Chapter 157 This Time I'll Protect You
Malcolm bowed to Finn: "Please, Grandpa, proceed with the family judgment."
Finn Sawyer's voice erupted in anger, "You jackass! Rather than taking the family punishment, you refuse to divorce Reese, huh? Weren't you the one who didn't care much about her at first? Now suddenly, you're head over heels?"
"Reese helped me back on my feet. She's not just my lifesaver; she's my wife. No matter what, I won't let her down," Malcolm said with unwavering determination, sincerity ringing clear in every word.
With a mix of frustration and despair, Finn eyed Malcolm and said helplessly, "I told you to marry her, but not to fall for her. A wild spirit like Reese can't be tamed. You won't be able to handle her, and she'll bring trouble."
He'd come to realize Reese wasn't ordinary. Even if she achieved nothing significant, her strong will could pose a problem. If both of them were too headstrong, it wouldn't work. One of them had to yield, and how could it be his precious grandson? If word got out that the Flynn family heir was henpecked, it would be a disgrace.
Turning to look at Reese, Malcolm's brows softened, and his voice growing tender, "It's okay. If she causes trouble, I'll cover for her."
Reese's eyes narrowed in surprise. Her calm composure was disrupted by Malcolm's words, stirring up a storm within her. Over and over, he laid bare his true feelings, trying to thaw her cold heart. She admitted she was moved but wasn't ready to open up completely. She was cautiously testing every move Malcolm made, ready to withdraw at any sign of change or wrongdoing to avoid shattering completely.
But since Malcolm was willing to go so far for her, she figured she owed him a gesture in return; it was only fair to show some loyalty.
Finn's rage billowed up, ignoring everything else as he barked an order to his staff. "Bring the family code of consequences here! I'm going to discipline this ungrateful brat today!"
Upon hearing this, Alyssa quickly interceded for Malcolm, "Grandpa, please reconsider. Malcolm has just recovered. If the family code is too harsh and his injury worsens, it would be a tragedy for everyone."
Malcolm glared at Alyssa and coughed lightly, covering his mouth. "What kind of thing is that to say?"
What did she mean by no one would want him if he's paralyzed again? Was she underestimating his charm?
Although Everly wasn't exactly fond of Reese, she never intended for Malcolm to take the fall for her. But she knew Mr. Flynn's temper well; once he decided on something, it was hard to sway him.
"Grandpa, please, have some mercy. Besides, Sue's folks didn't make a big deal out of it; we don't need to come down hard on our own blood. It's a miracle Bro's leg is even healing, and he's still recovering. If he gets hurt now, it could bring back the old problems and that's something we can't fix."
Finn Sawyer's expression remained unchanged, his demeanor cold and stern.
"I've given him two choices. He can divorce Reese and I'll let this go, or he can pay for what he's done today."
Everly had no choice but to try and persuade Malcolm, “Bro, what's so great about this Reese? Just listen to Grandpa and divorce her. Your leg's healed; you could have any woman you want. What does she bring to your life other than trouble?”
"She brings something no one else can, and where else are you going to find me a wife as fun and adorable as her?" Malcolm was determined to stand by Reese.
Everly was completely at a loss for words, as frantic as an ant on a hot griddle. Meanwhile, Malcolm was as unshakable as a mountain. She was about to turn and have a word with Reese when she saw her engrossed in her phone.
Everly burst out laughing in shock, rapidly turning into anger, “This is the wife you're willing to defy family discipline for? Look at her, you're about to be punished, and she's just playing with her phone! What are you thinking, Bro? Is she really worth all this?”
Alyssa glanced over, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Reese, what kind of stunt are you pulling?”
She wondered how Reese could be so casual with her phone when Malcolm was about to face the harsh family discipline. What in the world was going on?
Vincent had been silent this whole time, but he observed every move Reese made with growing intrigue.
She was indeed a unique girl – no, extraordinarily unique.
This was the first time he'd seen someone so bold yet with such clear thinking; he could guess why Grandpa was so angry, because Reese had spoken the words that none of them dared to utter.
Grandpa was the linchpin of the Flynn family, untouchable like an emperor emeritus; even if he was wrong, no one dared to speak out. But Reese had done just that.
However, her quick tongue had indeed put Malcolm in a dire situation.
After sending her message, Reese put away her phone, her demeanor unruffled, her face void of panic or worry, instead calm and composed.
"What's happening?" she asked.
Alyssa couldn't quite figure out what Reese was up to. She approached Reese, and even though she was careful with her words, her tone still carried a hint of caution.
"Reese, this seems a bit much, don't you think? After all, Malcolm took the heat from Grandpa for your sake. At least you could try to intercede on his behalf," I suggested, hoping she'd see reason.
Reese shot me a glance and asked: "Based on what you know about Mr. Flynn, do you really think he'd let Malcolm off the hook just because I pleaded with him?"
I pondered for a moment then shook my head reluctantly. "Doesn't seem likely."
"And if we all got down on our knees before him, do you think he'd skip the family discipline?" she pressed.
I hesitated before replying, "Probably not."
Reese spread her hands in an 'I-rest-my-case' gesture. "See, what's the point then, of making an unnecessary fuss?"
"We can't simply stand by while Malcolm faces such harsh punishment."
"Who said I'm just going to stand by?" Reese retorted. There were other ways to solve problems — why exhaust ourselves over something so futile?
Alyssa looked confused.
Reese understood; Alyssa's world revolved around her small universe of gaming fans. She probably couldn't guess Reese's next move.
Her cool gaze then landed on Finn Sawyer. "Grandpa, if Malcolm offended Sue's family just defending me, and if they don't really care about it, can you skip the family punishment and just let this whole thing slide?"
Finn Sawyer eyed Reese with a new respect. But reality was reality, and there were no 'ifs' in the harshness of their world.
"Even if I agreed, could you actually calm the rage of the Sue family without straining our families' relations?" he questioned.
"What if I can?" Reese's eyes twinkled mischievously.
Finn Sawyer seemed intrigued, slapping the table with anticipation. "Alright, if you can get the Sue family to drop this matter and forgive you both, I won't hold you accountable."
Reese's smile curled at the edges. "You said it, Grandpa. No take-backs."
"When I, Mr. Flynn, give my word, I never go back on it!" he declared.
He was curious to see what Reese had up her sleeve.
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