Waylen lit a cigarette; halfway through it, he spoke up.
âAt first, when I aided the Douglas family and took you in, the primary reason was indeed your rare blood type.
But ponder this, Leonel.
Over the years, did I not treat you as my own, or did Rena not adore you like a son? She even yearned to love you more, yet I held her back.
I believed all four children in the family deserved equal treatment.
You shouldnât be the exception even if we felt bad for you.
â
He took a drag from his cigarette.
âAnd besides, youâre the eldest.
Itâs your duty to look after the younger ones.
â
He then added, âWouldnât you agree, Leonel?â
Leonel nodded.
His heart ached even more, a dense, throbbing anguish.
Growing infuriated increasingly, Waylen continued, âYou ventured abroad, explored the world, and you donât want to come back and inherit Exceed Group.
No issue! Iâm just delighted with your thriving career of your own! But all of this assumes you donât harbor affection for Alexis and never considered a life together with her!
Yet deep down, you clearly care for her while simultaneously yearning to evade this life.
Leonel, I know Alexis best.
She wonât easily turn back! Now, at this point, my two children are causing each other pain.
How am I supposed to handle this?â
He couldnât contain himself any longer and scolded, âYou darn fool, not even allowing me a peaceful holiday.
â
Leonel projected an imposing presence outside.
Everyone addressed him with utmost respect, but in Waylenâs presence, he endured the scolding.
A prickling sensation even nagged at his nose.
Waylen once more took up the passport, assessing it thoughtfully.
v
âYouâre young and ambitious, free to run wherever you wish.
Rena and I canât hold you back any longer.
We donât expect anything except for when the day weâre both gone, you will return, bearing a bunch of chrysanthemums for us.
After that, you can fly wherever your heart desires!â
âMr.
Fowler!â Leonel exclaimed.
Shame overwhelmed him.
Waylen shot him another stern look.
âYou darn fool!â
Having uttered those words, he departed, and Renaâs voice echoed from the doorway.
âWhat did Leonel say?â