Yet Bryson showed no sign of disturbance, merely nodding as he entered the living room.


    Inside, Franco’s expression was stern.


    He sat quietly on the sofa.


    Tyshawn, on the other hand, was lively.


    “Grandpa, Melina and I are in love and getting engaged.


    It’s going to be a major event in Valmere! It needs to be spectacr.


    Anything less would be a disgrace to our family.


    ”


    Makenna chimed in, “Franco, you can’t favor Bryson alone.


    Tyshawn is your grandson too.


    They should be treated equally!”


    Franco scoffed, visibly annoyed.


    “Favor? How dare you speak of favoritism? Your son nearly ruined our century-old family business.


    How much money and reputation did we lose? Thanks to Bryson’s efforts, we were saved.


    Without him, where would we be? Hmph!”


    Chastened by the reprimand, Makenna nudged Tyshawn with her elbow.


    Tyshawn, always slightly fearful of the old man and aware of his fault, shifted his gaze around, not daring to speak.


    Watching these two disappointing figures, Melina was filled with intense frustration.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    If not for her thirst for revenge, she would never consider marrying someone as worthless as Tyshawn.


    He couldn’t even win the old man’s favor.


    What good was he, then?


    Despite her inner conflict, she kept a polite smile intact.


    “Franco, I know he’s stumbled many times before, but I believe he will grow.


    Our family will stand by him.


    You can be at ease.


    ”


    Franco noticed Bryson’s arrival but didn’t summon him right away.


    Instead, he gazed at Melina with a knowing grin.


    His keen eyes seemed to unveil her concealed intentions.


    “Melina, you and Bryson have been close.


    Though not childhood sweethearts, you both grew up together.


    I recall you once fancied him.


    Why the sudden shift to Tyshawn?”


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Melina tightened her grip, fighting to hide the bitterness in her gaze.


    “I’vee to many realizations.


    My attachment to Bryson was merely an infatuation.


    My affection for Tyshawn is true.


    I want to leave the past behind.


    I’ve erred greatly myself, and Bryson has found someone he cherishes now.


    I wish not to interfere.


    ”


    “Very well.


    ”


    Franco nodded with approval.


    “Bryson, since you’re here,e and join us.


    ”


    The others on the sofa turned their heads towards the door.


    Bryson stood a short distance away, his demeanor as aloof and detached as always.


    He had overheard everything yet seemed utterly disinterested.


    When Franco called out to him, Bryson didn’t budge.


    “Grandpa, my friend has arrived.


    You go on with your discussion.


    I’ll show him to a room upstairs.


    ”


    Franco didn’t press further, simply gesturing for Bryson to proceed.


    Nearby, Melina shivered, her fingers tensely knotted to the point of nearly breaking her own delicate skin.