Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

As expected, Walter's face went stone cold and he slammed his hand down hard on the table.

"Great! Just great! You spent the night with Tara, and now the Warren family is waiting for your answer. Rai has been at the old house for two days, waiting on you, and you still haven't shown your face. All you can think about is that woman from some small-time family. Dylan, after everything we've done for you all these years, is it all for nothing?"

Everyone knew how much Dylan had accomplished over the years. It was just lately-especially when it came to Clara-that he'd completely lost his head.

The matriarch couldn't stand to hear Walter talk like that. Dylan had been her choice from the beginning.noveldrama

"Old man, how can you say Dylan's let the Ferguson family down? If you want to say he's distracted by a woman, fine, I won't argue. But if you're accusing him of betraying the family, I'm not having it. He's done more than enough. And Rai coming all the way here doesn't that prove that spot's been waiting for Dylan all along? What are you so worked up about?"

"Soft-hearted nonsense!"

Walter slammed his hand on the table again, trying to keep his temper in check.

"Dylan, when Rai goes back, he's going to report everything to the High Elder. You know how important the High Elder is. The main branch has always kept a close eye on you-don't let them down! I've told you before: if you want to keep Clara, fine. But the woman everyone sees at your side will never be her! The Chester family overseas has already called. I don't know what you said to Griffin, but I'm telling you now: your engagement to the Chester family's heiress is happening, period. If you're really going to throw away your future for Clara, don't blame me for doing whatever it takes."

The matriarch turned pale. "Walter, you-"

He turned to her, his gaze cold. “And you-stop letting yourself get fooled by a few sweet words from that Warren girl. She's not as simple as you think. You'll handle things with the Warren family and give them an answer they'll accept. Tara was never the daughter-in-law I wanted; you made that promise on your own years ago."

Her face was frosty and she looked ready to argue, but he cut her off.

"Hong Xiangning, don't forget what you said when you sent that child away."

The words shut her up instantly. She raised a hand to her forehead, all her strength suddenly gone.

After Walter left, the matriarch stayed there, holding her head in her hands. She looked exhausted.

"Dylan, just listen to your father. This isn't just about our Ferguson family

. You're carrying a lot's

your shoulders...."

Dylan picked up his teacup and asked quietly, "What if I don't want to be the heir?"

The matriarch stared at him, stunned, like she'd just been struck by lightning.

It took her a few seconds to recover. She drained her cup in one go.

"You're still too young. Rai didn't give you a hard time this round-not because he didn't want to, but because you haven't crossed the line yet. When you were overseas, you visited the Ferguson family branch there. Our family is the strongest branch, always in the spotlight. Everything you do is watched. The High Elder..."

She paused, taking a breath, finally

for the servant to

melf together. She

e tea, then turned to A

"Have everyone else leave us."

her

Aiden nodded, knowing the matriarch wanted a private word with Dylan.