marry him.”
Arabella froze, taken aback by the boldness of the suggestion. Beatrice’s words made her realize they were on the same page. Percival, with his newly healed legs and newfound potential, was now a valuable catch.
Seeing her granddaughter’s hesitation, Beatrice pressed on. “I didn’t want you to marry Percival before. I thought he was a lost cause, but now it’s clear he’s not. Richard wouldn’t have handed over the Ellington Group to him if he was useless. He’s been playing us all. We’ve already missed one chance with him. We can’t afford to miss another.”
Beatrice’s eyes narrowed as she saw the way the Ellingtons treated Vivienne. As the heir, Percival held the future of the family in his hands. But Vivienne—could she truly handle the role of mistress? Beatrice didn’t think so. And that’s where Arabella could step in.
Arabella, though silent, kept her emotions hidden. She was already planning on winning Percival back anyway. Beatrice’s plan just aligned perfectly with her own desires.
Lowering her gaze and appearing obedient, Arabella finally spoke, “Granny, I’ll back you up on this.”
A pleased smile crossed Beatrice’s face. “Good! That’s my considerate granddaughter!”
And just like that, the seeds of a new plan were sown, one that could change the course of the Hawthorn family’s future forever.
