Semua Bab Brian's Poisoned Vow – Forced to Wed, Determined to Kill : Bab 131 - Bab 140

In The Parlor Mr. Garfield was surrounded by his closest friends - Alfred, Leonard's father, and three others. They had been with him since before 9 a.m., rejoicing over the arrival of his grandchildren, whom they celebrated even without having seen their mother. Though all successful businessmen, that new milestone in Garfield's life surpassed any professional and business achievement. They were all of a similar age, and as their own children were still in their mid-twenties, none had yet become grandparents themselves.The topic of Brian's marriage likely would never have arisen had Jane not threatened Mr. Garfield with a scandal. Yet, his friends were genuinely happy for him. They ate, sipped choice wine, and found amusement in the children's defiant behaviors and temper tantrums.Leonard's father was particularly captivated. He had been enjoying a ball game with the twins, but when he grew tired and decided to stop, he was utterly charmed by the way little Brian expressed his ang

He pulled the bag closer and unzipped it. "It's our company crested babies clothes."Curiously, Valerie opened the bag and brought out one of the clothes and stopped dead. Brian brought another one and displayed it. "This will look good on our son."He saw her disturbed face and furrowed brow. "What's it? Don't you ...""They are my products. I made them.""... like them?" Brian finished, his voice trailing off as he registered her stunned expression.Valerie stared at the tiny, beautifully tailored shirt in her hands, the familiar weight and feel of the fabric confirming it beyond doubt. "They are my products. I made them," she repeated, her voice a mix of disbelief and a faint, burgeoning pride.Brian’s brow remained furrowed, not in anger, but in pure confusion. "What do you mean, you made them? This is from 'Val-Bri Creations'... a new, exclusive brand we sourced." He took the garment from her, his fingers brushing against the distinctive, silky-soft collar he had specifically co

"The heir has been all over the news since yesterday," Ben pointed out, trying to contextualize the sudden shift in the room."Yes, and almost entirely in a negative light," Dr. Summer added, his brow furrowed. "The question on everyone's mind is, why would a man in his position call off such a public wedding so abruptly?"A low, guttural sound escaped Paschal’s lips. His hands, which had been resting calmly on his knees, were now clenched into white-knuckled fists. When he spoke, his voice was laced with a venom so profound it chilled the air. "It serves the bride right." The words were not just spoken; they were carved out of a deep, personal well of hatred, a side of the gentle man the doctors were witnessing for the very first time."Ha!" The sharp, involuntary exclamation burst from both Dr. Summer and Ben who were not aware of their relationship with Jane, in unison. Their heads swiveled from the television to stare at Paschal, their professional composure broken by sheer shock

Valerie’s face, which had been radiant with relief moments before, softened with a profound and familiar sorrow. She looked from the doctor to her father, her eyes pleading. "Yes ... I've always wanted to see it. To finally say a proper goodbye." Her voice was thick with a grief that had been waiting for a place to land. "I was gone before ... before I could."All eyes turned to Paschal. The complex emotions of forgiveness and joy that had illuminated his features collapsed, replaced by a raw, defensive agony. He had built a fortress around that pain, and now his daughter gently asked for the key."Paschal," Dr. Summer said gently, his voice a low, clinical calm amidst the brewing storm. "She is ready. It's time to take her to her mother's grave. She deserves to know."Valerie broke away from Brian and reached for her father's hands, which had grown cold. "Papa, we have to be strong. We have to move on. Mom would be happy ... if we are ... happy," she persuaded. When Paschal finally

"Hello, Joan," Magdalene greeted, her tone measured and laced with wary curiosity.Jane relaxed, hoping to hear good news for the first time since her wedding failed."Hello, Maggie," Joan responded with a normal tone. The old nickname sparked a happy memory, sounding like a sudden sunbeam in Magdalene's ear after so many years. "I called," she continued, a saccharine sweetness coating her words, "just to congratulate you and your daughter on your ... your successful wedding."She sounded genuinely pleased with her, but Magdalene was skeptical. Nothing good ever came from Joan where she was concerned. The news broadcasts, of course, would have told her everything about the wedding and she was merely pretending. "You didn't even bother to invite me," Joan lamented, her tone a masterclass in feigned hurt.The ploy was unmistakable, and Magdalene fell for it. 'She must have been through a lot like me and decided to end our feud,' she thought, a flutter of hopeful relief in her chest. De