Chapter 591: Forced Marriage
Reginald went to pay his respects. The nun glanced at Reginald’s back and reminded Grandma Sterling, “Is that your youngest son?”
“Yes, Reginald, the youngest in the family,” Grandma Sterling replied. “He was away for thirty years and only recently returned.”This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
The nun said, “Your youngest son carries a heavy aura of violence.”
Grandma Sterling was surprised. “How could that be? Reginald said he was just doing wine business outside. He was quite spirited when he was young but has become much more filial now.”
The nun said, “In front of Buddha, one does not lie. A person’s eyes and face do not deceive. You must restrain your youngest son more. It’s never too late to turn back; don’t let him continue down the wrong path.”
Grandma Sterling had known the nun for many years. When Mr. Chaucer passed away, Grandma Sterling couldn’t get over it and stayed at the temple for a long time.
Looking in the direction where Reginald had left, Grandma Sterling said to the nun, “Alright, I will keep an eye on him.”
Thinking about the recent troubles at home, Grandma Sterling sighed deeply. Could it be that Reginald’s resentment had not dissipated?
Grandma Sterling stayed with Reginald at the temple for three days, pondering the nun’s words about his violent aura. They extended their stay for a few more days.
During their time at the temple, eating vegetarian meals and worshipping Buddha, Grandma Sterling made sure Reginald accompanied her, hoping to cleanse him of his violent tendencies and sins.
A week later, Grandma Sterling took Reginald back to Ravenwood.
As soon as they arrived home, they heard arguing inside.
Aubrey had come over, demanding Julian take responsibility. She argued that being in her thirties and marrying someone in their fifties wasn’t a bad deal for him.
Julian had no intention of marrying her and was exasperated by her constant harassment.
“How much money do you want?” Julian asked in frustration. “Tell me how much you want; I’ll compensate you, but I will never marry you.”
“Julian, are you playing games with me?” Aubrey retorted stubbornly. “I don’t want your money; I want you to marry me. You’ve already divorced Stella; why won’t you marry me?”
“What games? The surveillance footage shows us walking in together willingly,” Julian said, still confused about what had happened. But with the surveillance evidence being what it was, he had convinced himself that he must have done it.
Their argument was so heated that they didn’t notice Grandma Sterling entering with Reginald.
Grandma Sterling quietly walked into the living room and sat on the sofa without interrupting them.
Julian finally noticed her. “Mom, Reginald, you’re back.”
Aubrey shouted, “You’re back! You need to stand up for me. Your son slept with me; he needs to give me an explanation.”
Grandma Sterling gripped her cane and glanced at Aubrey and Julian with an air of authority on her aged face. “Reginald, you and your brother leave first. I need to speak with Miss Aubrey.”
As members of a prestigious family, decorum was essential.
Despite her anger and dissatisfaction with Aubrey, Grandma Sterling maintained her manners.
“Alright, Mom. Big brother and I will leave,” Reginald said as he pulled Julian away.
Reginald was also curious about how Grandma Sterling would handle Aubrey.
Aubrey felt indignant watching Julian leave but dared not act out in front of Grandma Sterling because she knew her position in the family.
If Grandma Sterling agreed, only then could she enter this household.
“Grandma Sterling,” Aubrey said pitifully. “You have to stand up for me. I’ve never been married before and now your son has taken advantage of me. How can I face anyone in the future?”
Having seen all kinds of storms in her life, Grandma Sterling could see through Aubrey’s intentions.
“You don’t want money; you insist on marrying my son,” Grandma Sterling said coldly. “Anyone with half a brain would choose a hen that lays eggs over just an egg.”
Money is a one-time thing; marrying into the Sterling family means a lifetime of wealth and honor.
Aubrey’s face showed a flicker of guilt as she realized her true intentions had been exposed. “Grandma Sterling, that’s not fair. Julian slept with me; that’s a fact. As a prestigious family, shouldn’t you take responsibility?”
Grandma Sterling gave Aubrey a cold glance. “When Stella married into the Sterling family, she bore children for us and left behind a legacy. If you want to marry into this family too, what do you bring to the table?”
Aubrey immediately responded, “I can still bear children! This year I promise to give you another grandchild.”
“I already have great-grandchildren,” Grandma Sterling replied indifferently. “Do you think I care for another grandchild?”
Aubrey’s expression stiffened as Grandma Sterling continued, “The Sterling family is not something you can manipulate at will. It’s important to know your place and quit while you’re ahead before you lose everything.”