Chapter 221 The Patriarch’s Only Wish
"Enough!" The Everett Patriarch’s voice reverberated through the hall as he slammed his cane on the floor. His gaze was stern and indifferent, mirroring the same expression Zhane often wore—a clear indication of where Zhane got it from. Even in his advanced age, his authority and power were as strong as when he was in his prime.
"I did not call you all here to listen to your opinions. I called you to tell you my decision and to warn you all not to get involved in Zhane’s private matters." His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight that none could overlook. The pressure he exerted made everyone feel like wolves submitting to their alpha, knowing that defiance would be met with swift retribution.
"This matter ends here. You are all dismissed!" The Patriarch gave a final, warning gaze before snorting, "Hmph!" and resumed sipping his tea.
He knew what his branch family was thinking. Though he turned a blind eye to their under-the-table dealings with the Lennons, it didn’t mean he wasn’t closely monitoring his territory. He was giving them some leeway, but if they dared to interfere with his beloved grandson, he would certainly not hold back in exacting his retribution.
"Father, you are spoiling your grandson too much. We really need to think this through," Mr. Everett finally spoke after everyone else had been dismissed. His wife stood behind him, her head lowered, clearly conflicted.
"Ha!" The Patriarch sneered. "If not my grandson, who do you expect me to spoil? You? You’re old enough to be a grandfather yourself and still expect your father to coddle you?" His voice carried a hint of playful disdain. "If only you’d married earlier, then I’d have more grandchildren, and we wouldn’t have to worry so much about Zhane’s marriage."
His tone softened. "Zhane is old enough to make his own choices. Has he ever made a poor decision since he was a child? Our role as his family is to support and protect him. Besides, I can see that he’s the one interested in the girl. We don’t even know if she feels the same way. For all we know, he might get rejected and come home heartbroken." The Patriarch chuckled at the thought of his grandson returning dejectedly.
He then looked resentfully at his son again. "If only you’d given me more grandsons and granddaughters, perhaps some of them would be married by now, and I’d be able to hold their children. I’d die content knowing that our lineage was prospering and I will be able to face our ancestors with confidence." The previously stern and indifferent Patriarch now resembled a moody child, pouting in resentment. "I just want to hold my great-grandchildren before I pass away. I’m the oldest Patriarch of one of the oldest families with a deep history in this country. In a few years, I’ll be 80, and despite all the vitamins and care, I know my health is deteriorating. My only wish is to see my grandson and his wife come home and give me great-grandchildren."