Mother-in-law...
Maddox's biological mother - Aurora Stark.
This... was the person Maddox mentioned to her before.
Back then, when Maddox and Benedict weren't on good terms, she heard from Maddox about what happened and thought that her mother-in-law she had never met had an unyielding personality. She immediately asked for a divorce when she found out he cheated on her and never got in touch with her ex-husband ever since.
Her determination and firmness were something she admired.
That was also why Maddox hated Benedict so much back then.
It was just that...
"I know that I've gone too far, but this is just what I think. There are no 'what ifs' in this world. If there were, then many people would not have died and many things won't be like what they are today. No matter how things are right now, I'm just glad that everyone can gather here today." Abigail wiped her tears again and said softly, "Everything in this world is predestined. My sister and I were destined to run away from home, and she was destined to meet a heartless man. Maddox is destined to be brought hby the Yardley family and then... he was also destined to meet you." Minerva was at a loss for words.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Everything happens for a reason," Abigail lowered her eyes as she muttered.
"Auntie, what happened can't be undone. Don't think too much about it," Minerva walked up to Abigail and patted her on the shoulder.
"I know," Abigail replied as she washed her face in the sink and then chuckled. "I'm fine now. Let's go back." "Auntie, I have something to talk to you about." "What's the matter?" Minerva looked at her and hesitated for a while. Then, she told Abigail what she and Maddox had decided. Abigail took in everything she said with an indifferent expression on her face. "Sure. You both can decide what you want to do as a couple." Minerva was surprised that Abigail would accept their decision so quickly.
"Auntie, I..." "You are worried that Jarold will disagree, aren't you? It's okay, if he gets stubborn I'll give him a taste of his own medicine," Abigail said while making a gesture as if she wanted to hit someone. "Unless he doesn't wantas his daughter anymore, I can and will still do my best to help you both." "Actually... I'm just worried that he won't be happy. After all, he's pretty old right now..." "Actually, there is another way." "What is it?" "That old man adores his precious great-grandson. If you're willing, why not let Beanie stay by his side?" "No way!" Minerva immediately shook her head firmly and said again, "No." She cannot take advantage of Beanie for her own selfish reasons. If she did, she would be robbing away her child's freedom.
"I knew you wouldn't agree to it. I was only suggesting it as an alternative way. Don't take it too seriously. Just bring Beanie and Maddox together with you, and you can leave the rest to me," Abigail said. Minerva knew what Abigail meant was that she could do whatever she liked and she would help them deal with everything else. She felt grateful for having such an aunt.
The two of them made their way back to the dining table and found that the atmosphere was a little tense. Minerva thought that it was because of Abigail hence she didn't think too much of it. However, the moment she sat down, she felt Jarold's cold sharp gaze on her, making her feel uneasy in her heart. Did something happen? All she did was go to the washroom to bring Abigail back. How did she accidentally offend him again? Or Beanie didn't manage to help her leave a good impression on Jarold? Although Minerva was puzzled, she couldn't ask him directly. She could only endure his gaze throughout dinner. When dinner was over, Jarold told her, "Cover to my study." Minerva lifted her head to make sure that Jarold was indeed speaking to her.
But... Why did he call her into the study all of a sudden? But it was good that he wanted to speak to her in private. It didn't matter why, she also had something to tell him anyway.
Minerva agreed to Jarold's request.
But then, unexpectedly, Maddox's cold voice sounded.
"If there's anything you want to say, just cat me. Grandpa, you don't need to make things difficult for her." Minerva was baffled.
Jarold, probably enraged by ms Maddox's words, said angrily, "What do you mean by 'don't make things difficult for her'? I only asked her to joinin the study yet you say I'm making things difficult? I know you like her but don't you think you're going a little too far?" Maddox's gaze turned cold as he replied, "Grandfather, I have already made myself very clear just now. You want to give us the impression that you just want to say a few words to her, but I know that you're trying to put her in a difficult position." "How absurd!" Jarold was so angry that he couldn't say anything, and his entire body was trembling.
Minerva then grabbed Maddox by the hand and stood in front of him. "Grandpa, I'll go to the study with you." She said softly.
Maddox frowned and grabbed her wrist. Minerva pinched his palm and gestured for him to let go.
Then, she said softly, "I'll be fine. It's just a simple conversation, he won't physically harm me. Why are you so anxious?" Yes, it would only be just a simple conversation.
Even so, Maddox was worried that his grandpa might say obnoxious om words that would hurt Minerva's feelings. Which was why he wanted to protect her and prevent her from going into the study. Minerva didn't know what happened after she went to the washroom. Maddox then told her, "I told him about us going back when you went to look for Auntie." Minerva was a little astonished to hear about it. She had been wondering why Jarold's gaze was sharp and cold toward her. It turned out that Maddox had already told him everything.
No wonder...
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"Okay, I know," Minerva nodded. She wasn't angry, she just patted Maddox's hand consolingly and sai said, "just go in for a while. If you're worried, you can wait forat the door. Just wait forto cout."
Minerva followed Jarold into the study while Maddox waited by the door with a solemn look on his face. Watching this scene unfold before her eyes, Abigail, who was not far away, couldn't help but bend down to Beanie. "Beanie, look at your Daddy now. Doesn't he look like an obedient pug?" Abigail asked.
Beanie looked at her with surprise.
Quill, who had been at the side, being calm the entire time, also had to suppress his smile.
The corner of Quill's mouth twitched a little and he glanced at Abigail.
Was this person really Maddox's biological aunt? Was there any aunt who would tease her nephew like that? If Quill hadn't witnessed it with his own eyes, he would have found it unbelievable.
Beanie blinked his eyes and said innocently, "Auntie Stark, I think he does." Quill turned his gaze to Beanie.
Great, as if having an aunt like Abigail wasn't enough, even his son was also teasing his father.
As Minerva's older brother, Quill didn't think it was a big deal.
But as a man, Quill pitied Maddox a little.
X