Chapter 81: Old Flames

After everything that happened the night before, Grant had finally reached his limit with Yenik. His anger was spilling over, and this time, not even Lincy his favorite escaped it.I knew exactly which strings to pull. Grant had always had a temper, especially when his pride or reputation was touched. And Lincy, despite being born outside of marriage, had always been treated better than me. She got the warmth, the protection, the indulgence. I got rules and silence.

He had once dreamed of arranging a powerful marriage for her. Someone who could raise the Ashbourne name and pack it higher. Instead, she was humiliating herself, clinging to a man who had just been pushed into a binding with another woman. Worse, she actually believed Yenik would still gain something from the Ashbournes because of her.

Of course Grant was furious.

Even the woman he once cherished Lincy’s mother was no longer spared in his mind. Disappointment had a way of poisoning old affection.

Yenik, who had been whispering sweet promises only minutes earlier, stayed very quiet now. He wasn’t brave enough to speak. He knew one wrong word could ruin him completely.

Lincy clearly wanted to argue, but the look on her father’s face stopped her cold.

"You’ve disgraced this family," Grant snapped. "Get out of my sight."

Lincy shot me a venomous glare before turning away. "Riley," she hissed, "you’ll regret this one day."

Then she stormed off, with Yenik following closely behind, his head lowered.

Only after they were gone did I turn to Grant. My voice was calm. Gentle.

"Dad, don’t be too angry," I said softly. "Lincy just lets her emotions run ahead of her thinking sometimes. But honestly... saying something like that about Lewis, in his own home? That was dangerous."

Grant stiffened.

"You know the kind of man Lewis is," I continued. "If he’d heard even a hint of that disrespect, it could’ve damaged the alliance. After everything you’ve done to break into the domestic market, losing that connection now would hurt the Ashbournes badly."

That did it.

Men like Grant always cared most about standing and leverage. Family feelings came second.

His expression changed. He studied me for a moment, then said slowly, "You’ve really grown up since... that incident."

I nodded. "I used to argue all the time. I forgot that I’m an Ashbourne too. But now that I’m bound to Lewis, I want to do better. I want to honor that role. I want to be the bridge between our families."

His anger faded, replaced by something close to approval.

"It’s good to hear that," he said. "I regret not giving you more attention over the years. If you’re ever treated unfairly in the Hale household, come to me. I’ll stand up for you."

If the old me had heard those words, she would’ve cried.

But I felt nothing.

I simply smiled, warm and grateful. "Thank you, Dad. But there’s really no need to worry. Jeffrey is kind to me, and Lewis respects me. I’m happy here."

I paused, lowering my head just a little.

"Still... sometimes I miss you and Mom. I miss home."

My voice trembled just enough to sound real.

And he believed every word.

My mom stood beside me and gently patted my head. Her touch was warm, familiar."Then I’ll stay here at the Hales for a few days," she said softly. "Just to keep you company."

Grant shut it down at once. "Don’t be ridiculous. Riley is married now. She has her own place."

I lifted my head and looked at him calmly. "And yet you’re never home. You’re always somewhere else, with someone else. It’s like Mom doesn’t even exist as your partner anymore. Maybe it’s time she finally walked away."

His eyes hardened. "I praised you just a moment ago. Why are you acting childish now?"

Still, he reached for my mom’s hand and lowered his voice. "Alright. I’ll stay a few days. I need to talk business with Lewis anyway. And I can spend some time with Riley."

What surprised me was that my mom didn’t pull her hand back.

That small detail told me everything. No matter how hurt she had been, she still hadn’t let go of him.

Their generation was like that. Marriages between mates weren’t easily broken. Even when love thinned and trust cracked, they endured. Pride, tradition, and family standing mattered more than personal happiness.

From the way they acted, it was clear they had already reached some kind of understanding last night. If Grant truly meant to distance himself from his other life and return to her, I wouldn’t stop it. My mom deserved peace. Maybe even comfort.

So I quietly stepped away and left them alone.

When I returned to my room, I didn’t expect to see Lewis.

He came in carrying a small plate and set it in front of me."Eat while they’re still warm."

My eyes lit up instantly. "Chocolate lava buns and cookies? My favorites!"

The corner of his mouth lifted when he saw my reaction. "I just told the kitchen to bring whatever they had. Looks like they chose well. With the Hudsons and Morrigans busy tearing at each other, things should be quiet for a while."

I grabbed a bun and bit into it too fast.

"Ow hot!" I gasped, fanning my mouth.

"Slow down," he said with a soft laugh. "No one’s stealing your food."

Before I could react, he gently lifted my chin. Startled, I instinctively stuck out my tongue.

I must have looked ridiculous flustered and awkward. There was a clear gap between us, in age and presence. Standing this close to him always made me feel small.

He leaned in and softly blew on my tongue.

The warmth eased the sting. And suddenly, I became very aware of how close he was.

I could see his lashes, long and dark. His skin was pale and smooth, almost unreal. His features were sharp, commanding. He had always looked intimidating, like someone born to stand above others.

No wonder his presence alone made people lower their voices.

"I’m fine now," I murmured, trying to lean back.

His gaze lingered on my lips for just a second before he let go. I finally breathed again.

Then came a knock at the door.

The butler’s voice followed, stiff and formal. "Mr. Jeffrey would like to see you."

My heart sank.

I had known this moment would come. Jeffrey was not someone you fooled easily. If anyone could see through our act, it was him.

Fear rushed in. My hands trembled. My face went pale.

I had always been afraid of Jeffrey. No matter how calm I pretended to be, he could always see the truth beneath it.

Then Lewis reached out and took my hand.

His grip was steady. Warm. Grounding.

"Don’t be afraid," he said quietly. "I’ll be with you."

And somehow, with him beside me, I believed it.