Female Novel
Chapter 53
Chapter 53
Casey came downstairs wearing the new maroon shirt his daughter bought for him, paired withgray trousers. His enthusiasm was palpable as he contemplated his upcoming meeting with lan,who was visiting their home for the first time today.
“How do I look for lan’s first visit? I can’t very well dress like I’m lounging around the house,” heremarked with a flourish, pausing to appraise his reflection in the mirror.
Casey held lan in such high regard that he prepared for lan’s arrival with the same meticulous careone would extend to a prospective son–in–law, even bringing out the fine wine he’d been saving forspecial occasions.
Clara approached her father with a subdued grace, her smile belying the news she was about todeliver. “Dad, lan had to take a last–minute business trip. He won’t be able to make it. Let’s juststart dinner, okay?”
Casey looked at her, puzzled. “But he promised just yesterday he would be here.”
“Well, that was yesterday, Dad. Plans changed this morning. He had to rush off. He asked me to letyou know, but it slipped my mind,” she explained.
lan hadn’t gone on a business trip. A major project had hit a snag and he was off to troubleshoot. Itwasn’t something that would resolve quickly.
Since her father was discharged from the hospital, Clara considered it best to gradually. dial backher involvement with lan. In a few months, when the truth came to light, it wouldn’t seem so abrupt.
Despite a twinge of disappointment, Casey summoned a smile and ushered everyone to the tablefor dinner.
Their meal was in full swing when the butler burst in with news. “Sir, Miss, Eve and Nancy havearrived. They wish to see how you’re feeling, sir.”
Clara’s smile froze. Placing her cutlery down, she said, “Dad, I’m going to step out for a moment.You all carry on.”
Clara barely stood up before Eve’s shrill voice echoed from the hallway. “Casey, how could no onetell me about your hospital discharge? Am I that insignificant to you?”
Clara intercepted Eve with a frosty tone. “Maybe if you treated my father a little better, showedsome motherly compassion instead of causing a scene in his hospital room, we’d be more inclinedto keep you updated.”
“You ungrateful little brat, when did you get to talk back in this house?” Eve’s arm swung towardClara, but a firm grip caught her wrist.
Casey’s voice was stern, his gaze icy. “I won’t allow anyone to lay a finger on my
daughter.”
11:43
Eve winced at the grip on her wrist, her complaints turning into curses. “Casey, you’ve grown bold,defending that trash against me!”
“If you insult my daughter again, believe me, I will have you kicked out of this house.” His voicewas chilling, his resolve unyielding, a far cry from the gentle and dutiful Casey of the past.
Eve, shocked, tried to appeal to his sensibilities. “Casey, I am your mother, and this is my hometoo. How dare you speak to me with such disrespect? Have you forgotten the promises you made toyour father?”
“I promised to look after this family and you. Haven’t I done that? I’ve worked myself to the bone forthis family. But have you ever cared for me? In your eyes, I am nothing more than a money–makingmachine. You turn a blind eye to my elder brother’s vices, yet your are here to judge my daughter?She’s done nothing but support the Bell family. Without her, we’d be in ruins.”
“Since you’ve come all this way, I won’t let you leave empty–handed. I’ve made a decision. I’mhiring a lawyer to divide the estate. I refuse to be the workhorse for this family any longer, and Iwon’t let my daughter suffer any more for it.”
Years of single–handedly propping up the company had taken their toll. While Casey’s brother’sfamily indulged in their vices, accruing debts that fell upon him to clear. Casey had long clung to thehope of familial harmony. But after learning how his mother and Jay had conspired against hisdaughter, Casey had lost all faith in the notion of family. novelbin