Chapter 334: Marley McGrath
Lionel's advanced age necessitated entrusting his responsibilities to his children. David, the second eldest, and his siblings were close. He assumed the significant responsibility of leading the Quirk family's business, successfully stabilizing their commercial empire. Many distant Quirk relatives also relocated from Yrinas, seeking opportunities.
The family diversified its holdings, with David's siblings managing overseas businesses. Only David moved his entire family to their new city. Lionel, Caitlin, and Eric remained in Yrinas; Felix lived in a neighboring city; and Greta and Hansel lived overseas. Family reunions were largely confined to Lionel's birthday celebrations. However, Alexander, after arriving in the new city, never returned.
Isabella, sensing more to the story, frowned at the family's chatter. The possibility of Alexander's involvement made her uneasy. The Quirks, however, were direct. Given Isabella and Alexander's close relationship, they felt she deserved the truth.
"Actually, it's all my fault," Selena began, her emotions overwhelming her.
"This has nothing to do with you. It's our responsibility as a couple," David reassured her.
Isabella remained uneasy.
"Let me explain," Evian interjected.
The situation stemmed from the Quirk family's earlier business shift. When David relocated, Selena accompanied him, bringing their five-year-old daughter, Evian. However, leaving their two- or three-year-old son, Alexander, presented a challenge. Selena lacked the energy to constantly care for him, and Alexander, already exhibiting exceptional intelligence like his cousin Callahan, needed specialized care.
Lionel decided to leave Alexander in Yrinas, the most developed area at the time, better suited to nurturing gifted children and close to family.
Alexander, even as a young child, demonstrated remarkable intelligence and composure. He didn't protest their departure. With heavy hearts, David and Selena left with Evian.
This account necessitates mentioning Marley McGrath, Lionel's second wife. Lionel's six children shared the same mother, who died after giving birth to the youngest. Marley, initially Evelyn's attendant, cared for the Quirk children, earning their respect. She later married, had a daughter, and, after her husband's death, remained at the Quirk manor with her daughter.
Marley was a woman of traditional values and loyalty. At Evelyn's request, she married Lionel to ensure the children's well-being. Both were honorable people who remained together until Lionel's death. To avoid competition for inheritance, Marley had secretly taken an infertility pill before marrying Lionel. Therefore, all but Marley's daughter shared the same parents.
The Quirk family's harmony was unusual in Yrinas. Marley's care extended to the grandchildren. David and Selena felt comfortable leaving Alexander.
However, as Alexander grew, personality issues emerged. Initially attributed to his intelligence causing social difficulties and increasing silence, the situation worsened around age five or six, prompting David and Selena to bring him home.