Chapter 53


    Casey came downstairs wearing the new maroon shirt his daughter bought for him, paired with


    gray trousers. His enthusiasm was palpable as he contemted his uing meeting withn,


    who was visiting their home for the first time today.


    “How do I look forn’s first visit? I can’t very well dress like I’m lounging around the house,” he


    remarked with a flourish, pausing to appraise his reflection in the mirror.


    Casey heldn in such high regard that he prepared forn’s arrival with the same meticulous care


    one would extend to a prospective son–inw, even bringing out the fine wine he’d been saving for


    special asions.


    ra approached her father with a subdued grace, her smile belying the news she was about to


    deliver. “Dad,n had to take ast–minute business trip. He won’t be able to make it. Let’s just


    start dinner, okay?”


    Casey looked at her, puzzled. “But he promised just yesterday he would be here.”


    “Well, that was yesterday, Dad. ns changed this morning. He had to rush off. He asked me to let


    you know, but it slipped my mind,” she exined.


    Since her father was discharged from the hospital, ra considered it best to gradually. dial back


    her involvement withn. In a few months, when the truth came to light, it wouldn’t seem so abrupt.


    Despite a twinge of disappointment, Casey summoned a smile and ushered everyone to the table


    for dinner.


    Their meal was in full swing when the butler burst in with news. “Sir, Miss, Eve and Nancy have


    arrived. They wish to see how you’re feeling, sir.”


    ra’s smile froze. cing her cutlery down, she said, “Dad, I’m going to step out for a moment.


    You all carry on.”


    ra barely stood up before Eve’s shrill voice echoed from the hallway. “Casey, how could no one


    tell me about your hospital discharge? Am I that insignificant to you?”


    ra intercepted Eve with a frosty tone. “Maybe if you treated my father a little better, showed


    some motherlypassion instead of causing a scene in his hospital room, we’d be more inclined


    to keep you updated.”


    “You ungrateful little brat, when did you get to talk back in this house?” Eve’s arm swung toward


    ra, but a firm grip caught her wrist.


    Casey’s voice was stern, his gaze icy. “I won’t allow anyone toy a finger on my


    daughter.”


    11:43


    Eve winced at the grip on her wrist, herints turning into curses. “Casey, you’ve grown bold,


    defending that trash against me!”


    “If you insult my daughter again, believe me, I will have you kicked out of this house.” His voice


    was chilling, his resolve unyielding, a far cry from the gentle and dutiful Casey of the past.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    Eve, shocked, tried to appeal to his sensibilities. “Casey, I am your mother, and this is my home


    too. How dare you speak to me with such disrespect? Have you forgotten the promises you made to


    your father?”


    “I promised to look after this family and you. Haven’t I done that? I’ve worked myself to the bone for


    this family. But have you ever cared for me? In your eyes, I am nothing more than a money–making


    machine. You turn a blind eye to my elder brother’s vices, yet your are here to judge my daughter?


    She’s done nothing but support the Bell family. Without her, we’d be in ruins.”


    “Since you’vee all this way, I won’t let you leave empty–handed. I’ve made a decision. I’m


    hiring awyer to divide the estate. I refuse to be the workhorse for this family any longer, and I


    won’t let my daughter suffer any more for it.”


    Years of single–handedly propping up thepany had taken their toll. While Casey’s brother’s


    family indulged in their vices, ruing debts that fell upon him to clear. Casey had long clung to the


    hope of familial harmony. But after learning how his mother and Jay had conspired against his


    daughter, Casey had lost all faith in the notion of family.