AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good. I don’t want to be your leader either, Grandma.”
Shock filled her features, then was erased. She huffed and sneered at him.
“You will be stripped of your last name and your rights to the family treasures. That includes the house you’re living in. You will be stripped of everything you value, including family dinners, heirlooms, and—”
“That’s enough, Verity. This whole spectacle has embarrassed us enough, no thanks to you and your grandson.”
It was like a gavel being pounded as the voice alone shut everyone up, including Verity. There was no surge of energy, but Carlos’ appearance was enough, his powerful aura intimidating everyone nearby. The distinguished gray hair, dark eyes, and impeccable clothes added to the effect. The family murmured their greeting, but he ignored them, marching straight toward the two opposing.
“When I say grandson, I mean Gunther and every immoral thing he did,” he clarified. “But you played a part in that, too, Henry, and I’m afraid I can’t let it slide. It’s my fault, to begin with, for retiring early and letting Verity take the reins for too long.”
Verity made a sound, but the hand Carlos held up prevented her from speaking. Realizing who held the real power here, Henry focused on him.
“Grandfather. What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that my wife is right and you can no longer be a part of this family after all this mess.” A pause. “But we will not be bothering you in whatever life you choose so long as you don’t bother us anymore either.”
Translation: let bygones be bygones and leave the rest of the stones unturned.
“Does that include Martin too?”
Carlos spared Ryan a glance, who nodded.
“Sure,” Carlos confirmed. “It looks like Ryan needs a butler of his own.”
Verity glowered in Ryan’s direction, but Ryan chose to avoid her gaze. They all waited until Henry finally nodded and Carlos held out a hand. They shook on it like strangers. Then Carlos led the family away, leaving the two staring at their backs.
“I guess that’s that.”
“It was the best decision,” Pearl assured.
“It was, after everything,” John piped in, strolling over and appearing to have heard the entire conversation. “Henry, do you still want the Council position?”
Now Henry stared at him.
“Only if I’m allowed it. You should take note that I have just been kicked out of my clan.”
“And you should take note that we don’t view positions that way, not when you’re one of our most competent members, even without the Lyra connection,” John intoned, then nodded. “I shall see you in the next session.”
Henry turned to Pearl in disbelief while she grinned at him cheekily. Before they could say or do anything, Moon cut in, hugging her tight and enthusiastically slapping Henry’s shoulder. Henry winced. Moon opened his mouth, but Henry beat him to it.
“Moon, do you still live with Pearl?”
The younger man eyed him in confusion. “Yes. Why?”
“I’ll build you a house. I’ll build you a mansion so long as you promise to move out and we can have the cottage to ourselves. If you want a butler, I’ll provide that too. I have enough fortune outside of the family,” Henry added, thinking of Martin. At Moon’s silence, he tilted his head. “Unless, of course, you don’t mind hearing loud noises late at night and every single day. I should warn you that it’s going to go on for months. Years, even…”
Pearl gasped and pinched his side, but Henry didn’t budge. Moon turned red, stuttering a yes and excusing himself. When he was gone, Henry grinned and took her hand.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said. “I don’t want any more interruption when I kiss you next—and when I tell you repeatedly how much I love you.”
Her breath hitched and her eyes softened. She grinned, too, glowing amid the crowd. “I love you too, Henry. The goofy side, the sexy side, and the serious and powerful side. The giant and shadow too. All of it. But I’m sure kissing isn’t the only thing on your mind.”
With a laugh, one freer than any laugh he had let out in years, Henry pulled her out of the room and set out to prove her right.
THE END
