Chapter 21  Everyone in the room was taken aback by his announcement. Derek had always kept his distance from the Reyes family, largely because of the issues surrounding his mother. He spent years abroad, harboring a grudge against Ryan and wanting nothing to do with  the family.  Folks knew Derek resented Ryan and had little love for the Reyes clan. His status as an illegitimate child didn’t help either. They feared he might come back to stake a claim on the family fortune and generally kept him at arm’s length. So, when he suddenly returned and declared his intent to take charge of family affairs, it was a shocker.  Davin looked like he’d swallowed something sour. “Take over? Who do you think you are? You’ve got no say in Reyes matters.”  “It’s not your call to make,” Derek shot back. “Starting today, I’m moving in with the family.”  He turned to Ryan, “What do you think, Father?”  always thought Davin saw Derek as a blemish on his name, not fond of this out–of–wedlock son. But when Derek called him “Father,” I noticed Davin’s eyes glisten with unshed tears. That was not how a man reacted if he didn’t care about his son.  “Prepare a room ready for Derek.” Ryan waved his hand, and the housekeeper scurried off, clearly worried Derek might change his mind. Davin was clearly unhappy. “Father, this isn’t right…”  “Shut your mouth! He’s your brother. What’s so wrong about that? He’s done well on his own without relying on me, and look at the mess you’ve made.”  Bringing up Chase made Ryan even angrier, “And speaking of messes, I’ve seen those nasty rumors online about Amanda being a fraud. Are you just going to let people talk about your wife like that?”  “Grandpa, Amanda ran off to Cloudville without a word. She needs to learn not to act so recklessly.”  “You’ve got some nerve, calling her reckless! Would she have gone there if you hadn’t bailed on your wedding? Have you forgotten the time she begged her father to save us when we were in financial trouble? How can you be so ungrateful?”  Then, he lashed out again, “You ungrateful brat, I ought to beat some sense into you.”  “Dad, if you hurt him too badly, how’s he supposed to bring Amanda back from Cloudville?” Davin pleaded. “And Amanda cares about him. Seeing him hurt would break her heart.”  Finally, Ryan tossed the whip aside. “You fool, get my granddaughter–in–law back here.”  Then, he left with Derek, not sparing another glance at Chase.  “You’ve done well abroad. If you’re thinking about coming back, that’s good too,” Ryan said to Derek.  Derek responded coolly, “Hmm.”  A few folks were left behind in the living room. Patricia was busy checking Nicole for injuries.  Chase sat there, head hanging, clearly troubled.  Davin helped him up, wincing at the sight of his bleeding back. “My father was too harsh. Get the family doctor here, quick.”  “Right away.”  Once Chase’s wounds were tended to, he lay on the bed while I paced around, anxious. It felt like they were out to get me, determined leave me without a proper resting place. Maybe that was why I couldn’t find peace. I wished someone would find my body so I could finally rest.  But Chase, when will you realize I’m already gone?  Davin didn’t stop lecturing Chase, “Amanda’s a good woman, and she’s been nothing but loyal to you. Forget about whatever happened in the past. You’re married now. Whatever feelings you have for Nicole, keep them at bay and focus on Amanda…”  Chapter 22