In the grand living room on the first floor of the Jasper family estate, Lilian finally broke into a long–overdue smile upon hearing that Jodie had returned horne safely.
“It’s good she’s back. That’s all that matters,” she said, her voice filled with relief.
James’s tense expression eased a little as be asked, “What did the Rileys say dinut (t?”
Sean’s <b>expression </b>remained calm, his tone even. “Not much.”
Lilian blinked, then said, <b>“</b><b>I’ll </b>visit the Riley family tomorrow to <b>check </b>on Jodie. I’ll bring a proper gift and offer a formal apology to Mr. and Mrs. Riley. After all, Jodie was kidnapped because of us”
Mrs. <b>Jasper </b>Sr. let out a cold snort. Her lips <b>curled </b>in disapproval.
“There’s
‘s no need<b>. </b>The girl’s back in one piece, isn’t she? Nothing actually happened to her. <b>Why </b><b>stoop </b><b>so </b>low? Lilian, you’re thedy of the Jasper family. You represent us in everything you do. Don’t lower yourself like that.”
Lilian frowned. “Mom, how is that lowering myself? A
After something like <b>this</b>, if we just ignore it, that would be truly disgraceful”
Sean cut in, his tone <b>still </bposed. “Grandma, the kidnapping left fodio deeply traumatized. Her mental state isn’t good right now.
The implication was clear that Jodie wasn’t exactly “fine” The Jaspers bore responsibility for what happened.
Mrs. Jasper Sr. narrowed her eyes in displeasure.
“Oh please,” she scoffed. “So she got a little scared. Kids are sevisitive, it’s normal<b>. </b>She’ll be fine <b>in </b>a few days. No need to make a fuss.”
<b>Lilian </b>nced between Mrs. Jasper Sr. and Sean, looking like she had more to say but held it in.
Sean acted as if he hadn’t heard Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s biting words. He turned to Lillian and said, “If you want to visit Jodie, you’ll need to call ahead and check with Mr. and Mrs. Riley, Jodle’s in therapy ar home right now. She might not be up for visitors.”
Lilian nodded. “Alright.”
Seeing <b>herself </b>ignored, Mrs. Jasper Sr.’s expression darkened. “Sean, are you deliberately trying to go against me?”
Sean’s lips curved slightly, but his <b>tone </b>remained <b>cool </b>
“Of course not, Grandma. If you don’t want to visit the Rileys because of your <b>status</b>, that’s your decision. I can’t tell you what to do, can 1?”
Mrs. Jasper Sr. narrowed her <b>eyes</b><b>. </b><b>“</b><b>Are </b>you really that dense, or just pretending?
She Usen turned to her daughter–inw. “<b>And </b><b>you’re </b>not allowed to go either!”
“Mom…” Lilian looked troubled
telling you–not to go to the Riley house.”
“Sean, please don’t argue with Grandma…” Vivian said softly, trying to smooth things over.
Sean didn’t even nce in her direction. He stood up and said, “I have soothing to do. I’ll be heading out.
With that, he turned and walked away.
“Sean!” Vivian called after him, watching his back as he left.
“Just look at him! Is that any way to behave?” Mrs. Jasper Sr. fumed.
“Mom, I’ll go too.” Lilian nced at her mother–inw, then softened her voice.“Please try to calm down.”
Mrs. Jasper Sr. shot her a cold look.
<b>“</b>Calm down? If you <b>didn’t </b>keep making me angry, would I even <b>need </b>to?”
Lilian fell silent, letting out a quiet sigh.
+ Grandma, I made you a cup of your favorite green tea. “Vivian pontly handed her the mug. *See if I’ve improved my brewing skills ”
Mrs. Jasper Sr. took <b>a </b><b>sip</b>. Her expression finally softened. “At least you’re thoughtful.”
Lilian nced at Vivian but didn’t say anything. She turned and quietly left <b>the </b>room.
James had never had much say in this household to begin with. Now that the trouble involved his legitimate son, he had even less ground to speak.
Caught between the tension of Mrs. Jasper Stand Sean, Jarnes chose to y dead, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing.