Chapter 104: An illegitimate child
At the Reid family mansion...
Theodore had barely stepped inside when Malcolm’s voice thundered through the hall, shaking the very foundations of the house.
"Such a disappointment, Theodore!" he bellowed, not offering the customary greeting. "I haven’t expected this from you."
Theodore froze, confusion etched on his face. What transgression had earned him this furious reception? His gaze darted to Claudia and Franklin, ensconced on a plush sofa. The smug and self-satisfied look on their faces clearly indicated that they had poisoned Malcolm’s mind yet again against him.
"What accusations have you fed Grandpa this time?" Theodore’s voice was laced with a steely glint. His gaze narrowed as he locked eyes with the scheming duo.
Claudia, never missing a chance to play the victim, sniffled dramatically. "Look at yourself," she snarled, feigning outrage. "You make a mistake, then try to deflect blame! You’ve never acknowledged me, always treating me with such disdain. Yet, I’ve never wished ill upon you or this family. Your behavior is simply unacceptable!"
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, shedding fake tears.
Franklin reached out, his hand resting comfortingly on Claudia’s shoulder. "There, there, Mom, don’t cry."
The charade was nauseating, a well-rehearsed act designed to paint Theodore as the villain and themselves as the wronged victims.
Theodore clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him. It was always the same. He watched Claudia and Franklin’s performance with a detached boredom. This was a well-worn script, a pathetic attempt to sway Malcolm’s favor. But he wouldn’t let them wrong him again. Enough was enough.