Chapter 71: Heated argument
Dimitri’s frail frame trembled slightly as he sank back into his recliner, old memories surfacing like ghosts from the past. He had witnessed bloodshed within his own family—battles between his sons that had left scars too deep to heal. He would not allow history to repeat itself.
Seeing his grandfather’s sudden weakness, Augustine’s expression shifted to concern. He stepped forward hurriedly. "Grandpa... are you alright?"
Dimitri waved a dismissive hand, brushing off the concern, but his eyes seemed distant, clouded with something unreadable. Then, his expression hardened.
"If you intend to challenge your own family, abandon that thought immediately," he said coldly, his sharp gaze locking onto Augustine’s. "I understand you have suffered. I know you have held resentment toward your uncle for years. But no matter what, we are bound by blood. Family is not something you can cast aside."
Augustine’s jaw tightened. "Am I wrong?" he countered. "I never wanted to sever ties with this family. It was you who sent me away. You cut me off."
Dimitri remained quiet, his shoulders slumping under the weight of unspoken truths. Yes, he had been the one to send Augustine away—driven by the fear that his grandson would meet the same tragic fate as his parents. He had done it to protect him, to keep him alive.
But he couldn’t say that. He couldn’t reveal the harsh reality, knowing it would only stir up more conflict, perhaps even bloodshed. The truth about the past was buried deep, where Augustine could reach it. And he intended to take that secret to his grave.
"You stopped contacting me," Augustine continued to whine, pulling Dimitri back to reality. "You even stopped sending financial support."
Dimitri’s body went rigid at his words, his expression shifting from stern to startled. No financial support? How was that possible?