Rogue

Chapter 134

William’s face was filled with pride as he continued. “My eldest grandson is the one who resembles me the most. Whether in his iron–fisted methods of his business acumen, he’s surpassed me in every way.

“Before I found him, he had already built the Ferdinand Group from scratch.

“I asked him to return to the Rouse family, but he refused. I even tried to suppress his business to force him back, but he never compromised. Instead, he withstood the pressure and made his business grow even larger.

“My feelings for him are a mix of guilt and pride! I hadn’t tried to suppress him back then, perhaps the Ferdinand Group would have been even more prosperous than it is today.”

The crowd was shocked by William’s words..

They had always thought that Ferdinand Group’s rapid rise was thanks to the support from the Rouse family. But the reality was far different. Not only did the Rouse family not help out, but they also actively tried to hold Arthur back.

Arthur’s expression remained calm, as if he was just there to do a job and nothing more concerned him.

William continued, “I’m at an age now where I don’t have many years left…”

The crowd quickly interjected. “Mr. Rouse, don’t say such ominous things. You may be ninety, but you look healthier than many of us in our fifties or sixties. You’ll definitely live for several more decades!”

“That’s right. With today’s rapidly advancing technology and medical improvements, in a few years, there might be medicines to prolong life. Living to one hundred or two hundred years will be a breeze.

“Today is your 90th birthday. You shouldn’t say such inauspicious things.”

William raised his hand to stop them. “If I could live longer, it would be a good thing. But at my age, I should be prepared for the day I don’t wake up.

“So, while my mind is still clear, and since so many people are here today, I have something to.

announce.

“I declare that my eldest grandson, Arthur, will be the next heir of the Rouse family!”

This announcement caused an uproar among the guests.

Although Arthur was a Rouse family member and undoubtedly capable, he had lived outside the family for most of his life and had only recently returned. On the other hand, Mark had been raised in the Rouse family and was personally nurtured by William.

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Mon, Aug

Everyone had assumed that Mark would be the heir of the Rouse family.

They didn’t expect Arthur, who had just returned, to steal the position and couldn’t help but wonder whether Mark could accept this fact.

Mark’s face was dark and sullen, but he remained silent with his eyes lowered.

Arthur, however, frowned in displeasure..

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He thought in anger, I only agreed to attend the birthday, not to return to the Rouse family as an heir. He didn’t even ask for my opinion before making the announcement.

Arthur said displeasedly, “We’ll talk about this later. For now, let’s just enjoy your birthday party.”

Seeing that he was unhappy, William could only appease him, saying, “Alright, since you don’t want to talk about this now, we can discuss it later.”

The crowd couldn’t help but take another look at Arthur.

The Rouse family was one of the top families even in the whole country, yet Arthur was so disdainful of being its heir.

After William finished speaking, he announced the beginning of the banquet. The guests extended their well–wishes before heading to the dining hall.

The gifts had been delivered upon arrival and were recorded by staff, so guests wouldn’t have to carry them around.

As Arthur descended from the stage, he caught a glimpse of a familiar face out of the corner of his eye in the crowd.

Because it was just a fleeting glance, he didn’t see clearly. He stopped and looked in that direction again.

By then, the figure had turned away, and he could only see her back–a slender, graceful back that stood out in the banquet hall..

Arthur frowned, thinking, I must have been mistaken. How could that possibly be Evangeline? She is so fierce; there is no way she would dress so femininely or wear such high heels. That is just not her style. Besides, how could she be at this birthday banquet? He retracted his gaze and walked off the stage.

After having their meal, Evangeline and Dexter didn’t linger. They said their goodbyes to the host and made their way out.

At the entrance, Evangeline noticed that Arthur was also about to leave. William, leaning on his cane, grabbed Arthur’s arm tightly and choked out, “Arthur, can’t you return? I’m old and don’t have many days left. If you leave now, who knows how many more times I’ll see you in my lifetime…

Arthur’s voice was indifferent. “It doesn’t matter if we don’t see each other again. After all, we didn’t see much of each other in the past twenty–odd years.”

William voice was filled with sorrow. “Are you still gry? I know you suffered a lot outside all those years can make it up to you by giving you the Rose family… Abandoning you back then was a last resort. Please try to understand”

Arthur said, Since you abandoned me and chose Mark back then, continue placing your hopes on him. Don’t expect me to come back and work for your family.

He pushed William’s hand away and was about to leave when he heard footsteps approaching from behind him. He glanced back and was shocked to see who was coming.

been mistaken earlier? But why is she here?

He thought, Evangeline? It’s really her? So, I have And who is the man beside her? She is holding onto his arm

William also noticed Evangeline and Dexter. His fate quickly transformed from guilt and sadness to a kind, smiling expression. “Dexter, Evangeline, are you done eating already?”

Dexter politely responded, “Yes, Eva and I have had enough. We have some matters at home, so we’ll take our leave now.”

William smiled. “Okay, I won’t keep you then. Please send my regards to your grandfather and parents.”

Dexter nodded.

Arthur snapped out of his shock and walked up to Evangeline, asking in surprise, “Evangeline? What are you doing here?”

Evangeline smiled. “My brother and I are here for Mr. Rouse’s birthday on behalf of our parents. I didn’t expect to see you here. You really surprised–me.”

Suddenly, Arthur remembered Evangeline once mentioning that her sister had adopted her and a younger boy, who came from a very wealthy family, and that after the boy was found by his biological family, they brought her home as well.

He hadn’t expected that the family who adopted Evangeline was a well–known prestigious family in Lyrendia.

“Arthur, you know Evangeline?” William asked curiously, glancing between them.

Arthur quickly composed himself and gave a noncommittal nod without offering any explanation.

Dexter glanced at Arthur before gently nudging Evangeline. “Eva, I’m feeling a bit unwell. Let’s go home.”

Evangeline immediately turned to him, her face full of concern. “What’s wrong? Where are you feeling unwell?” Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Dexter replied, “My stomach hurts a bit.”

Evangeline said, “It must be due to the cold juice you drank. Bear with it for now. I’ll make you some soup to soothe your stomach when we get home.”

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She turned to William and Arthur and said, “We’ll be on our way now.” Then she left with Dexter.

Because she was unaccustomed to wearing high heels, she walked arm–in–arm with Dexter for support.

Arthur stood still, his gaze dark as he watched them leave.

When they were far away, he turned back to William and said, “I think we can try to mend our relationship. I’ll stay here for a few days.”