Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Noemi, overwhelmed by Bria’s outburst, found herself struggling to endure the mistreatment.
On the sidelines, Leila watched Noemi’s acting with a hint of amusement, not anticipating that Noemi would pin the blame on her so pointedly.
Initially, Leila didn’t want to get involved, but noticing Tyrone’s mood darken, she felt compelled to clarify things.
Just as Leila was about to gesture her explanation, Tyrone cut her off.
His voice tinged with anger, Tyrone snapped at Noemi, “I’m not an old fool!”
Noemi pursed her lips together instantly, looking up at Tyrone nervously.
Taking a deep breath, Tyrone addressed Noemi more calmly, “Go back and tell Bria that she is still my granddaughter. I can overlook a lot, but I refuse to be treated like a fool. Yes, I often suffer from lapses. Sometimes, I don’t recognize people or recall my actions, and perhaps I’ve acted foolishly. If she finds it too burdensome to acknowledge me as her grandfather, I don’t mind her distancing herself from me.”
Noemi’s nerves flared up instantly. She mustered a disarming smile. “Mr. Tyrone Nixon, Miss Nixon truly respects you. How could she ever deny you as her grandfather?”
Tyrone scoffed in response. “If that’s the case, she should cease causing trouble and allow me to live in peace.”
Since Tyrone had put his words this way, Noemi bit her tongue. She wanted to argue further but hesitated, stealing glances at Tyrone before deciding it was best to hold back.
Leila felt compelled to interject, believing she owed an explanation. She wanted to express her hope for Tyrone to have a harmonious relationship with his family instead of arguing over her.
Unexpectedly, Tyrone spoke up before Leila could gesture her thoughts. “Leila, I understand your concerns,” he said gently. “Though we haven’t been acquainted for long, I am still your grandfather. You’re a kind soul. Consider this your home. No one will harm you here, alright?”
Leila was taken aback and momentarily lost for words. They hadn’t confirmed any blood ties with medical equipment yet. Therefore, chances were that she was not part of the Nixon family. Could it be that Ewing hadn’t talked to Tyrone over this since he feared the impact?
After pondering for a moment, Leila decided not to dwell on this topic. It seemed wiser to let Ewing handle the talk with Tyrone on this. Moreover, she grappled with words regarding this topic.
As Noemi reported, Bria exploded with fury. She delivered a sharp slap to Noemi. “Had you not made things clear to my grandpa? If you had, why would he insist on sending me away?”
Noemi felt like crying. “I relayed everything to your grandfather just as you instructed, and I even mentioned that Leila was stirring up trouble. However, once I finished, he became furious and yelled at me.”
Bria responded with a scornful laugh, “Does Leila, that imposter, actually believe she belongs to the Nixon family? Just wait. I’ll unveil her true identity soon enough.”
Noemi shifted lightly, asking, “Miss Nixon, what’s our next move?”
Bria massaged her temples, a glint of ice passing through her gaze. “What can I do? Ewing is adamant about sending me away. Even feigning illness won’t help. What options are left?”
A thought crossed Bria’s mind, but in the end, she sighed in resignation.
Just then, a voice from the doorway came. “Miss Nixon, Mr. Nixon asked me to check if you’ve packed all your belongings.”
Fuming, Bria opened the door and plastered a smile. “Go ask Ewing if he’s really going to treat me, his cousin, this way over a woman who isn’t from our family.”
The response came in a calm tone. “Mr. Nixon had expected your question and instructed me to tell you it wasn’t about he felt like doing so, but he needed to do so. Moreover, the woman in question isn’t just anyone. She’s your cousin. Mr. Nixon hopes you’ll refrain from making such comments in the future. If you haven’t finished packing, we’re here to assist.”
Unable to contain her frustration any longer, Bria’s smile vanished. “Get out!” she snarled.
However, Ewing’s subordinate didn’t inch away since the order was to see Bria out today.
Just then, another voice chimed in, “I want to see how Ewing plans to mistreat my sister.”
The rain intensified and thunder rolled.
Suddenly, lightning flashed, startling Leila.
Tyrone quickly interjected, “It’s going to rain harder. You should head back and rest. Get some sleep. If you need anything, speak to Ewing. He might seem stern, but he’s dependable and manages everything well for the family.”
Leila nodded, her hand gestures signaling that she found Ewing kind and thoughtful.
Tyrone smiled. “You’re his cousin, after all. If he can’t look after you properly, I’ll be having a word with him about what he’s been up to all this time.”
Leila pondered for a moment, intending to warn Tyrone that she might not be his biological granddaughter.
However, before Leila could do anything, a sudden knock interrupted them.
The butler, known as Trent, entered, offering Leila a respectful greeting.
Slightly nervous, Leila assumed Trent had come to discuss some household matters with Tyrone. She made a move to leave, but Tyrone gestured for her to stay.
“We are family. You don’t have to leave. Stay, sit down, and listen,” Tyrone said.
Leila had no choice but to turn around and settle down next to Tyrone.
Trent remarked, “Sir, Mr. Abram Nixon and the others have returned unexpectedly.”
Leila raised her eyebrow. Who was Abram?
Tyrone explained to Leila, “Abram is your second uncle. You haven’t met him yet. He’s back in town now, and you two can meet.”
Tyrone looked away, his face hardening as he questioned Trent, “Why the hell is my son back without giving me a heads-up?”
Trent looked nervous. “He and his family showed up out of the blue. When I got the news, they were already at the front door. They’re probably in Miss Bria Nixon’s room right now. It’s a family reunion, and I can’t do anything about it. Mr. Ewing Nixon is somewhat frustrated, given Miss Bria Nixon couldn’t be sent back for the time being.”
Tyrone thought for a moment. “How many of them are there? Did the whole family come?”
Trent nodded. “The whole family is here. They even brought the medical team for Miss Bria Nixon’s treatment. They claimed uncertain when you would feel better, concerned Mr. Ewing Nixon couldn’t manage things well if he was alone with you.”
Tyrone’s face darkened, his thoughts a mystery.
Leila had never seen this side of Tyrone before. She knew him as the funny, kind old man. This cold, serious version was a shock to her.
Tyrone sighed when something occurred to him. Turning to face Leila, he asked, “Do you want to meet your second uncle and his family?”
Leila instinctively wanted to say no, but she knew better. She gave a nod despite her reluctance.
Previously, Ewing had hinted that Tyrone would probably do whatever Leila wanted.
Leila reasoned if she said no, Tyrone would likely opt against meeting Abram and his family. That would put off their meeting. She couldn’t bring herself to let this happen. Plus, she had to see them someday.
Soon, Leila trailed behind Tyrone to meet Abram and his family.
The hall, once empty, buzzed with life as more people arrived.
Leila followed Tyrone into the hall, her eyes scanning the faces of the new arrivals.
A well-dressed couple stood among the newcomers, the woman’s face a mask of disdain. She glanced at Leila with a snort, clearly unimpressed.
Next to the couple stood a young man and Bria.
The young man resembled Ewing, but his charm was more pronounced, his eyes radiating warmth. His gaze met Leila’s, and for a moment, she felt a flicker of tenderness.
Leila remained wary. This man must be Klein Nixon, Bria’s brother.
A sly look passed between Bria and Klein.
Bria, surprisingly subdued, stood quietly off to the side.
A closer look revealed a smirk playing on Bria’s lips.
Bria’s expression told Leila all she needed to know. Now that her family had arrived, she was staying put.
A wave of unease washed over Leila. Unsure of Bria’s next move, she resolved to steer clear of Bria.
With Trent’s help, Tyrone settled into the grand seat at the head of the hall.