Chapter 293: Consequences

Emilia was once a pitiable figure, but she unfairly burdened Timothy with all her grievances.

Timothy, frail from birth like Jay, received decent treatment from Charlie, as if he were his own son, despite Charlie's lack of affection for Emilia. However, Emilia showed Timothy no affection, using him merely as a source of blood for Jay. Both Timothy and Jay suffered from physical ailments, but Timothy endured regular blood transfusions to sustain Jay.

Witnessing Emilia's neglect, Charlie naturally favored his younger son. This, in turn, intensified Emilia's favoritism towards Jay, creating a rivalry between the boys. Two innocent children became pawns in their parents' conflict.

Initially, Charlie treated both children equally, understanding Timothy's lack of maternal care. But over time, Jay, spoiled by Emilia, became disobedient. He showed no brotherly love, bullying Timothy and cruelly declaring that Timothy existed only to die for him.

Learning of this, Charlie became furious and severely scolded Jay, leading to a heated argument with Emilia and a deterioration of their relationship. Afterward, Charlie shifted his attention from Jay to Timothy's care.

This continued until Timothy turned three, and Charlie was involved in a fatal accident.

Among Old Mr. Harris's grandchildren, Nathael was his favorite. Nathael was always steady and clever, but family conflicts targeted him. Nevertheless, he shared a close bond with his Uncle Charlie. Charlie spent more time with Nathael than with his own son, especially when Marcus was preoccupied with family business. Marcus acted as a father figure, protecting and guiding Nathael, while Charlie provided happiness during his challenging childhood. With Charlie, Nathael revealed his childlike side, his joy contrasting with his usual serious demeanor.

One day, an assassination attempt targeted Nathael. Nathael, Charlie, and young Timothy were at a banquet when gunmen attacked. As their car stopped, assailants surrounded them, opening fire. Both Nathael and Timothy were in danger, but the shooters aimed for Nathael's heart, intending to kill Timothy as well.

The entire incident lasted only three minutes. When the Harrises arrived, Nathael held the blood-soaked Charlie, who appeared dazed.

"Uncle Charlie! Uncle Charlie"

Charlie managed a weak smile and looked at the thin, frail Timothy hiding beside the wheel. He tried to speak, but blood flowed from his mouth, silencing him.

Tearful, Nathael vowed, "Uncle Charlie, don't worry. I'll take care of Timothy and ensure Aunt's future." Charlie's eyes welled with tears as he smiled in relief. Nathael gently closed Charlie's eyes, marking the end of the extravagant and reckless fifth son of the Harrises. Maggie felt overwhelmed by the tragedy.

She had envisioned countless scenarios, but not this. She couldn't determine who was right or wrong; everyone seemed both victim and perpetrator. Charlie had flaws as a husband and father, and Emilia was far from a perfect mother.

Recalling rumors from her past life, Maggie imagined Timothy's difficult life after Charlie's death: his brother's bullying, his mother's resentment, and his own fragile health. Although Nathael wanted to help, he was just a child and powerless against Emilia. Maggie never expected Timothy's father to sacrifice himself for Nathael. She wondered if young Timothy understood his father's decision, or if he felt abandoned.

She hoped he hadn't grasped it at such a young age. However, rumors suggested he was precocious, and the memory might be deeply ingrained.

"Old Mr. Harris investigated. It turned out that other branches of the Harris family were behind the assassination attempt. But they covered their tracks well, so the mastermind remains at large," Ericko stated gravely.

Maggie closed her eyes, murmuring, "No wonder Nathael always yielded to Timothy."

Ericko shook his head. "There's more."

Maggie looked at him. "More?"

Ericko nodded. "After Charlie's death, Nathael cared for Timothy. But he discovered that Timothy, despite appearing well-behaved, caused trouble behind his back, blaming Nathael or Jay."

Maggie fell silent, understanding Timothy's resentment towards Jay. Perhaps Charlie hadn't realized that favoring Nathael would fuel Timothy's jealousy. Nathael silently bore the blame as Timothy shifted responsibility onto him, acting as an older brother. Timothy showed improvement, but relapses continued, sometimes leaving evidence for Nathael to find. Despite his innocent appearance, his actions were provocative.

Another incident deepened Timothy's hatred for Nathael.

Unable to contain herself, Maggie asked, "What happened?"

Ericko gently patted her head. "You can ask Nathael later. He avoids discussing it, feeling guilty towards Timothy and repeatedly giving in to him. Surprisingly, you were involved this time."

Maggie shook her head, concealing her bitterness. "I dragged him into this mess."

Maggie realized she had underestimated Timothy's cunning. The seemingly harmless boy possessed a vicious streak Nathael lacked. Timothy's approach had been an ultimatum: refuse, and face revenge. Only after suffering did she fully comprehend his threat, the consequence being Nathael's severed finger.

Maggie now understood: all the incidents were warnings and threats. Timothy had already achieved his goals.