Chapter 258:
“Enough with the excuses. I’m clueless,” Lionel declared, his voice tinged with bitterness. “Which of you has ever spent quality time with me the way Freya does?”
“Who among you has joined me for a game of chess, practiced calligraphy, or simply stood by my side in quiet companionship? None of you! Are you about to claim your schedule’s too packed again? Despite managing the extensive Shaw Group and his packed schedule, Kristian makes it a point to spend time with me each month. Are you claiming to have less time than he does?”
Lionel’s voice rose with each word, his anger palpable.
Not a soul among Edgar, Robin, or their family members dared to utter a word.
They recognized their neglect toward Lionel, yet they considered his favorite pastimes, like calligraphy and chess, dreadfully dull.
“Grandpa, doesn’t it bother you that you might be hurting our feelings with your words?” Carrie’s resentment toward Freya deepened. “And who’s to say Freya didn’t just pick up your hobbies to curry favor with you after her marriage to Kristian?”
“You could learn them too,” retorted Freya, breaking her silence. “If you manage to best me in any of these activities, I’ll persuade Lionel to hand over the Shaw Group to you.”
“That’s a fair challenge,” Lionel quickly agreed. He had yet to defeat Freya in a game of chess.
At times, he pondered over how adeptly she had refined her strategy. Although he never faced outright defeat, he realized upon reflection that Freya had tactfully allowed him victories.
Carrie’s fury escalated. “Did you even consult Kristian before making such a statement?”
“I see no issue with it,” Kristian responded with a serene expression. Lionel gave a derisive snort, his demeanor suggesting that Kristian lacked the courage to raise any objections.
Kristian was left speechless.
gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰𝗈n – 𝘾𝒉𝓮𝒸𝓀 𝒶𝓾𝓉𝒽 𝓬𝓸𝓹𝓎
“Challenging me in an area where you’re skilled isn’t a testament to your abilities.” Carrie bristled at the thought, convinced she ought to have been the one everyone adored. “If you’re so brave, try competing in something I excel at.”
“What does your expertise have to do with Lionel?” Freya countered sharply. Although Lionel had not been fond of her at first, he had never spoken harshly. As her understanding of him deepened, she discovered his underlying solitude.
Lionel treated all his children with equal concern, though he later deemed some as undeserving of his attention.
Carrie’s animosity grew. “What’s the use in just currying favor with Grandpa?”
“At least that’s better than showing outright disrespect to your elders,” Freya retorted coldly, her tone unaffected by the taunts thrown her way.
Had there been a real competition, she would not have hesitated to face this young girl.
However, any such contest would only serve to escalate the existing tensions, contributing further to the unfolding drama.
Reacting to the previous exchange, Carrie’s anger flared, but Lionel smoothly intervened by calling for the dinner to be served.
Throughout the meal, a tense calm prevailed. Everyone dined with decorum, and Freya, true to form, indulged in her favorites while thoughtfully serving Lionel the dishes he preferred.
This simple gesture, meant as a mark of respect and affection, was misinterpreted by some as an attempt to ingratiate herself with Lionel. Freya remained indifferent to the whispers and chose not to justify her actions.
Once dinner concluded, the servants efficiently cleared the dining area, and everyone joined Lionel for a leisurely stroll in the back garden.
During their walk, a long-buried issue finally surfaced. “I’ve caught wind of rumors suggesting that Kristian plans to divorce Freya. Could there be any truth to it?”
“Smart minds don’t waste time on rumors,” Lionel replied, his tone deliberately vague.
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