Chapter 15
“You unfilial son! Are you really going to fight with your own parents over a dead woman?! What’s wrong with Marla? As long as she can bear children, that’s enough” Bernard and Lucinda Everhart had been confined to the family estate for days, repeating similar words countless times
Leander wasn’t surprised when he entered. While Elara was alive, his parents had tormented her constantly. Now that she was dead, these people were surely even more brazen.
Perhaps having vented all his emotions completely, Leander felt his mind was crystal clear now.
He walked in step by step. His parents paused when they saw him, then continued: “You finally deign to come. Look at yourself–what will people think? They’ll mock the Everhart family! Call off your guards, then marry Marla. Make a public announcement about it, and don’t forget about the child either. We’re doing this for your own good, Leander.”
When they’d imposed family punishment on Elara, when they’d proposed sending her abroad, his parents had also said “for your own good, for the family.” He hadn’t thought much of it then, but now, considering it carefully, how foolish he must have been to follow those words.
Leander pulled his lips into a smile.
His parents thought this was a sign of reconciliation and pressed their advantage: “We know you’re heartbroken about Elara’s death. You should have adjusted by now after these days. All those previous actions were just impulsive behavior.”
“Elara died because of you. If you hadn’t insisted on sending her abroad, she wouldn’t have met with that accident. You killed her,” Leander said calmly.
His parents froze for a moment, then immediately became angry: “What do you mean by that? If she hadn’t been unable to have children while constantly harming Marla, would we have done that? Besides, you agreed to send Elara abroad too! Leander, she’s dead now–talking about it is useless. Living well with Marla is what matters most.”
“Elara never harmed Marla. Don’t you know the truth about all those incidents?” Leander looked around the estate, noting the many precious items inside. As he spoke, he ordered the butler to have everything moved out. “Elara was innocent. She did nothing wrong. We misunderstood her and caused her death. You’re at fault, and so am I–I didn’t believe her.”
Antiques and paintings, porcelain vases and jewelry–piece by piece, everything was carried away. His parents‘ hearts lurched–those were priceless
treasures!
4
“Leander, what exactly are you doing?!” his father roared.
Leander remained calm: “Compensation.”
“You’re my parents–I won’t lay a hand on you. But you caused Elara’s death. Until you apologize to her and admit your wrongs, please remain here. The Everhart family is no longer yours to command.”
His mother fainted from rage. They never imagined that for the sake of Elara, Leander could go to such lengths!
One by one, everything in the estate was removed. Leander left only two maids to ensure their daily needs were met, then departed with his people, ignoring his father’s scolding behind him.
Next, he returned to the villa’s basement. The butler immediately approached.
Mr. Everhart, you’re back. Miss Marla’s mental state is very poor. Should I call for a doctor?”
Leander glanced over indifferently: “No need. As long as she doesn’t die. Only after she’s paid back everything she owes Elara can she be allowed to
