Franklin stated, “He is your grandfather, after all.
He believed you were too young back then and worried about the wrong sort of people leading you astray, so he might have been overly controlling.
Regarding the missing girls you mentioned, he simply relocated them out of Morcastle and ensured they were settled in other cities.
He’s not the monster you imagine him to be.
If you doubt this, I have the records of their new locations right here for you to verify.
”
Domenic’s dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Was Franklin suggesting that Jordan hadn’t harmed the girls, merely sent them away to protect him?
Franklin met Domenic’s gaze, his expression thoughtful.
He Licked his dry lips and continued, “Things are different now.
Over the years, you’ve demonstrated your capabilities to your grandpa.
He had intended to pass the leadership of the Walsh Group to you, trusting in your judgment of people.
Moreover, he always believed that Miss Larson was meant to be with you.
Despite her not coming from a prominent family, he sent her abroad for training, hoping to prepare her to stand by your side.
If he truly valued family background above all, why would he choose Carole for you? Doesn’t that tell you something? He was trying to show his affection in his way, but unfortunately, it led to misunderstandings.
If you had only spoken to him sooner about your feelings for Miss Stewart, or if you had communicated more with him, perhaps things wouldn’t have escalated to this point.
”
Franklin’s tone was calm and persuasive, brooking no argument.
After Dominic left that asylum, his personality underwent a significant transformation.
He became reticent, maintaining a distance from others and adopting an indifferent demeanor.
Dominic dedicated himself fervently to his studies, aspiring to be regarded as a scholar-lord.
Leveraging his talents, he secured a significant role in the Walsh Group at an early age.
Subsequently, he founded the Vitality Group, pouring all his efforts into its success.
Consequently, his interactions with Jordan were sparse.
Though Dominic and Jordan appeared to be the closest family, there was always a palpable tension between them.
“Your grandpa has led the Walsh Group for many years, and it has taken a toll on him.
It’s time for him to step back a bit.
That’s what he meant.
”
Dominic, his face clouded with a frown, did not respond.
Observing this, Franklin sighed and went on, “Truth be told, your grandpa carries a burden of guilt towards your parents, particularly your mother.
He once confided in me that if he could turn back time, he would prevent certain events from ever happening.
As one ages, the desire for a large family grows.
Your grandpa had always wished for harmony among you and your uncles.
However, given past events, he knew it was unattainable, which only deepened his sense of guilt…”
.
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Library
These words stirred something deep in Domenic.
He harbored a longstanding resentment towards his grandfather for allowing Rupert to scatter his mother’s ashes.
It was a wound he couldn’t seem to heal.
Domenic found himself wondering if his grandfather ever harbored regrets or guilt.
Even a hint of remorse from his grandfather would have offered Domenic some solace.
Yet, as the years rolled by, the incident remained unspoken.
Domenic viewed Jordan as someone who made arbitrary decisions, someone who never showed any sign of guilt, as if everything from the past was justified.
Now, as Franklin’s words reached him, a twinge of pain seared through Domenic’s heart, which had just begun to heal.
He started to question if he had misjudged his grandfather.
Was it possible that he had been wrong all this time? Could his grandpa actually feel regret, guilt, and a sense of indebtedness towards his parents?
Was his grandpa capable of setting aside his pride and accepting Lindsey?
Domenic cast a glance back into the bedroom, pausing in silence before turning to Franklin with a softer look in his eyes.
“ALL right.
I see,” he said, his voice gentle.
When Domenic finally agreed, Franklin let out a sigh of relief; his persistence had paid off.
So he made his way out.
As the door clicked shut, Lindsey emerged from the bedroom.
Domenic met her eyes and asked, “Linds, would you like to join me at the party?” Aware that she might have heard his conversation with Franklin, Domenic decided to address it directly.
Lindsey fiddled with her fingers in silence.
Domenic approached her, his voice low and gentle.
“I had promised to introduce you to my grandpa under different circumstances.
I didn’t expect it would be tonight.
Can we give it another try, and let me introduce you properly? Would that be alright?”
He posed the question carefully, his regard for Lindsey’s feelings evident.
He was deeply concerned about causing her any more distress.
Lindsey lifted her gaze to his, her heart a turmoil of emotions.
She had always wanted to be a real part of his life and to meet his family, especially the grandpa he so often spoke of.
She had yearned for his grandpa’s approval.
Yet now, faced with the chance, she felt uncertain.
She was painfully aware of the gulf between her life and Domenic’s world.
She hadn’t aimed to marry into wealth.
What she valued was their simple life together-shopping for groceries, lounging on the couch watching TV, dreaming of their future, and riding the bus, where she could rest her head on his shoulder and revel in their ordinary, yet comforting, existence.Content © copyrighted by .
She had never been fond of the distinguished and esteemed heir to the Walsh Group.
The recent events felt like a dream, almost unreal, and deep down, she felt a stirring of reluctance.