“Do you really think I’d dare leave Elion in the Arclayne Group’s hands, just so you and that woman can hurt him? Do you honestly believe that the Mirelin Family is powerless against you?”
Caedric responded, his expression dark and brooding.
“Giselle, the Mirelin Family may hold significant influence, but the Arclayne Group is the wealthiest in this region. We’re not so easily bullied.”
I was just about to call him shameless when my father–in–law suddenly spoke, his voice low and firm.
“Elion is a descendant of the Arclayne Group. We have every right to ask him to stay.“”
I turned to look at my father–in–law, startled. I had always assumed he was a rational man. Never did I expect him to take such a protective stance.”
But then, my father–in–law looked at me, offered a small smile and walked over.
“Giselle, you shouldn’t leave either.”
Then, turning his head, his expression abruptly turned sharp and commanding. “Caedric, you are the one who should go.“”
was momentarily stunned and Caedric stared at my father–in–law in bewilderment.”
“Dad, are you confused right now? I’m your only son. Why are you asking me to leave?“}
“Who do you intend to pass down the Arclayne Group legacy to? Who will carry on the Arclayne name? Are you truly content to watch the Arclayne Group fall into the hands of the Mirelin Family?”
My father–in–law gave a cold snort, turned away and instructed the housekeeper to retrieve some documents from the study.
Moments later, he handed a folder of documents to Caedric.”
“Caedric, you’re not actually a member of the Arclayne Family bloodline. You’re just an orphan I adopted from an orphanage.“[
My mother–in–law was already in tears. My father–in–law placed a hand on her shoulder, gently sighing as he tried to comfort her. His halting explanation revealed a deeply buried family secret, one that all the guests were now silently witnessing.”
Years ago, during a trip abroad, the couple’s only biological son had tragically fallen from a cliff and died. The devastating loss left my mother–in–law emotionally broken and she suffered several severe mental breakdowns.
Desperate to help her recover, my father–in–law went to an orphanage and adopted a little boy who somewhat resembled their late son, hoping this would soothe her grief.”
He then took his wife and the child overseas for several years before presenting the boy to the public as their own son,
Caedric.
After they returned to this country, everyone who had seen Caedric grow up simply assumed he was their biological child. Although he bore little physical resemblance to my father–in–law, no one questioned it. After all, children could change dramatically as they grew.
Caedric had been just three years old at the time of the adoption. With no memory of his life before then, he had always believed he was the rightful heir to the Arclayne Group.
Caedric stared at the adoption papers with wide, horrified eyes, his voice rising into a desperate roar again and again.”
“Impossible! This is impossible! I am the only rightful heir of the Arclayne Group!”
My father–in–law let out a long sigh, his eyes clouded with grief as tears welled up and finally spilled over.”
“If my son were still alive, he would never have committed such heartless acts or brought such disgrace to the Arclayne Group name.”
My mother–in–law, too, was in tears.”
At last, my father–in–law straightened his posture, composing himself and declared firmly,
“Caedric, you do not possess the kind and upright character that defines the Arclayne Group. You are unworthy of being its heir. From this day forward, we are terminating your adoption. You are no longer part of this family. You must leave.”}
Caedric was completely thrown into panic. He scrambled forward on his hands and knees and knelt in front of my father–in–law.
“Dad, I was wrong. I know I was wrong. Please forgive me. I swear I will never make such a mistake again.“}
As he spoke, he suddenly turned and rushed over to me, throwing his arms around my legs.
“Giselle, I love you. I was confused, just for a moment. And poor Sandra… she was so helpless. Giselle, please, I’m begging you. Please help me plead with them. I can’t be cast out of the Arclayne Group.”
Just then, Sandra slowly regained consciousness. Her voice was soft.
“Caedric…”
She propped herself up, eyes filled with sorrow and looked toward Caedric.
“Caedric… our baby… our little treasure…”
As she spoke, tears brimmed in her eyes, ready to fall. I looked at Caedric with quiet, mournful eyes.
But Caedric had no time or patience for a weeping beauty. He clung even tighter to my legs, his entire body trembling as He continued to plead.
“Giselle, have you really forgotten the good times we shared? Don’t you remember our trip together? I carried you up that mountain. Your feet were swollen from the pregnancy and I massaged them for you every single day…”
Caedric recounted every memory, one by one, desperately trying to revive whatever softness might still remain in my
heart.
