Chapter 25
A few days later, Sloan and Tristan were standing outside the City Hall, ready to get their marriage license.
That’s when her phone rang.
“Sloan, you’re alive – thank God! I’m so relieved to hear that. I heard you came back to Riverdale. Your mom left something with me before she passed away. I didn’t get the chance to give it to you, but now that you’re back, why don’t you come home and get it?” Mr. Tanner’s fake, oily voice slithered through the phone
Sloan tightened her grip on the phone. She knew he was probably lying, but she could risk missing something her mom left behind.
What if it was true?
Her mother had been the most important person in her life. After her mother’s death, her daughter became her world. If there was even the slightest chance her mother had left her something meaningful, she couldn’t ignore it. She’d regret it for the rest of her life.
After hanging up, she explained the situation to Tristan. They decided to postpone getting their marriage license.
Tristan understood why Sloan was anxious. He didn’t complain – instead, he gently reassured her, “I’ll go with you.”
They got into the car and drove straight to the Tanner estate.
When Mr. Tanner saw Tristan, his eyes lit up, his smile growing even wider.
The recent chaos in Riverdale had made everyone realize just how powerful Tristan was.
–
At first, people had underestimated him thinking he’s just another rich–kid with more confidence than sense. Who was he to challenge the old–money families with their deep roots and connections?
But after digging into his background, they realized the Grant Family had always been well–established in Riverdale. Tristan’s grandfather was close with major figures in both politics and the military. The Grant Family’s businesses weren’t well–known in the U.S., but abroad, they were among the most influential corporations.
If Mr. Tanner could attach himself to someone like Tristan, life would be smooth sailing – both at home and overseas.
“Where is it?” Sloan asked, getting straight to the point.
She’d lived in the Tanner house long enough to know exactly what kind of person her dad
was.
“I’m so glad to see you again, Sloan.” Mr. Tanner smiled, ignoring her cold tone. “Before you left to get married, your mother said she missed you. Before she died, she wanted to give you something said it was something precious she wanted you to have. I’ve kept it safe and after I called you, I put it in the study.”
Then his eyes gleamed as he added, “By the way, why don’t you let your boyfriend stay? He
Chapter 24
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well established in Faverosie, instan s granotainer was close win major ngures in both politics and the military. The Grant Family’s businesses weren’t well known in the U.S., but abroad, they were among the most influential corporations.
if Mr. Tanner could attach himself to someone like Tristan, life would be smooth sailing both at home and overseas.
“Where is it?” Sloan asked, getting straight to the point
She’d lived in the Tanner house long enough to know exactly what kind of person her dad
was
“I’m so glad to see you again, Sloan.” Mr. Tanner smiled, ignoring her cold tone. “Before you left to get married, your mother said she missed you. Before she died, she wanted to give you something said it was something precious she wanted you to have. I’ve kept it safe and after I called you, I put it in the study.”
Then his eyes gleamed as he added, “By the way, why don’t you let your boyfriend stay? He
can keep me company while we play a game of chess.”
Sloan’s eyes darkened. He was obviously trying to separate them. He was up to something.
She turned to Tristan and said quietly, “You don’t need to be polite with him. I’ve cut ties with everyone in this house.”
Mr. Tanner’s face immediately darkened. He had never liked this daughter of his. Even though they shared the same blood, her rough and unrefined behavior made her nothing like his lovely adoptive daughter.
It never occurred to him–how could his own daughter speak to him like that? Like some ungrateful stray? He even suspected that their DNA test results had been switched. He cursed her in his heart but kept smiling at Tristan, chatting with forced warmth. Sloan walked into the study and found Wyatt was sitting in the armchair. He looked thin and worn down, his eyes ringed with dark circles. His former cocky confidence was gone. As soon as he saw her, his eyes lit up with a fragile spark of hope.
“Sloan,” he called weakly. When Sloan didn’t answer, he continued, “I’m sick, Sloan.”
“I don’t see how that’s any of my business,” Sloan replied coldly.
Her indifference twisted something deep inside Wyatt’s chest. Had she really stopped loving him? Was that why every conversation now felt steeped in resentment?
But he wasn’t ready to give up.
“I have liver cancer,” he said, lowering his head. “Would you… stay with me through the treatment?”
Sloan’s eyes narrowed. She felt a brief flicker of curiosity, wondering if he was really sick- but that was all. Whatever was going on with Wyatt had nothing to do with her anymore.
“I can’t,” she said calmly. “The only thing I can offer is to wish you a quick recovery. I have better things to do than stand here listening to you whine.”
