Chapter 189
Before Morwenna could even hand in her resignation, she found herself unceremoniously ousted from her job.
It wasn’t a high–paying job in Rosefrost Hollow, but it held a special place in Morwenna’s heart. It was the first job she landed during the tough times taking care of Stuart. It represented the first flicker of kindness she encountered in the bustling, neon–lit city.
Mr. White was always kind and approachable, and Mrs. White often gifted her fish and eggs. Morwenna was someone who never forgot a good deed. Every act of kindness, big or small, was etched in her memory.
She left the marketplace feeling lost and disoriented. How could Stuart have done such a thing? In her heart, she believed Stuart could be tough, but never cruel or unjust. But dwelling on these thoughts wouldn’t solve anything; she needed to speak to Stuart directly.
Pulling out her phone, she dialed Stuart’s number, but before she could reach him, a surprise awaited her at Hetfield’s Homestead.
Stuart had suddenly returned.
The once–oppressive atmosphere of Hetfield’s Homestead became even more stifling with Stuart’s arrival. It was as if someone had hit the mute button, silencing everyone present.
Phineas and Reuben exchanged nervous glances before forcing themselves to appear calm. They couldn’t afford to show any weakness; Stuart’s return changed nothing. Without evidence of the alleged kidnapping, Stuart’s accusations would hold no weight.
Yara, idly snacking on grapes, spat out a seed in displeasure at Stuart’s return. No one had been looking forward to this.
Only Norbert seemed visibly relieved. As long as Stuart was back and safe, that was all that mattered. Despite the prior heads–up from Stuart, seeing him unharmed in person was the only thing that could ease Norbert’s worries.
Stuart’s gaze swept over his relatives, his smile cold and unrestrained. “Look at everyone here, so silent. What’s the matter?” He approached Phineas, “Haven’t seen you in a few days, Phineas. How have you been?”
Phineas‘ attempt to maintain a stern facade faltered. “Stuart,” he said with a gloomy expression, “the Hetfield family isn’t just about you. Your recent actions–do you intend to ruin everything we stand for?”
Phineas had always tried to emulate his father, striving for decades to adopt his seriousness and dignity. Yet, while Norbert exuded genuine authority, Phineas‘ efforts were just a facade to hide his scheming.
Stuart’s laugh had a sinister edge. “Are you joking, Phineas? I’ve been away, leaving the Hetfield Group in your son’s capable hands. What’s become of our family business in my absence? Any troubles?”
Seeing her husband falter against Stuart’s provocations, Sabrina chimed in, trying to help. “Whatever our personal quarrels, the Hetfield. Group is our foundation. We must all protect it, for the sake of our family.”
Even Yara, heavily pregnant, stood to make her stance clear. “I don’t care about your squabbles, but the Hetfield Group must remain untouched. It’s also my livelihood at stake.”
Stuart surveyed his family–Phineas, Sabrina, and Yara–with disdain. These were his so–called kin, supposedly bound by the ties of blood.
Disgusted, he barely concealed his contempt. It was then that Reuben, pushed to the brink and feeling cornered, couldn’t hold back any longer.
Seeing Stuart all alone against them, he angrily accused, “Stuart, you’ve been neglecting your duties, disappearing all of a sudden, leaving behind your mess for me to handle. You even schemed to sabotage my work. You’re unworthy of the Hetfield name. Grandpa has been so kind to you, and you showed not an ounce of gratitude. You traitor!”
In Reuben’s eyes, without concrete proof of the kidnapping, he could confidently turn the tables on Stuart, accusing him of being the true problem.
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