Chapter 27
Chapter 27:
Aiden shot Alcott a chilling glare, his tone firm. “That’s just your opinion. I’m fully committed to Janice.”
“Janice has severed ties with the Edwards family. She’s no longer their heiress. How can she aspire to be my daughter-in-law?” Alcott retorted sharply, completely disregarding Janice’s feelings.
After a fleeting exchange of glances with Alcott, Janice faced Aiden, opting to stay quiet. She was still navigating the intricate web of the Green family’s dynamics and preferred not to comment hastily.
With a scoff, Aiden pointed at Bart and remarked, “So, how does the mistress’s son have the right to step foot into this house?”
Alcott’s face contorted with anger, and he raised his hand, agitated. “How dare you disrespect your father like this? I need to set you straight!”
“Alcott, what do you think you’re doing?” Nina cut in sharply, halting him mid-gesture. “Did Aiden say something wrong?”
“Nina, how can you say that? You have praised Bart before!” Alcott’s voice rose in disbelief, his expression growing darker, though he found himself unable to lash out at Nina.
“He may be a good boy, but that doesn’t alter the fact that his mother is a mistress. I accept him because he’s there for Aiden,” Nina explained, her words slicing through the tension.
Bart stood to the side, head lowered, fists balled at his sides, his mind swirling with thoughts.
“Let me be clear today, Alcott!” Nina declared firmly. “As long as my son is content, I will support whoever he chooses as his partner.”
As Janice processed Nina’s remarks, her eyebrow arched, revealing a newfound appreciation for her mother-in-law. Nina’s affection for Aiden was unmistakable and deep-seated. In the dynamics of the Green family, it appeared Nina wielded more influence than Alcott.
Alcott’s expression hardened, a visible sign of his dwindling authority within the family. He found himself unable to counteract Nina’s challenge. After all, Bart was his illegitimate son. He couldn’t defend Bart openly, or it would only further anger Nina.
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“Please don’t argue because of me,” Bart interjected, his complexion ashen. “Just being back is a blessing immense enough. I wouldn’t dare ask for more.”
His eyes briefly met Aiden’s as he added with a subdued smile, “I can tell Aiden genuinely loves Janice. His happiness is all that matters to me.”
“Bart, you are so compassionate,” Alcott exclaimed, a sigh escaping him. “Such an understanding soul! Unlike another son of mine who seems bent on defiance.”
Nina cast another glance at Bart, her expression softening. Despite her earlier sharp words, Bart hadn’t taken offense and continued to show empathy toward others. It was unfortunate that such a gentle soul was the child of a mistress—an obstacle to her complete acceptance of him.
Janice’s lips twisted into a wry smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously at Bart. Ah, that tone, that touch of tragedy—how strikingly it mirrored Delilah!
“Bart, would you mind taking Aiden out to the garden?” Alcott suggested. “Nina and I need to have a word with Janice.”
“Did I agree to that?” Aiden raised his head with defiance, his presence as imposing as Alcott’s.
“You ungrateful bastard! Since when do I need your permission to converse with Janice?” Alcott’s voice boomed with displeasure.
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