Chapter 53 Tarquin heard the clatter of voices approaching and planted himself firmly outside the hospital room, a living barrier to their advance. Not an inch closer to Elijah would they come. Allegra, Tarquin’s aunt, was clearly displeased, “Tarquin, the moment we heard Elijah was under the weather and admitted, we braved the snow to see him. A ‘thank you‘ is the least we’d expect. Now you are not thanking us but barring the door. What’s the meaning of this?” Tarquin didn’t even grant her a glance, “Elijah isn’t pining for your company.” “Nonsense! I’m your father’s sister and your aunt, and I’m related to him too! How dare you speak to me this way? Have you no regard for me or your own father?” Allegra scowled. Tarquin raised his head at the mention of his father, “If it weren’t for my dad, do you you’d even be allowed to speak in my presence?” think “You… Listen to this, Dad. This is your darling grandson. Does he give a hoot about the Bradford family? He…” “Enough! Zip it! This is a hospital, not some fish market. We’re supposed to keep the peace here. As the madam of Bradfords, you are yelling all the time and stooping low instead of acting high and mighty. That’s so inappropriate.” Gideon snapped back, silencing her. “I…” Allegra was so taken aback by the retort that she started to cry. Verity quickly handed over a tissue to Allegra, “Allegra, please, calm down. Tarquin’s already on edge with Elijah being sick, and you’re fanning the flames bringing up his late dad.” “And what of it? My brother would never have dared to speak to me like that!” “Let’s just… drop it, okay?” Verity attempted to soothe the tension before turning to Tarquin. “Look, Tarquin, your aunt here is genuinely worried about Elijah.” Tarquin scoffed inwardly and lit a cigarette. Verity continued, “Don’t fret. Elijah’s the last of the Bradfords. He’s got his guardian angels and the old family luck. He’ll pull through.” “How’s he doing, really?” Gideon inquired. Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette, “Same as always.” “All these specialists and no improvement?” Annoyed, Tarquin didn’t respond. Then Verity remarked, “It’s a malady of the heart, and 1/2 20.07 that requires a therapy that regular doctors can’t apply. If regular doctors can’t do the job, then what about the extraordinary ones? We cant just let this drag on indefinitely. Allegra grumbled. “We can’t keep going like this. Elijah is the sole male heir of our generation. He’s supposed to inherit the full weight of the Bradford legacy. But in this state, how can he take over the Bradford Group? Can we really hand over the reins to someone so frail? And besides, if he can’t even… She was cut off by a sharp look from Gideon. Allegra’s lips moved, but no more words dared escape. Tarquin glared at her and extinguished his cigarette with force. Tired of the theatrics, he decided to get straight to the point, “What do you all want? Spit it out. Don’t waste my time or yours. He knew they weren’t here out of concern for Elijah. After a brief silence, Gideon said, “We’ve heard there’s been a few business deals snatched right from under the Bradford name, which cost us a fortune. What’s the deal?” “Cuts and thrusts of business,” Tarquin replied coolly. Gideon narrowed his eyes, “You’ve been on top of the game for years. How did someone manage to outplay you all of a sudden?” “I’m human, not infallible. Losses are part of the game.” “Who’s behind it? Someone from Jindale City?” Gideon was suspicious. Tarquin saw through his scheme, so he met his gaze with an inscrutable look, “Granddad, you are getting on in years. You needn’t worry about business affairs. I’ve got it under control.” Gideon’s brow furrowed in concern, while Allegra’s temper flared anew.