Meanwhile, under the silver moonlight, Erin and Alpha Zachary once again ventured forth into the Lucas residence in Huxville, a prosperous enve nestled within the western part of the Moonwalk pack.
As they crossed the threshold of the estate, a heavy sigh escaped their lips, for not much had changed in the passing years. The grandeur and majesty of the residence still stood, an imposing testament to the power that resided within.
Erin had long yearned to step foot into this domain once more, her desires now fulfilled.
With grace, she settled herself upon a couch in the opulent living hall while a dutiful housekeeper served them tea. Despite her poised appearance, Erin’s nerves fluttered within, uncertain of the path thaty before her.
“Zachary, how do I look? Do I meet their expectations?” Erin’s eyes bore into the man before her, an unspoken plea for his reassurance, as she tugged at her hair and straightened her attire.
Zachary cast a sweeping gaze over her figure before calmly responding, “You look adequate.”
Inhaling deeply, Erin’s anxiety threatened to overwhelm her. “Let us not upset your father upon our arrival. It took him many years to extend this invitation to us-”
Zachary remained silent, his presence here solely driven by the connection to the Lenoir family.
Desmond had abandoned them, leaving them stranded with unanswered questions. Somehow, Zachary couldn’t help but suspect that there was a hidden agenda to this homing.
To him, the bonds of kinship meant little, shackled by rules and limitations.
Annoyance flickered in his eyes as he raised his gaze, catching sight of a figure confined to a wheelchair just a stone’s throw away.
Narrowing his eyes in scrutiny, a sense of recognition washed over Zachary.
It was his brother, Jacques Lucas – a man tied to him not by blood, but by the whims of fate.
Since a devastating ident had taken away Jacques’ ability to walk, he had be a burden to the Lucas family. They would never have epted him if not for his debilitating condition.
As the realization dawned on Erin, she rose from her seat with determination, striding purposefully towards Jacques.
“Are you Jacques? The years have changed you, and I can barely recognize the man you’ve be…” Erin approached Jacques with a feigned warmth, attempting to bridge the divide that had grown between them.
Yet, Jacques’ attention remained fixated on Zachary. A malevolence glinted in his eyes, harboring a potent desire for vengeance.
“Oh, before I forget, I have brought some health supplements from overseas-” Erin’s voice trailed off as Jacques curtly interrupted her.
“I have no use for such things!” Jacques’ words wereced with bitterness as he looked up at her, a scowl etching across his face. “I do not deserve to benefit from your possessions.”
Erin looked upon him with a mixture of sadness and frustration, her words caught in her throat. “Jacques, we did note here with ill intentions…”
Jacques snorted icily, his eyes shooting daggers towards her. “This is exactly how you spoke to my mother, the one who eventually sumbed to madness and took her own life. Do you still remember?”
Erin paled, her voice trembling as she stammered out a response, “I know it was my fault, but I never anticipated such tragedy. Jacques, I understand that you won’t believe anything I say, but I vow to take care of you once we are back in the Lucas residence. I will treat you as my own-”
Jacques grimaced, his re piercing through her. “Silence! I have no need for your care. It seems you still cling to the hope of returning to the Lucas residence. Well, I say it will only happen over my dead body!” Jacques bellowed with rage.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.
“Jacques-”
“Do not utter my name! Who are you to speak it?” Jacques spat venomously.
“I know you won’t listen, but I still seek redemption. I want to make amends and earn your forgiveness,” Erin implored, desperation evident in her voice.
“You wish to atone for your sins? Very well. Go ahead and end your life now. Only then will I consider forgiving you…” Jacques’ eyes bore into Erin’s, his words filled with venom. He then shot a sidelong nce at Zachary. “As for you, take a leap off this building, just as my mother did. If you do, I shall not only forgive you, but I will allow your son to return to the Lucas family. Does this strike a fair deal?”
In that moment, Zachary approached Jacques and stood before him, his voiceced with authority. “Hold your tongue, Jacques…”
A cold, hollowugh echoed forth from Jacques upon witnessing the expression on Zachary’s face. “What’s the matter? Do you wish to strike me? Go on then, strike me!”
“I will strike you if you continue pushing my patience to its limit!”
“I know you will. After all, your mother is nothing more than a mistress. What else can one expect from you and your mother, always barging into others’ lives and bullying them?” Jacques retorted with a sneer.
Rage ignited within Zachary, his eyes reddening as he clenched his fists. As he prepared to unleash his fury upon Jacques, Erin hurriedly intervened. “Zachary, stop-”
“Mom!”
Erin looked at him with a mixture of pleading and pain. “I deserve it…”
Zachary’s gaze shifted between his mother and Jacques, his fists still tightly clenched.
Witnessing their interaction, Jacques let out a bitterugh. “Marvelous, truly marvelous! You two, the epitome of incredible actors, putting on quite the spectacle. It’s astonishing how a wretched woman like you can even attempt to portray righteousness in my presence!”
His words further stoked the mes of anger within Zachary. Swiftly, he closed the distance between him and Jacques, gripping his cor tightly. “You dare speak like that again!”
“What? What have I said that’s so wrong?” Jacques refused to back down, even from his wheelchair.
Years of experience within Lucas Corporation had forged Jacques into an authoritative figure, undaunted by physical limitations.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Zachary tightened his grip, poised to strike the foul-mouthed man.
Erin stepped in, pleading with him to stop. “Enough, Zachary! Release him!”
Zachary resisted, his determination unyielding.
Desperation etched across her face, Erin resorted to one final act. With a swift motion, her hand met his cheek in a resounding p.
The room was engulfed in a tense silence.
Erin stared at Zachary, a mix of anger and sorrow in her eyes. “Zachary, you cannot keep causing unnecessary trouble.”
Zachary lifted his gaze, disappointment etched upon his features.
“Alright…” Zachary nodded, his voice holding a hint of defeat. With that, he turned and walked away.
In the midst of the ensuing silence, Desmond emerged, unintentionally colliding with Zachary.
Desmond’s gaze shifted to Zachary, his brows furrowing. “Where are you going?”
Before Zachary could answer, Erin swept forward, a smile gracing her face as she approached Desmond. “We heard of your arrival and wanted to greet you.”
Desmond nced at Erin, his eyes assessing her.
Her dress and demeanor emphasized her femininity, stirring a flicker of desire within him.
Yet, seeing Jacques in his wheelchair brought back reality, grounding him once more. “Come inside, let us have a conversation.”
With that, Desmond led the way into the living hall.
Erin adjusted her clothing and hair before following suit, gracefully sinking into the couch.
“You must be weary from a day’s work,” Erin said, her eyes locked onto Desmond’s. This man, despite his advancing years, exuded a sense of vitality and strength.
Desmond grinned, unaffected by fatigue. “I do not tire easily.”
“You seem rather jubnt. Has something positive urred?” Erin inquired, her smile radiating warmth and kindness, masking the turmoil within.
Desmond’s smile broadened. “Indeed, there is good news.”
“What news might that be?” Erin pressed, a tinge of anxiety coloring her voice.
Desmond’s eyes drifted towards Zachary, unable to ignore his presence.
“Lucas Corporation has finally secured a coboration with Morris Corporation!” Desmond’s words echoed through the room, his excitement palpable.
Erin’s expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and concern dancing upon her features.
Zachary, stationed by the door, couldn’t help but nce over, his interest piqued.
“For years, Lucas Corporation has yearned for this partnership! Finally, I have seized this opportunity!” Desmond eximed with unbridled glee. He believed this coboration would resolve all their troubles, elevate Lucas Corporation to new heights, and secure his ce among the elite of society.