Elysia nodded, her face etched with solemnity. "She said it was Gideon!" Tarquin went silent.
In the entire Bradford family, anyone could be suspected, but Gideon? That seemed impossible! The Bradfords had a long-standing tradition: only the direct male descendants could inherit the family fortune. Unless something happened to the direct line, nobody else would stand a chance to claim the inheritance.
Even though Kendrick had cut ties with Gideon years ago, he was still the root of the Bradford family. As long as he was alive, no one else could even dream of taking over.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAnd for Gideon, that was a good thing! Gideon was the epitof self-interest, always in pursuit of power. With Kendrick disinterested in the family business, Gideon could easily maintain control.
So, why on earth would he kill Kendrick? "How did Verity find out?" "She said she overheard Gideon himself saying it. That it was all Kendrick's fault - if he hadn't run off with Elizabeth, if he hadn't severed ties, Gideon wouldn't have been driven to murder!" Tarquin pursed his lips, silent.
Elysia pressed on, "You think there's something off about Verity's story, don't you?" Tarquin didn't hide his skepticism. "Yeah, I don't believe Gideon killed our parents." Elysia frowned, "I felt something was odd too. She ctobefore her son even returned. Why rush? She could have waited. But when she spoke, her expression seemed genuine. If she was acting, she's hiding her gwell." Tarquin remained cool, the Bradfords were known for their ruthlessness.
Verity managing to keep a son hidden from everyone proved she was no simpleton, far smarter than her sister Allegra! Claiming she wanted to keep her son away from the Bradford by raising him outside the family was laughable.
She was clearly biding her time, waiting for the right moment to strike! Verity approaching Elysia with her story today definitely had an ulterior motive.
With Gideon out of the picture, she was quick to point fingers, perhaps trying to cozy up to them? But what was her real goal? A shadow of suspicion crossed Tarquin's eyes. Whatever her aim, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Those raised by Gideon were not to be underestimated.
"I'll have someone look into Verity's claims. Don't worry about it," he said.
Elysia sighed, "Being born into the Bradfords is less appealing than being an ordinary person. It's one problem after another, a never-ending mess." "That Verity is up to no good; be careful." "I know. Don't worry about me." When they got home, the kids were still awake, anxiously waiting for Tarquin.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmElysia felt a mix of relief and sorrow, "Still up? Aren't you tired?"
The kids glanced at Tarquin, shaking their heads in unison, "Not fired. Is ve everything settled?" "Yes, everything's dealt with. It's late; you should head to bed." The kids looked at Tarquin again, silently pleading.
"Elysia, you go up first. I want to talk to Elliot, Evan, and Elijah for a bit," Tarquin said.
"Alright, but don't stay up too late. It's already late." "Okay."
Once Elysia was upstairs, Tarquin crouched down to Eftigt, Evan Wege Deye level with Elliot, Evan, and Elijah.
"Thank you, guys, for everything you've done for daddy. I'm really m touched. Without you, wouldn't ev even know where grandma's ashes were. I'm so lucky to be your dad and to have your love!" Indeed, it was his greatest fortune to be their father.
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