Chapter 612
Eloise asked calmly, after digesting the information. "It's not difficult to find Nathaniel. He was in a difficult situation; it was inconvenient for you, otherwise you could have found him earlier. I didn't tell you because, at that time, he was in a precarious situation. Many people were looking for him; I didn't tell you to minimize the risk. You're not angry, right?" She looked at her mother playfully, sticking out her tongue.
Hearing this, Eloise couldn't blame her. She was relieved to see her son safe. Arianna's explanation made sense; Nathaniel's situation had been sensitive, and reducing contact was prudent.
"I'm not angry, Ari. Are you?"
Long ago, Eloise had considered Arianna's reaction to a half-brother. She'd imagined rejection, even planned how to persuade her acceptance. She never expected Arianna to already know. Even now, Arianna called him brother as if they'd known each other for a long time, showing no unhappiness.
"Angry? Why should I be? You had your reasons." Arianna shrugged. "How could I not be happy to have an older brother!" She smiled happily at Nathaniel, who smiled back dotingly.
Eloise's heart felt comforted. "Ari… then how do you feel about…" She paused, faintly worried. If Arianna accepted a half-older brother, would she accept a half-younger brother?
Arianna dropped Nathaniel's hand, snuggling into her mother's arms on the sofa. "Mom, you mean the outsider?"
"How could he compare to my brother? Nathaniel was born before you and Dad got together. We're family by blood. That woman destroyed our family and tried to steal Dad. He cheated on you – that was wrong to you, to our family. I won't accept that outsider as family!"
Eloise felt reassured. It was true: Nathaniel was born before she and Joseph were together. She hadn't been unfaithful; she'd only been hiding secrets, but this outsider was different! Now he was trying to steal everything from the Tanner family!
"Ari, I'm glad we think alike!" Eloise patted her hand, feeling she'd found an ally.
Arianna nodded vigorously. "Of course! It was weird of Dad bringing that outsider home. Even weirder that Uncle Derrick said it was Dad's choice and he couldn't do anything about it."
"What?! Derrick said that?!" This had been bothering Eloise; she'd been undecided about telling Derrick, and certainly hadn't expected this reaction.
"Yes, Uncle Derrick said it himself. He doesn't care. Mom, if we don't act soon, we'll be forced out of the Tanner family!" Arianna grabbed Eloise's hand, gritting her teeth. Eloise's heart skipped a beat; Arianna's words struck a nerve.