chapter316

Tarquin struggled to maintain his composure, his voice a low, controlled rasp. "And how exactly did I 'bully' her?"

Evan’s temper flared even higher at the question. "You seriously don’t know? You have no idea what you’ve done?"

Tarquin’s brow furrowed tighter. "I have no clue. To my knowledge, I have never treated Elysia with anything but necessary firmess."

"You... you..." Evan was shaking with indignation. His mother had been reduced to tears because of this man’s words, and here Tarquin was, claiming complete ignorance. It was the ultimate insult.

Evan clenched his small fists, ready to launch another attack, but Lowell quickly intervened. "Elijah, please... let’s just talk this out calmly. Don't let your emotions take control."

"He made my mother cry and now he says he’s innocent!" Evan shouted, his voice cracking. "Targeting a lady isn't what a man of honor does! And then to lack the courage to admit it? That’s cowardice! He thinks he deserves to be a father? He doesn't even come close!"

He doesn't even come close.

Lowell was too stunned to speak. The air in the room felt heavy, suffocating.

Tarquin pushed Lowell aside, looking straight into Evan’s eyes. He fought to suppress the rising tide of his own anger. "This 'bullying' you’re referring to—is it about the phone call I made to her earlier tonight?"

Evan pouted, falling into a stubborn silence.

"I did call her," Tarquin admitted, "and I’ll concede that I said some rather unfriendly things. But how could you possibly know about that conversation?"

"I... I won't tell you!"

"Did Elysia call you to complain?" Tarquin asked, his heart sinking. He was desperate to understand how the news had traveled so fast.

Evan’s reaction was immediate and fierce. "As if! Mom never shares her burdens with us. She only tells us the happy things because she doesn't want us to worry. She protects us!"

Tarquin caught the emphasis. "Us?"

Before Evan could respond, his smartwatch began to chime. The name Elliot flashed on the screen. Evan shot one last, scorching glare at Tarquin. "Stop trying to frame my mother! My mom is the best person in the world, and you? You’re the worst father ever!"

With that final blow, he huffed, turned on his heel, and retreated to his room, pointedly slamming and locking the door behind him.

Tarquin stood in the center of the room, gasping for air as if he’d been struck physically. His expression was a complex map of pain and confusion. The worst father ever... Those words cut deeper than any corporate rival or physical wound ever could.

Lowell stood by, his lips moving but no sound coming out. He felt a profound wave of sympathy for the man. Even if they believed this was just another facet of the boy's complex personality, the words still carried a lethal sting.

"Bring Elysia’s son to me," Tarquin suddenly demanded, his voice devoid of emotion.

Lowell was startled. "What? Her son? Why would you want to involve him now?"

Tarquin didn't offer an explanation. With a stone-cold face, he turned and walked toward his study, his silhouette looking lonelier than ever.

Benjamin rushed into the room just as Tarquin disappeared. "Where is everyone? What happened to the boy?"

Lowell was still processing the request. "He wants Ms. Thorne’s son... what is he planning?"

Benjamin was lost. "What are you talking about?"

Lowell paused, a sudden epiphany striking him. "I see it now! The boy mentioned 'their mom'—he’s clearly in contact with Ms. Thorne's other children. They must know each other! Tarquin wants to get to the bottom of Ms. Thorne’s true intentions by questioning her own son!"

With that realization, Lowell hurried toward the door.

"Wait!" Benjamin called after him. "Where are you going?"

"To find Ms. Thorne’s son," Lowell shouted back. "The truth is hidden with them!"