Filed to story: The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion
“Mr. Zelliot, Mrs. Zelliot,” Danika greeted. The husband and wife seemed much more tired than they had ever been.
“Is everything ready, Danika?” The two asked her eagerly. “Can Stephanie leave with us now?”
“Mhm. That’s what I’m here for, actually.” She knew the two had waited for a long time for their daughter’s rescue.
Though Stephanie didn’t seem that restrained from her personal freedom, nor did Paul stop her from visiting her family, Stephanie had never done so just to not create issues for her parents. The Zelliots understood this, and that was why they worried for Stephanie even more.
“Have you settled things at Zelliot Inc yet?” Danika asked. They needed to get everything done before Stephanie could safely be relocated to Bardoff City.
“Yes. We can leave at any second.”
“Good.” Danika nodded. “You two will take the first flight to Bardoff City tomorrow morning.”
“But what about-“
“I’ll go with her.” Danika needed to make sure Charles and his wife were secure first, or they would be held hostage by Paul.
The two nodded. They could only hope for the best now. But they had also heard about Danika finding her family again, so hopefully, they’d get the extra protection from the Zellwegers.
After returning to her apartment, Danika never stepped outside again for the day.
Meanwhile, at the Old Mansion, Eustace silently stared at Mortimer hunched over in the distance.
“Are you really ready to do this, Eustace?” Old Mr. Quincey asked. He had known the day would come when his grandson’s wings hardened. He just couldn’t stop worrying about him. Bardoff City was darker and more dangerous than Parrington, which is why the old man had left in the first place. But now that his grandson was going there, he wondered if his leaving there all those years ago was a mistake.
Eustace nodded. ‘Quincey Group needs to expand to the city in order to grow further.”
“You’re right. I still worry about you, though.” He wasn’t the powerful man he used to be. He couldn’t exactly jump to Eustace’s defense if he needed it. Glancing at Mortimer in the distance. Old Mr. Quincey sighed.
“You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll bring you to stay with me in Bardoff City once things settle down.” To Eustace, his grandfather was his only living family.
There was no question as to them living together in Bardoff City when the time was right.
Old Mr. Quincey didn’t refute. ‘Alright. I’ll wait for your good news.” He didn’t know whether he should speak his worries to Eustace or not.
Just then, he noticed that Eustace was staring at Mortimer.
“Your father…”
“He’s not my father,” Eustace snapped.
Hearing this, Mortimer scowled. ‘I’m your father whether you like it or not.” “What kind of father would want to kill their own son?” Eustace shot back almost instantly
Leave
The moment those words left Eustace’s mouth, Mortimer stiffened up while Old Mr.
Quincey’s expression grew solemn. “What do you mean, Eustace? Did he do something to you?”
Old Mr. Quincey had promised himself to forgive all the foolishness his son had done in the past, as long as he never hurt Eustace, but now…
“Don’t spout nonsense, Eustace Quincey. When did I try to kill you?’ Knowing his father’s personality, Mortimer forced himself to stand his ground.
Eustace sneered, then tossed up several documents of evidence. “You bribed that therapist, didn’t you?”
Chills ran up Mortimer’s spine. He had totally forgotten about that. When he found that therapist, he bribed the man not to help Eustace’s condition. In fact, he had told the therapist to encourage it to worsen. He also promised a boatload of money if the therapist convinced Eustace to commit suicide.
There just didn’t seem to be much of a result afterward. Mortimer had even wondered if that therapist had failed.
When Old Mr. Quincey read through the evidence, his face turned dangerously dark.
“Mortimer Quincey!” He roared, balling the paper and throwing it at his son.”
Are you out of your mind?! Eustace is your own son, for God’s sake!” He was absolutely disappointed with Mortimer right now. How could he have raised a son like this? It was fine if Mortimer couldn’t help out with the family business, but trying to kill his own son?
Mortimer said nothing, staring fixedly at the evidence. There was no use arguing because no one would believe him, and he did actually bribe the therapist.
“Don’t you know why he wanted to kill me?” Eustace suddenly asked his grandfather.
Old Mr. Quincey stared at him in surprise. Eustace continued, “He’s doing this because of that bastard of his. You know that kid, don’t you?” If Eustace’s investigation could’ve turned up with him, Old Mr. Quincey’s definitely could.
“Mortimer Quincey would do whatever it takes to let Alfred return to this family and officially assume as heir,” Eustace continued with a sneer. Unfortunately for Mortimer, his plans had all failed.
“I know of that bastard, Alfred,” Old Mr. Quincey said solemnly. “But I’d never recognize him as a legitimate grandson.”
He had only held back from silencing the kid permanently due to them sharing the same blood. He never expected Mortimer to be so evil.
Eustace pointed at Mortimer. ‘As for him, I don’t give a shit what happens to him.
