Chapter 497 Continue to Be Your Support
As soon as Cathy finished speaking, the restaurant fell silent. No one dared to say another word. The unrelated staff had already left, leaving only four people to hash out past grievances.
After a long pause, Reed spoke up.
"Cathy, what you're asking is illegal. We can't decide someone else's life or death. Can you ask for something else? If it's within the Heilbronn family's power, we won't refuse."
Cathy wasn't someone easily swayed. There were two things in her life that she couldn't get over: her daughter Brenda's death and what happened to Aurelia in Imperick. Every time she thought about it, it sent chills down her spine.
"You're right, no one has the right to decide someone else's life or death. So why did my Aurelia almost die at the hands of that woman Nathaniel got involved with? As far as I know, that wasn't the only time something dangerous happened to her. You all claim to love her, but what did you do when she was in danger? Did you protect her at all?
In the end, it all comes back to him. If we can't settle this today, I can't forgive him. Nathaniel can forget about ever stepping foot in the Semona Family's home again.
The Semona Family doesn't lack suitors for Aurelia. Coral Bay is full of outstanding young men. Not just anyone can become the husband of a Semona girl. To put it bluntly, our Aurelia is more precious than others. I won't forgive until that woman is dead."
Cathy's words cornered the grandfather and grandson.
Reed had never even killed a fish in his life, and he didn't want his heir to get blood on his hands. Killing, even indirectly, was a sin.
Seeing the Heilbronn family's silence, Cathy stood up to see them out.
"It's getting late. I won't keep you any longer. Let's end it here."
When her gaze fell on Nathaniel, she added,
"You're the father of two children, and that's something that can't be changed. I won't stop you from seeing them because I pity them for not having a father, not because I think highly of you. Remember what you should and shouldn't do, and stop bothering my Aurelia."
Nathaniel, feeling dejected, replied in a low voice,
"I understand."
As Cathy was about to leave, she took Aurelia's hand.
"Aurelia, come with Grandma."
Reed saw that there was no room for negotiation. Cathy was too angry to reason with. He hesitated, then placed a delicate box he had brought on the table.
"Cathy, this is a box of white pearls I acquired years ago. I had them made into earrings, which I think would suit a lady of your elegance. Consider it a gift for this meeting. I hope you'll accept it."
Cathy didn't seem inclined to take it. Aurelia, with tears in her eyes, knew her grandmother was standing up for her and didn't dare to go against her. She also felt guilty towards Reed, an old man who had never bowed to anyone, now humbled for his grandson's sake.
Reed had always treated her well, almost like his own granddaughter.
Aurelia squeezed her grandmother's hand and called out softly,
"Grandma…"
Cathy's heart softened at the sight of her. She stepped back, took the box of earrings, and said,
"Thank you, Mr. Reed. We don't have much to offer in return, but I'll give you two boxes of tea my grandson bought. I hope you don't mind."
In the end, Cathy gave Reed some dignity.
Reed and Nathaniel were escorted out by the servants. They got into the car, their moods completely different from when they arrived. Neither spoke, sitting in silence.
After a while, Nathaniel broke the silence.
"Grandpa, I'm really sorry."
Nathaniel felt awful. His grandfather had never had to please anyone in his life, and now, at his age, he had to face such humiliation because of him.
They understood Cathy's stance. She had given them a difficult task.
After driving for a few minutes, Reed spoke up.
"Pull over. You're in no state to drive. I still want to live a few more years. Call for a driver."
Nathaniel obediently pulled over and called for a driver. He really wasn't in the right frame of mind to drive.
Reed looked at Nathaniel and scolded,
"Get it together. I'll handle this. You stay out of it."
Reed's eyes were firm, as if he had made a decision.
Nathaniel felt uneasy.
"Grandpa, should I call Ted to stay with you for a few days? You seem tired lately."
He was worried about his grandfather's health. With Uncle Marcus already causing enough trouble, this new issue was bound to keep him up at night.
Reed knew exactly what was going on.
"Don't underestimate your old grandpa. I'm still your rock. No matter what, remember my words: don't give up, don't lose heart. There are always more solutions than problems. If you treat someone's child well, they'll eventually treat you well in return. Aurelia is a good girl. I've set my heart on her as my granddaughter-in-law. You better bring her back, no matter how hard it is. Understand?
Your family needs to be whole. When I'm gone, I want to be able to face your grandmother with a clear conscience."
His grandfather's words made Nathaniel feel like a child again. It had been a long time since he had heard such heartfelt advice.
Nathaniel rubbed his forehead, feeling a lump in his throat.
"Grandpa, I understand. I have a plan. You don't need to worry. Just keep an eye on Uncle Marcus and make sure he doesn't sneak off to Elvenia. I'll find a way to bring Aurelia back."
After a pause, he added,
"I'm not a kid anymore. I can be your rock, too."
The driver arrived quickly and drove them home.
That night, Nathaniel couldn't sleep. He smoked half a pack of cigarettes and didn't even get a call from Aurelia.
Reed also stayed up all night in his study, making countless phone calls. It wasn't until dawn that he finally went to bed.
The next morning, Nathaniel's phone rang. Seeing it was a call from the Imperick police, he answered immediately.
"Mr. Nathaniel Heilbronn, Chelsea died last night from a sudden stroke. How would you like to handle the body?"
Nathaniel's hand was clammy as he held the phone. Chelsea's death was suspicious. She was only in her twenties and in good health. The chances of a sudden stroke were slim.
His suspicions made his heart clench.
There was only one person who would protect him, take on the evil deeds, and sacrifice their own beliefs for him.
"Keep the body. I'll be there soon."
After hanging up, Nathaniel called Aurelia. She hadn't slept either.
"Nathaniel, why didn't you respond to my messages yesterday?"
Nathaniel rubbed his forehead.
"Aurelia, pack your things. We need to go back to Imperick. Chelsea died last night. We need to bring your mom's heart back."
Aurelia was stunned.
"Nathaniel, this…"
There was no way this was a coincidence.
Nathaniel continued,
"Don't ask questions. Just pack your bags. I've already booked the tickets. I'll come get you soon. We need to leave quickly."
Aurelia was in shock, taking a moment to process the news.
"Joe is in Imperick. I'll let him know. Let me pack a few clothes. I'll be ready to go when you get here."
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