Chapter 37
“Did your mom ever mention someone named Ambrose Vale?” Alaric asked, his curiosity piqued.
Elisa shook her head without hesitation. “No, she’s always told us we don’t have a dad. That’s all she ever says.”
Alaric’s brows furrowed, his mind racing. He wasn’t expecting that answer, but he pushed forward, intrigued. “How about we do a DNA test sometime?”
Elisa leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “So keen on being my dad?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she replied with a sly grin. “If you had a cute, sensible, and pretty daughter like me, you’d be the lucky one. Plenty of guys would love to claim they’re my dad, but they just don’t cut it.”
“So, I should feel honored?” Alaric raised an eyebrow.
“You bet!” Elisa said with confidence, her voice full of pride.
Before Alaric could reply, Galatea returned from the restroom. She found the two of them in a surprisingly lighthearted conversation, laughing and bantering effortlessly.
Later, as dinner progressed, Elisa dug into her meal with great satisfaction. Between mouthfuls, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “This meat is so delicious. I’ve never had such a tasty steak before.”
Galatea watched her daughter, a pang of guilt tugging at her. Though she had always made sure Harry and Elisa were well-cared for materially, their lifestyle now was nothing compared to Galatea’s own youth. She always felt she owed them more, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was never enough.
Meanwhile, across town, another lavish dinner table hosted a very different conversation. Griffon sat with Harry, the tension between them palpable.
“Is Mom not home?” Harry asked casually, though his tone carried a subtle bitterness that didn’t go unnoticed.
“She’s out on a film set and won’t be back anytime soon,” Mrs. Ravenna replied.
Harry didn’t respond right away, his mind elsewhere. Good, I don’t have to see her. But then, another thought surfaced. “Where’s Cormac? I haven’t seen him either.”
Griffon’s expression darkened, and Mrs. Ravenna’s face softened with sadness.
Suddenly, Harry recalled something Cormac had once mentioned—a falling out with his father that had kept him abroad for years. Could a father-son argument really be that serious?
Griffon let out a deep sigh, his tone sharp as he spoke. “Cormac doesn’t consider this his home. Don’t worry about him. You’ve got your grandparents here. We’ll take good care of you.”
Harry nodded, saying nothing. Despite Griffon and Mrs. Ravenna’s kindness, Harry couldn’t shake the discomfort that gnawed at him.
After dinner, Harry retreated to his room to unwind after a long bath. Not long after, Griffon entered, his presence looming in the doorway.
“Aren’t you going to bed, Grandpa?” Harry asked, sitting up straighter, a defensive edge in his voice.
“I just missed you and wanted to check in,” Griffon said as he sat beside Harry, his tone soft but purposeful. “Caspian, there are a few questions I want to ask you.”
“Sure,” Harry replied, his voice neutral.
“I heard you’re quite fond of Galatea?” Griffon’s voice was casual, but Harry could hear the underlying tension.
At the mention of his mother, Harry stiffened but nodded. “Yeah, I like her. I think she’s more like a mom to me.”
Griffon’s face twisted into a look of displeasure as he leaned in, his voice slow and deliberate. “Caspian, you can’t choose your mother. You might not like Orion, but she’ll always be your biological mom. You’ve only met Galatea a few times. How can you say she’s more like a mom?”
Harry’s mind clicked into place. He pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing as he shot back, “So, Grandad doesn’t like her, huh?”
Griffon’s eyes darkened. “Caspian, you’re still young and too easily fooled,” he continued with a sigh, his words dripping with disdain. “I did my homework on Galatea. She’s nothing but a con artist. Her real name isn’t even Galatea. She’s just a woman drowning in debt, dragging around two wild kids, preying on your father’s wealth. Caspian, her kindness towards you is manipulation, nothing more. Don’t be naive.”
Harry’s shock was palpable. “What? Calling my mom a scammer? And me and Elisa just a couple of wild kids? No wonder Orion’s such a pain. Looks like your dad’s got a nasty streak too!” he muttered under his breath, his hands clenched into fists.
“Ever since kindergarten, my teachers have said it’s wrong to talk behind someone’s back. Grandad, why are you speaking ill of someone when they’re not here?” Harry retorted, his voice firm.
Griffon looked taken aback by Harry’s sudden boldness, but he quickly tried to backpedal, his tone now defensive. “Caspian, I’m not badmouthing her. I’m telling you the truth because I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Harry shook his head. “Grandad, I can tell who truly cares for me and who doesn’t,” he said quietly. “Orion can’t stand me, and sometimes I wonder if she’s even my real mom. Hey, Grandad, maybe Orion and I should get a DNA test?”
Griffon’s face reddened with fury at the mention of a DNA test, his voice rising. “Caspian, do you understand the gravity of what you’re saying?” His tone turned strict and harsh. “Regardless of Orion’s shortcomings, she’s your mother. Such talk is the height of disrespect!”
Harry wasn’t fazed. “So, what if she’s my biological mother? If she gave birth to me but didn’t raise me, and if she’s been nothing but cruel, why should I feel any gratitude?” His voice was steady, but his words were sharp. “If that’s your attitude too, then you’re no different. If I’m just an inconvenience, I don’t need to stay. I’m calling Dad right now to pick me up!”
Griffon’s hand shot out, snatching Harry’s smartwatch with startling speed, his face twisted with irritation. “You’ve got quite the temper, don’t you?” he muttered, trying to regain control.
“I’m only good to those who are good to me,” Harry shot back. “If I’m disliked, staying here would just bother you, wouldn’t it? I’ll just leave.”
Griffon fell silent. He had never expected a child to provoke him so, and now, bringing Alaric into the conversation would only make things worse. Begrudgingly, he compromised. “Look, I was out of line earlier. I said things I shouldn’t have. I apologize. Alright, Caspian, it’s getting late—time to go to bed.”
As Griffon left, a notification buzzed on Harry’s smartwatch. With a sudden jolt of anxiety, Harry quickly snatched it up, trying to prevent Griffon from noticing.
“I got it,” Harry muttered, trying to cover his nervousness. “I’m headed to bed now.”
“Good,” Griffon said, pulling the covers up over Harry in a feigned gesture of care. “No calls to your dad, straight to sleep, got it?”
“Understood, goodnight, Grandpa,” Harry replied quietly, waiting until Griffon had left the room.
Once he was sure Griffon was gone, Harry checked his messages. As he had hoped, there was a new one from Caspian. It read: Dad and Mom took Elisa out for dinner. It seems like their relationship might be developing.
They went out, together? That really is good news! Harry’s heart lifted as he quickly dialed Caspian’s number.
“If they’re making progress, you and Elisa better hustle to get them to the courthouse for a marriage license,” Harry teased.
Caspian groaned. “Come on, it’s not that easy.”
“Must be nice for you,” Harry snapped back. “Living alone at school, far from all the drama.”
“Nice? Hardly,” Harry continued, his frustration bubbling over. “Your grandpa had words with me tonight, and man, he’s tough. He called my mom a scam artist. It’s maddening!”
“You’re at my grandpa’s house?” Caspian’s voice grew tense with concern.
“Yeah,” Harry replied. “Your grandpa’s words nearly drove me mad. You know what, Caspian? We should really give them a taste of their own medicine. Since I’m the spitting image of you, and if I take a DNA test with Orion Nash, it’ll be a bust. We could blow the lid off the whole thing and show that Orion’s side has been spinning tales this whole time. Once our families cut ties, the Nashes will back down for good!”