Just kick him out of the house.” He was about to leave for Bardoff City, so he couldn’t let his grandfather live with such an evil man under his roof.
Mortimer scowled. “You’re kicking me out of my own home? God knows where you’d be, Eustace Quincey, if it weren’t for me!”
What grounds did Eustace have to kick him out of his own home?
Eustace ignored him. “He’s not fit to be called a Quincey. I hope you can make him leave, Grandpa before he does something to shame the family further.”
“Don’t listen to the brat, Dad!’ Mortimer yelled. ‘He forged that evidence because he wants me out!’
Only by remaining here did he have a chance to get Alfred into the family. Old Mr. Quincey sighed deeply, suddenly looking very weak and frail. “I’ve told you before, Mortimer…l can forgive everything that you’ve done in the past, as long as you never ever try to hurt a hair on Eustace’s head, but you never took my word to heart, did you?’
“Dad-” “Leave, Mortimer. You don’t belong to this family anymore, and I can no longer tolerate your mistakes,” Old Mr. Quincey said. He had never felt so tired. All he wanted to do was rest.
Stay the Hell Away
Outside the mansion, Mortimer quietly followed behind Eustace, dispirited.
“Are you happy now?” he asked, no longer having the energy to be angry. There was no point. Eustace wouldn’t be affected either way.
Eustace stopped and looked back at him. “You’re blaming me for seeing through your crimes? Even wild beasts look after their young. What does that make you?”
Mortimer’s expression stiffened momentarily. “I never intended for anything to happen to you. I only wanted to set a safe path for your brother’s future.’
“Brother? I don’t have a brother,” Eustace sneered. He was his mother’s only son. She never had any more children after.
“Deny it all you want, Alfred is your brother.” Mortimer insisted, ignoring his son’s denial.
Eustace’s face grew shadowed with killing intent. “If I were you, I’d make sure both you and your son stay the hell away from this family. Do you really think I won’t lay my hands on the both of you? Think I’m that kind?”
“You-“
“I’m warning you now. Once things are settled on my end, I’ll make sure both of you beg for my mercy. Just you wait,” Eustace hissed, then stormed away from the mansion.
Mortimer angrily gnashed his teeth. This brat really wouldn’t give him rest. He was just as mean as his grandfather.
Since Mortimer couldn’t stay there any longer, he started plotting his next move. He wasn’t about to give up that easily. Alfred was also Quincey—why couldn’t he have a share in the family too?
With that thought in mind, he went looking for Alfred to plan what to do next.
Oblivious to this, Eustace went back to the office to continue working. Halfway through, Paul gave him a call, inviting him out for a drink.
Eustace refused the invitation. Tomorrow was the day Danika would execute her rescue plan, which success was surer now that Graham was here to help her. That was why Eustace would rather Paul spend as much time as possible with Stephanie. Who knew when he would be able to spend time with her again?
In the evening, Eustace went to Danika’s as usual to make dinner. Graham remained displeased with him but was still a big fan of his cooking.
While Danika was helping Eustace wash the ingredients, he asked, “Have you called Stephanie recently?”
“No.” Danika shook her head. She needed to be careful now more than ever. “I don’t want to risk Paul getting suspicious.”
“Do you want to give her a call? She might not want to go to Bardoff City, I know,” Eustace asked lightly, paying attention to Danika’s response.
Sure enough, her eyebrows furrowed instantly. “What do you mean?”
“Paul called me earlier today. It sounds like he’s made some progress with
Stephanie. They’ve been getting along better lately.” Eustace secretly guessed that Stephanie had developed some feelings for Paul too.
Danika stayed silent for a good while before she said, “I know what you’re saying, but it’s not Paul that we disapprove of.Jt’s how he does things.Think of this rescue as a test set for him. It’ll make him understand what you do when you really love someone—not force them to be beside you 24/ 7. That’s not what love does.”
You’re Not Scared, Are You?
Eustace understood what she meant, so he didn’t refute her. ‘You have a good point. It’s best that Paul learns how to truly love someone.”
Otherwise, their relationship might not make it through all the challenges that arose once things turned serious.
Frankly, Eustace was quite similar to Paul in terms of romance. He just wasn’t as overbearing—he’d never dreamt of caging her by his side. Instead, Eustace would try and win her over through his actions.
Dinner was soon ready for the three people.
“We’re going back to Bardoff City tomorrow, right?” Graham asked, just to make sure.
Danika nodded. “Right away after getting Stephanie out, yes.”
Even if Graham was there in person to support this plan, Danika still didn’t want to risk dallying around. It was safer to leave as soon as possible.
Graham nodded. He wasn’t concerned about this Paul Wagner fellow, especially when his territory was limited to Parrington. Things would be different if the man were situated in Bardoff City. After all, Parrington’s powers couldn’t compare to Bardoff City’s.
Danika turned to Eustace. “What about you? When do you plan to leave for the city?”