Chapter 127: The suspicion
Theodore arrived at the mansion and followed the butler to the sprawling backyard. As they rounded the corner, the sight of Malcolm seated at a grand patio table came into view. The older man quietly sipped his coffee, the steam curling up from the cup in the cool afternoon air.
"You’ve arrived," Malcolm observed, his voice carrying its usual grave undertone. He nodded toward the chair opposite him. "Sit down."
The butler, with a practiced grace, poured a fresh cup of coffee for Theodore, who accepted it with a brisk nod. "Thank you," he murmured, taking a measured sip. He then fixed his gaze on his grandfather. "You called for me urgently. Is there something you need to discuss?"
Malcolm dismissed the butler with a slight wave of his hand. With a respectful bow, the butler retreated, leaving the two men alone.
"It’s unfortunate, what Bella has endured," Malcolm began, his voice devoid of warmth, his face an unreadable mask. "No one should have to experience such horrors. I feel for her, truly. She must be terrified."
The words dripped with a seemingly genuine empathy, but his impassive expression betrayed no real emotion. It was as though the empathy in his voice was a mere formality rather than a heartfelt sentiment.
Yet, Theodore found solace in the fact that Malcolm had acknowledged Bella’s suffering.
"She has sustained a concussion, but the doctor has assured me she will recover within a few days," Theodore explained gently. "Indeed, she is traumatized. But I’m there for her. She’ll be fine soon."
"Huh..." Malcolm sighed deeply, a grimace twisting his features. "It is a shame that a father would kidnap and abuse his daughter. Even though they weren’t blood-related, he raised her. It’s madness. Theodore, if the words go out, people will not stop talking about Bella and her family background. Considering that you’ve chosen to be with her, I can’t bear the thought of our family’s daughter-in-law being the subject of ridicule."
Theodore recognized the lingering prejudice in his grandfather’s tone and the unspoken disapproval of Bella’s place in their family. He, on the other hand, could never leave Bella and at the same time, he couldn’t ignore his grandfather’s wish.