"Is that really the issue? People don’t care whether you’re related by blood or not. In the end, the fact remains that you raised her and have lived with her for years, which makes it as good as being related!" Creighton shot back, his voice growing more fervent as his patience was slowly wearing thin.
The old man let out a heavy sigh before continuing, "I refuse to believe you haven’t thought this through. It’s not just the Synders na that’s at stake here, but also Kyra’s. Do you think that just because we hold power, we can act however we please?"
Creighton clicked his tongue and shook his head, treating Jas as though he were a naive child. "Boy, no one is that untouchable. Once you’re labeled as soone who grood a child to beco their lover, your na will be dragged through the mud. And do you think it will be fine as long as Kyra isn’t the one ridiculed?"
"Don’t be naive, my grandson." Creighton let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "There isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t feel hurt seeing the man she loves slandered by so many people."
At Creighton’s words, Jas flashed a slightly shocked expression. It seed that his grandfather was more sensitive than he thought.
anwhile, Creighton arched an eyebrow when he caught the surprise in Jas’ face. "Yes, I’m also well aware that Kyra holds a torch for you. In any case, at that point, I’m sure you can guess what Kyra would do, can’t you?"
Jas’s jaw tightened, his brows knitting once more. Of course, he wasn’t stupid—he knew exactly what Kyra would do. Especially given her recent actions, which had been reckless, bold, and completely unpredictable. It wouldn’t be surprising if she did sothing extre.
Seeing the darkening expression on his grandson’s face, Creighton knew Jas understood what he was implying. "If it reaches that point, Kyra’s na will also be dragged down with yours."
"Could you bear to see her ridiculed by others? Don’t you want Kyra to be happy? Free from vile insults and the cruel mouths of strangers? She could live without any worries if she weren’t with you."
Creighton continued to steer Jas with his words, coaxing and pleading with his grandson to return to the safe path—the right path. It wasn’t just Jas’ na hanging on the balance, but the reputation of the entire Synders family. The legacy that Creighton had painstakingly created was on the verge of collapse, all because of a foolish desire.
What would his peers say? And what about his dignity as a forr general in the military? The filthiness of this situation, its sheer immorality, mirrored the sha he would face if it beca public. He couldn’t allow this to happen.
Unfortunately, Jas, as stubborn as his grandfather, refused to yield. Like Creighton, once Jas made a decision, he wouldn’t back down until he saw it through.
On the other hand, as Jas watched his grandfather now, he felt a deep sha toward his past self. Wasn’t his grandfather’s reaction the sa as his own not too long ago? He had stood in Creighton’s position before. No wonder Kyra had called him a coward. The mory of it was utterly humiliating, and Jas felt like mocking his forr self.
"Grandpa," Jas began, boldly turning the question back on Creighton, "Are you also aware of what you’re saying?"
"Huh?" Creighton was startled, confused by his grandson’s words.
"Ever since I was a child, I’ve heard from my father that you are a man of great courage. Not just a fearless figure at ho but also in the military and business world. Father spoke so highly of you, praising how you never backed down from any challenge, no matter the risks."
Jas paused for a mont as he straightened his posture once more. He t his grandfather’s gaze directly and continued, "It’s because of that courage, Grandpa, that Synders Corps achieved its stellar reputation. It’s because you dared to take risks."
Jas’s emphasis on that last sentence struck a chord in Creighton’s heart, leaving the old man montarily frozen.
"I understand what you’re saying," Jas admitted. "I used to worry about all of that too. But now, it all feels trivial—almost laughable. Why was I so afraid? Yes, no one is free from public judgnt. But that’s exactly what our power is for," Jas asserted, clenching his fist as if the world itself lay in his palm and he could easily grasp it. The veins in his wrist bulged, a testant to the Synders family’s formidable authority.
"Just like in business, we always anticipate the outcos of our decisions. From there, we develop solutions so that, if things go wrong, we’re prepared—or better yet, we’ve already planned to avoid the issue altogether."
Then, the man spoke firmly, "I believe I can protect Kyra, Grandpa. Isn’t that the purpose of wielding an authority like ours?"
However, contrary to Jas’s expectations, Creighton’s heart remained unmoved. Instead, he felt that his grandson had been blinded by his emotions, his mind dulled by his irrational desire. How could Jas compare this issue to business? The stakes were not even equal!
In business, failure only costs money, and they could always try again. But in this situation, their honor was the one at risk, and there would be no second chances!
Realizing that nothing he said would get into Jas’ mind at this state, Creighton resorted to the most extre asure.
"I won’t say anything further. Now, I’ll give you two choices. If you swear never to bring this up again, I’ll let it pass as if nothing happened. But if you insist on this madness, don’t bla for taking drastic actions."
Jas was stunned. His grandfather stared at him coldly, devoid of even a shred of understanding. It seed the old man was more stubborn than he was. A few words and taphors failed to convince him. But then again, wasn’t that always the case?
The older generation always believed they knew better that their perspective was superior because of their greater experience. The sa way Jas had once felt toward Kyra. Hadn’t he acted the sa way before?
How ironic, Jas thought.
"What are you planning to do?"
Creighton pursed his lips. "I know that going after you would only drag myself down. So unfortunately, I’ll have to start with Kyra."
Jas was visibly shaken, his heart pounding wildly. "Grandpa! How could you? Don’t you care about Kyra?"
Creighton flashed a chilling smile. "Because I care for her, Jas, I’m doing this to protect her. Kyra will understand. This is for the greater good."
But those words sounded vile to Jas’s ears. Slowly, darkness began to creep into Jas’s mind and heart.
Reviews
All reviews (0)