Chapter 774:
âAs for not being even a shadow of the handsome man you were in your youthâ¦â She picked up a white chess piece with deliberate slowness and flashed him a knowing smile.
âMr. Green, donât start decorating yourself with imaginary feathers.â
The words hit their mark, and in an instant, Nathanielâs mood soured. Was she suggesting he was too full of himself? Back in his prime, he had been a heartthrob, much more popular than Rhys.
Clearing his throat, Nathaniel opened his mouth to retort, but before he could speak, a familiar voice cut through the air.
âGrandpa, you said I am dull? And less attractive than you in your youth?â There was a pause, followed by a teasing smirk.
âSeems like you donât crave those shrimps anymore.â
Nathanielâs face froze.
He had been moments away from playfully scolding Rhys, but the mention of shrimps caused his expression to soften immediately, turning into a warm, almost affectionate smile.
âOh, youâre here.
Are the shrimps ready so soon?â
Rhys stood in the doorway, a mischievous glint in his eye as he regarded his grandfather with a knowing smile. Nathaniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
He knew that smile of Rhysâ was never a good sign.
Sure enough, the next moment, he heard his grandson revealing his past.
âGrandpa, I heard that back in the day, you and my grandma tied the knot for the benefit of both families, lacking true feelings for each other, and your heart was always with Nicolaâ¦â
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Before Rhys could finish, Nathaniel shot back sharply, âHarlee is right here.
Could you at least spare me some dignity?â
Nathanielâs anger flared. The thought of Harlee finding out he had fallen for Rhysâ grandmother right after his marriage was more than he could bear. It would be utterly embarrassing.
Faced with the prospect of enduring his grandsonâs razor-sharp tongue any longer, Nathaniel figured it was better to simply shuffle off and challenge Sprague to another round of backgammon, all while gathering more information about Harlee.
After all, now that he had met Harlee, arranging another backgammon game would only take a phone call.
Still, a flicker of regret gnawed at Nathaniel.
His main objective remained unfulfilled, leaving a taste of disappointment lingering on his tongue.
But time was on his side.
As long as Harlee stayed in the picture, he would eventually mend the strained relationship between Rhys and his parents.
He could only hope to see his plan unfold before he passed away.
The weight of his past actions pressed down on him like a storm cloud, but he would make amends, one step at a time.
Nathaniel rose slowly, relying on his leg for support.
He waved a hand toward Harlee and Rhys.
âAlright, I wonât interrupt your time together.
.
.
.