He said quietly, All these years, she kept us brothers on a tight leash. Francis… even now, can’t you see it?
The brothers faced each other, the room heavy with silence.
Some things, it wasn’t that they didn’t understand.
It was just that, even knowing the truth, there was no erasing the fact that Caroline had saved them.
She had every right to ask for something in return—she had earned it.
And they couldn’t turn their backs on her, not after everything she’d done for them.
Francis let out a faint sigh. Of course I understand.
He shook his head slowly. But our situations aren’t the same. The way she is now… that’s on me. I owe her, and one way or another, I have to make it right.
Francis!
Gilbert tried his best to reason with him. Let the doctors handle it, will you? Get her to a proper psychiatrist-hell, get a whole team if you have to! Sherilyn and I have already separated, and if you keep going like this, it’s only a matter of time before you and Rebecca fall apart too…
Francis fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod. I hear you. I’ll think about it…
Suddenly, something occurred to him. You came from the clinic earlier-were you here for a check-up?
Gilbert looked startled, then nodded. Yeah.
Was everything alright?
… Yeah. Gilbert hesitated, nodded again, but didn’t tell the whole truth.
The doctors hadn’t finished their consultation anyway, so it wasn’t exactly a lie. Besides, Francis already had enough on his plate.
There was nothing he could do to help right now. His own problems-he’d deal with them himself.
That night, as Francis left the surgical ward, David caught up to him.
Mr. Francis, Ms. White was picked up by Mr. Galloway.
What? Francis stopped in his tracks, frowning in concern. After a brief pause, he climbed into the car. Take me to the White residence.
Yes, sir.
By the time they arrived, it was late.
One of the housekeepers opened the door. Francis didn’t see Rebecca, but he did spot Galloway in the sitting room.
Grandfather. Francis greeted him respectfully.
Mr. Johnson. Galloway waved a hand and smiled. Come in, have a seat.
Yes, Grandfather.
Mr. Johnson…
Galloway paused, his smile never wavering. You know, I really think you ought to stop calling me ‘Grandfather.
Grandfather? Francis’s brows drew together, his eyes darkening.
Galloway paid him no mind and continued, You’re here for Rebecca, aren’t you? She’s already asleep. You should go home.
Francis hesitated, feeling the subtle sting of dismissal, but there was nothing he could say.
Uncertain, he got to his feet. Then… I’ll be going.
Good.
Galloway nodded, but then added, Mr. Johnson, you’ve been busy lately. In my opinion, since you’re preoccupied, it’s best for Rebecca to live with me from now on. I think you understand what I mean.
Francis stiffened, anger flashing in his eyes. Grandfather, I—
Mr. Johnson. Galloway’s smile vanished, his tone turning stern. Rebecca’s parents divorced when she was just a child. I raised her. She isn’t alone-she has family
He paused, his voice growing sharper.
Mr. Johnson, Rebecca’s been
thenough. If you’re still humet
up
the
t thing. Let her go?
ex, I’m asking you do
your
He raised a hand, dismissing him.
It’s late. You should leave. I won’t see you out.
Leaving the White residence, Francis glanced back sharply, his eyes searching the upstairs window of Rebecca’s room.
He rubbed his brow in frustration. The words his brother had spoken that morning had come true with alarming speed.
Gilbert had been able to let Sherilyn go, but he he could never let Rebecca go. Taking out his phone, Francis dialed Rebecca’s number.