Chapter 163 The Woman He Favors
Aaron's lips were drawn into a thin, unyielding line, his silence a palpable presence in the room.
"Compose yourself, dear," Suzy implored, her voice a soothing balm against the tension. She was tending to Mary, her hand gently patting the older woman's chest as she murmured words of comfort.
Turning her attention to Aaron, she chided, "Aaron, your grandfather adores you. You shouldn't distress him so."
Aaron's gaze met hers, his dark eyes cloaked in a frosty veil. "Suzy, you pilfered Nora's research report and handed it to Sunny, didn't you? You and Sunny plotted against her, scheming to push her away from me, correct?"
Suzy's face drained of color, her heart stuttering in her chest. She had been aware of the impending disaster. Sunny had already been the recipient of her mental curses. 'Such an inept fool, to be caught so easily!'
"Aaron," Suzy started, her voice shaky.
"Suzy," Aaron interrupted, his voice as cold as his demeanor. "I'm willing to let this slide, given the time you saved my life. But let me be clear, there won't be a second chance. I refuse to marry a woman who thrives on deception."
Suzy's face paled further, her voice desperate as she stammered, "Aaron, I did it... I just didn't want her near you!"
"So you'd resort to any underhanded tactic to tarnish someone's reputation to satisfy your own selfish desires?" Aaron's voice was laced with biting sarcasm.
Suzy choked on her words, momentarily speechless.
Mary, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally voiced her skepticism. "Aaron, what exactly are you insinuating?"
"Mom, I need you to refrain from filling Grandpa's ears with your fabrications. You're causing unnecessary strife," Aaron retorted, his voice icy with disapproval.
Mary's face contorted with indignation. "Aaron, I'm your mother. How dare you speak to me in such a manner? All I want is for you to settle down. Is that so disruptive?"
Without a word, Aaron turned away, his expression rigid. Caden, standing beside him, interjected calmly, "Mary, lower your voice. Dad's taking a nap, and Aaron hasn't been disrespectful."
Mary's anger flared. "Now you're playing the doting father, Caden? Don't I also care about our son's future?"
"Calm down, Mary. You're losing all semblance of the grace befitting a woman of your stature. You're behaving like a harpy."
"A harpy? Fine, Caden, if you're so brave, divorce me!"
"Don't you dare use that threat every time we argue! One day, I might just take you up on it. Then we'll see who's left embarrassed."
"You're insufferable, Caden!"
As his parents' argument escalated, Aaron's irritation was evident.
"Enough, both of you! If you want to fight, do it at your own home. Keep your squabbles out of here," Aaron interjected sharply.
Caden snorted disdainfully and distanced himself from Mary. Mary's eyes welled up with tears of frustration, and after a few more heated words, she fell silent.
Suzy, her attention divided, attempted to offer some consolation.
Just then, the doctor emerged from the hospital room.
Aaron moved towards him. "How's Grandpa holding up?"
"He's stable for now. But given his age, he needs ample rest. Try to minimize any stress," the doctor advised briskly.
"Understood."
Aaron motioned for the butler to escort the visitors out, then said, "You all go have your meal. I'm going to check on Grandfather."
"That's fine," one of them agreed.
Caden nodded, then turned and walked away.
"Aaron, you heard what the doctor said. Don't add to Grandpa's stress," Mary cautioned.
Aaron's lips tightened, but he remained silent, opening the door to his grandfather's room.
Inside, Jacob lay on the bed, his eyes closed, conserving his energy.
Aaron approached the bedside, his hand reaching out to gently clasp the frail one resting atop the covers. "Grandpa, I apologize. I've been remiss in my duties."
Jacob's eyes fluttered open, settling a tired gaze on his grandson. "If you truly comprehend the gravity of your role, heed my counsel and refrain from agitating me. The Gordon Corporation is our family's pinnacle achievement, a legacy passed down through generations. I entrusted you with its leadership, with the hope that you would nurture its growth and prosperity."
After a brief pause to consider his grandfather's words, Aaron responded. "Grandpa, as I've stated before, trust in me. I'll elevate Gordon Corp to unprecedented heights."
Jacob exhaled a deep sigh, his voice tinged with concern. "Aaron, it's not your capabilities that I question. It's your safety that keeps me awake at night. Reflect on your past experiences, the foes that are lying in wait for you, eager for an opportunity to strike."
"Aligning yourself with a powerful family would provide you with a protective edge, a shield against those who would relish your downfall. However, choosing to wed a girl who lacks financial stability? It's akin to painting a bullseye on your back."
Aaron understood that his grandfather had his best interests at heart. However, having already faced death once, he had no desire to lead a loveless life, consumed entirely by work. He had faith in Nora's strength, her unique blend of skills and resilience. He was convinced that marrying her would not only provide him with a loving wife but also a formidable ally.
"Grandpa, as I've been trying to explain, she's the real deal."
"That's enough," Jacob interjected sharply, turning his head to the side, a clear indication that the conversation was over.
Out of respect, and a hint of fear, Aaron fell silent, not wanting to provoke his grandfather further. "Just so you know, Grandpa, I'm not exactly eager to get married. But if you continue to press the issue, I'll stand my ground," he stated, implying that he would abandon the Gordon Group if pushed too far.
Jacob turned back to face him, his gaze intense, simmering with frustration. "Look, Grandpa, I'm exhausted. Can we table this discussion for now?" Aaron's voice was weary, a fleeting shadow crossing his face that mirrored his sentiment.
Aaron was his flesh and blood, the boy he'd practically raised himself. Jacob felt a twinge of reluctance at the thought of berating him. However, as he noted the stubborn set of Aaron's jaw, Jacob abruptly turned away, his silence speaking volumes.
A faint smirk tugged at Aaron's lips as he adjusted the pillows behind his grandfather. "I had the kitchen prepare some oatmeal for you. I'll stay here tonight, alright?" He was secretly relieved that his grandfather had ceased the marriage discussion, affording him some breathing space.
Jacob feigned sleep, expertly ignoring Aaron as he wheeled himself out of the room. A housekeeper guided him towards the dining room. "Prepare some oatmeal for Grandpa," he instructed, before settling down to his own meal.
"Aaron, how's Jacob faring?" Caden asked, his voice laced with concern.
"He's fine. Let him rest after you've finished eating. I'll be staying at the ranch tonight," Aaron replied, cutting into his steak with a finality that brooked no argument.
Mary leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what's Jacob's opinion on the matter? When are you and Suzy getting married?"
Meeting her gaze, Aaron's eyes were a frosty glare. "Mom, my marital affairs are my own concern. If you truly care about Grandpa's health, I suggest you refrain from meddling," he retorted, his voice cold and authoritative, leaving Mary speechless and bristling with indignation.
"Aaron, can you continue to defy everyone's expectations? Is Nora worth more to you than Grandpa's wellbeing?" Aaron's features hardened, his face a mask of icy determination. "Mother, once you've finished your meal, I would appreciate it if you could leave so Grandpa can rest."
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