573: [Bonus chapter] Just the calm before the storm

[Bonus chapter] Just the calm before the storm

"Madam." Butler Fu stood several steps from where Grandma Zhu was sitting. "Are you truly letting them go back to that place? Young Master Silas mentioned seeing his mother get beaten up by his father. I don't think they should go home."1

The answer Butler Fu got was silence. Grandma Zhu remained still in her spot, staring at the coffee table in front of her. 

"I know I might be crossing the line," Butler Fu continued after a moment of silence. "However, I am concerned, Madam. The Young Madam Olivia is protecting Sir Leon even when…"

"I know. She told me." Butler Fu trailed off at Grandma Zhu's remarks. She continued. "Olivia confessed everything to me in exchange for helping her divorce Leon and change Silas's family name to her."

Deep lines appeared between Butler Fu's brows as he stared at Grandma Zhu's side profile. If she already knew everything, then she had more reason to insist Olivia and Silas stay in the old residence. Yet, she let them go on their own. 

"That girl…" Grandma Zhu halted as she sighed. "I do not have a face to show her. After everything I heard, all she wants is to not have anything to do with the Zhu family."

Her eyelids drooped, keeping her gaze down. "Butler Fu, even if I use all this lifetime, my life can never atone for how this family had ruined that lovely girl."

"Madam, what Sir Leon had done is not your fault."

"He is my son and I am the one who raised him," she argued firmly. "I am not saying this to gain pity or prove my remorse to anyone."

"I know that, Madam."

"I raised Leon, but he turned out to be just like his useless father." Grandma Zhu drew a deep breath as she shut her eyes. "Someone who not only indulges in the call of his sinful flesh but also, a man who raises a hand on a woman. What's more, is that how can he see his own brother in such a malicious light?"

Unforgivable. Outrageous.

Olivia was a bright young lady. She was the granddaughter of Grandma Zhu's close friend, who sadly died many years back. Olivia's grandfather entrusted Grandma Zhu with ensuring his wealth would go to his beloved granddaughter. Which explained Olivia's small share in the Lyon Group. 

Before she and Leon married, she was already a part of the company, assuming her grandfather's position. With that fact laid on the table, it was obvious Olivia knew the Zhu family even before. She was friends with the current CEO of the Lyon Group even before marriage. Lionel and Olivia were great friends, and becoming in-laws only made them even closer. They were nothing but family, and yet, somehow, Leon put malice in it for reasons even Olivia couldn't explain. Leon was even questioning if Silas was truly his son or if it was Lionel's. After all, Silas looked like Dominic. 

"Olivia wants to take Silas away from the Zhu family, and I want to honor that. I understand that she wants to protect her child in her own way. Therefore, I will not stop her or talk her out of it." Grandma Zhu blinked ever so slowly as she drew a deep breath. When she reopened her eyes, she turned her head in Butler Fu's direction. "Call for the family lawyer. I want to make some changes in my last will."

A glint flickered across the madam's eyes as she paused. "Leon is still my son, so I am reluctant to send him to where his father is right now. Moreover, there are more ways to teach him a lesson than striking him with a cane."

Butler Fu pressed his lips into a thin line, bowing deeply as he received the orders.

"I'll contact the family lawyer," he said quietly, already having a guess about what Grandma Zhu was about to do. 

*

*

*

"Mommy?" Silas looked up at the woman sitting in the backseat with him. "Why are you smiling?"

Olivia gazed down at her son, smiling gently. "Because Mommy just feels happy."

"Did something good happen?" he asked, curious. "Dominic said we should just stay in Grandma's house since they also live with her. He said we should also live with them."

"Silas." Her eyes softened as she cupped her son's cheek. Her thumb brushed his cheek, smiling subtly. "It might take us some time to see them again."

"Why is that, Mommy?"

"Because Mommy and Silas will have to go somewhere."

"Where are we going, Mommy?"

"Somewhere far." Olivia pressed her lips into a thin line, nodding at him encouragingly. "Your Grandma gifted me the land where I used to live. It was sold many years back, but I didn't know she bought it again for me."

Silas blinked, tilting his head to the side. He didn't understand why that made his mother happy, nor what sort of sentimental value it had for her. However, what he did know was that his mother was happy, and that was all that mattered.

"Mommy, are we going to live there from now on?" he asked, and she nodded. "Will it just be the two of us?"

"Yes, Silas." Her lips stretched even wider, holding his cheeks with both her hands. "It will just be you and me. No one will hurt us anymore. But it's a little far from here, so you might not be able to see your cousin for some time."

Silas grinned. "That's alright. Dominic said I am his brother no matter what. And he's also very smart and considerate. So, I'm sure he will understand. I'll write him a letter though, can I?"

"Of course."

"Yes!" Silas raised a fist in excitement. The mere thought that his mother would start smiling again, just like right now, and that Leon wouldn't be able to hurt her anymore put his young heart at ease. "Mommy, I also saw the baby! He's so cute! Dom said he's loud, but he's very cute! I want to take him home and take care of him."

Olivia chuckled at the bright energy he was giving. "Axel is also your little brother. Even if you don't take him home, you can always take care of him in the future. Your cousins are really precious, just like you, Silas. I hope that even when you won't see each other often, you'll still get along well."

"Of course we will! They are my brothers for life!"

His grin was so wide his teeth were on full display. Silas knew, from the bottom of his heart, that his brotherhood with his cousin would never change. But the present time said otherwise. 

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