Chapter 217: The family mess
Theodore hung his head down, letting out a deep sigh. He remained silent, unsure of where he should start.
Willow’s frown deepened as she waited for his answer. Her frustration bubbled inside her as she didn’t get his answer.
"Why aren’t you saying anything?" she asked impatiently, approaching the worktable. "Did you argue with her?"
Theodore looked at his hands, the ache in his heart growing. Silence enveloped him, the weight of his turmoil making it hard to find the right words.
"Is it because of that old hag?" Willow hissed, her annoyance now fully bubbling to the surface. "Why is he still interfering in your life? Can’t he let you live freely? Why does he insist on controlling everything? I’m so sick of that old man!"
"Willow," Theodore interjected sharply, his expression stern. "He is our elder – our grandpa. Show some respect."
"Respect? Humph!" Willow scoffed, her eyes rolling in exasperation. "For what? All the elders in the Reid family are pathetic. They ruined Mom’s life, and that so-called grandfather of yours chose Claudia over his own daughter-in-law! He could have stopped Dad from marrying her, but no—he let it happen. He stood by and did nothing! Now, he is trying to ruin your life in the same way. What’s his problem?"
"That’s enough, Willow," Theodore growled, his voice cold and commanding. "I won’t tolerate any more insults toward Grandpa."
Willow blinked, stunned by his reaction. "I can’t believe this," she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "You’re still defending him? He was the reason Mom and Dad divorced! He was the one who had supported Dad’s affair with Claudia. How can you just forget that?"
Her body trembled in anger and helplessness, her voice rising as her emotions got the best of her. "And now, he wants to push Bella away from you. How could you let him control your life like this?"
"I haven’t forgotten anything," Theodore grumbled, his tone low but filled with bitterness. "But Mom and Dad’s relationship was already falling apart long before Grandpa got involved. Their marriage was a lost cause. Grandpa gave Mom the freedom she needed. He didn’t want her stuck in a toxic, loveless relationship. It wasn’t about siding with Claudia—it was about giving her a chance to escape."
Willow rolled her eyes and turned aside, not willing to believe that. The pain of the past haunted her. The anger for Malcolm in her heart seemed to intensify.