Chapter 41: Do I Need to Explain How to Handle…

Harvey and Vivienne exchanged a knowing glance before Harvey teased, “We’d be happy to stay, but it seems you’d rather we didn’t, eh?”

“You little rascal, always with a smart reply!” Benjamin said, a mix of annoyance and affection in his voice, lifting his cane as if to playfully threaten Harvey.

Vivienne quickly intervened, clasping Benjamin’s arm. “Grandpa, blame me, not him. Please calm down.”

“I thought you’d erased us from your heart after being away for three years.” Benjamin sighed heavily, his head tilting as he fought back tears threatening to spill.

Overwhelmed by his words, Vivienne wept. She recalled Benjamin’s fierce objection to her marriage to Warren, his pointing out Warren’s irresponsibility and the vast differences between their families. Back then, Vivienne firmly believed love would conquer all—a notion now proven bitterly naive. She deeply regretted leaving her family for a love never returned.

Sniffling, she managed, “Grandpa, I’m sorry. You were right all along.”

“Vivienne, I never held it against you,” Benjamin responded tenderly, caressing her hair. “I always told you Warren and his family weren’t worthy of you. You were stubborn, choosing him over your own family. It turns out my concerns were valid. Not one of them is worth your time. You’re just like your mother; sometimes you need to see things for yourself to truly understand.”

Embracing Benjamin, Vivienne nestled into his arms as she had when she was a little girl. “Grandpa, I realize my mistake. I won’t make the same errors again.”

With a gentle pat, Benjamin reassured her, “The most important thing is you’re home now.”

After calming down, Vivienne brightened and suggested, “Grandpa, what would you like for lunch? Shall I make something special for you?”

“I want steak,” Harvey interjected without hesitation.

“Ever thought of cooking it yourself?” Benjamin’s glare was icy as he taunted, “You’re nearly forty, Harvey, and still without a wife. It’s embarrassing how you just live off of us.”

Softening his tone as he addressed Vivienne, Benjamin suggested, “What if we prepare your favorite fried chicken for lunch instead?”

A wave of nostalgia washed over Harvey, making him feel like an outsider once more.

At the lunch table, the Sinclair men ensured Vivienne’s plate remained full.

“Eat up, you’re looking too slender,” Benjamin said.

Showing concern, Vivienne stood and served Benjamin some soup. “You should eat as well, Grandpa.”

Benjamin tasted the soup and proclaimed it the finest he’d ever had.

After the meal, Benjamin beckoned Cameron to the study for a serious conversation. Once alone, Benjamin wasted no time. “Your opinion on the Mitchell family?”

Vivienne was well-protected and cherished under Benjamin’s roof, and the mere mention of her troubles with the Mitchell family was enough to ignite his anger. He fiercely valued his granddaughter’s well-being above all.

“What are you suggesting we do?” Cameron was momentarily unsure of Benjamin’s intentions.

With a dismissive snort, Benjamin retorted, “Do I really need to explain how to handle them?”