Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Chapter 27 - Grandfather

"Where is my granddaughter-in-law?" Robert Collins demanded the moment he sat down, his cane resting against the arm of the couch. His eyes locked onto his older grandson expectantly.

Spencer exhaled slowly, suppressing a sigh, "She's resting, Grandfather. You should do the same. You just got here."

Robert scoffed. "I didn't travel all this way to nap. I came to meet the woman you've been hiding from me for the last three years. First you get married in a hurry, then leave to study, putting all the burden on my poor granddaughter in law's delicate shoulders and now that you have returned, instead of holding a grand wedding like she deserves, you are holding this party! Ha! I've been waiting to meet the girl my wife adored. Is that too much to ask? I've been patient for so long haven't I?"

Spencer grimaced, searching for a response, but before he could speak, another voice chimed in lazily."Still jealous of Grandma's favorites even after she's gone? That's some dedication, old man. You can get off the high horse. Your wife definitely adored you the most."

Robert's eyes snapped toward his other grandson, Adam, who had just entered and was now leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, an insufferable smirk playing on his lips.

The old man's face twisted in disapproval the moment he took in Adam's appearance. "What the hell is wrong with you? Do you enjoy being a pincushion? Why do you keep adding more holes to yourself?"

Adam chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Relax, old man. How many times do I have to tell you to wear your glasses? Look closely—I got rid of my ear piercings." He tilted his head, showcasing his now unadorned ears.Robert squinted, then huffed. "And what about your lip? That's new. And disgusting."

Adam's smirk deepened. "Ah, but you see, my woman likes this one. So, I'm keeping it."

Robert, mid-eye-roll, froze. His gaze sharpened as he processed Adam's words. "Your woman?" His tone was skeptical. "Are you saying you've finally found someone who can tolerate you?"

Adam shrugged, entirely too pleased with himself at the old man's reaction, "Hmm. Would you like to meet your younger granddaughter-in-law too?" Robert stared at him for a long moment before muttering under his breath, "Lord help her survive you. I need a drink."

Adam let out a bark of laughter, shaking his head. "You'll find any excuse to drink, old man. Look at the time—barely past noon, and you're already thinking about whiskey." He tsked, crossing his arms. "Go and rest. You just stepped off a long journey, and look at your face. You're pale as a ghost. Do you want to scare the woman into thinking a spirit has come to haunt her? Meet her in the evening along with everyone else."

Robert glared at the cheeky boy before turning to Spencer," Okay okay! I will rest for a while. But, in the evening is the final reading of your grandmother's will. So, before the party begins, bring your woman to see me!" He then turned to Adam," And you. If you're serious about this girl, I want to meet her soon. Before I have to return. I don't have time to wait for you to get your act together, so bring her to me as well."

Adam gave a mock salute. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure to prepare her well for you." Robert sent Adam a long glance, trying to sense if there was a deeper meaning in his words but seeing the same complacent look, said nothing.

Robert grumbled under his breath as Spencer stepped in, offering a steadying hand as the old man stood up "Come on, Grandfather. You've had a long journey. Your room's ready."

Together, they walked out of the room, Robert leaned slightly on Spencer as they made their way down the grand hallway. Once they were far enough away from prying ears, Robert glanced up at his grandson, his gaze sharp.

"Why do you look so troubled?"

Spencer hesitated for a moment before sighing. "It's about the divorce," he admitted. "I'm having second thoughts."

Robert halted mid-step, turning his full attention to the younger man. His sharp, calculating eyes studied Spencer's face. "I thought you were in love with the other girl. You created such a fuss when I told you to woo her. What changed now?"

Spencer exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's true. I don't love Melanie. But... she suffered because of me. And I feel guilty. Also, she really did fall for me and wait loyally. I wasn't expecting that."

Robert let out a scoffing laugh, shaking his head. "Boy, don't be ridiculous. Guilt is no reason to remain tied to someone. You don't owe her a lifetime just because things didn't go the way she wanted. Besides, aren't you planning to compensate her generously? From what I remember, the prenup she signed entitles her to nothing. And yet, you're still offering her a substantial settlement."

Spencer nodded slowly, but Robert wasn't done. There was no way he was going to let his grandson stay married to a woman that his late wife had chosen. He would not let her win from the grave. So, he continued, "Now, keep aside this foolish guilt and focus on what truly matters—taking possession of what is rightfully yours and removing the obstacles in your path. And that obstacle, Spencer, is Melanie. The longer you hesitate, the harder it will be. Cut clean. Move forward. You're not a boy anymore. And do it harshly so that she knows she has no other option."

Spencer nodded and as they started to walk back again, the old man continued," Also, this time, I think Adam has other plans so he might be staying here longer. Try and keep out of his way."

Spencer nodded but could not help asking, "Why is Adam here anyway, grandfather? He has already received his trust funds and has been throwing them on his adventure sports and what not."

Robert shook his head," I don't know why he is here but whatever the reason, he hates you so stay out of his way."