Chapter 159 No Comment Necessary
Alyssa couldn't help but silently cheer for Malcolm – the guy had zero modesty.
You'd think a little politeness was in order after Sue's family came over to apologize in person. At least a 'no problem' or something.
However, Malcolm stood there, not only accepting the apology but seemingly expecting Shirley to refer to Reese by her first name. This felt like he was cutting off any hope Shirley might have had.
Everyone knew that since college, Shirley had been carrying a torch for Malcolm, who never so much as glanced her way. It wasn't until Malcolm hit a rough patch with his health that Shirley finally backed off.
Now, with Malcolm on his feet, Shirley was making her move again.
Alyssa found both Shirley and her father utterly loathsome, especially when they talked with that smug look on their faces. In contrast, Reese was straightforward—what you saw was what you got, something that couldn't be said for these two, not even by a country mile.
Shirley might have apologized to Reese, but she didn't want to call her by her first name. Doing so would acknowledge Reese as the woman Malcolm had chosen. But what did that leave for Shirley?
Shirley quickly changed tactics and clung to Grandpa Flynn's arm, her laughter sickly sweet.
"Grandpa Flynn, I'm still not quite used to Malcolm having a wife, can I hold off on using her name for now?"
As she spoke, Shirley shot Reese a smug look, but these petty tricks didn't faze Reese in the slightest.
Alyssa rolled her eyes from the sidelines. "Always acting cute—doesn't she realize how old she is? No shame."
Shirley looked up haughtily at Alyssa. "What can I do when Grandpa Flynn adores me?"
"Get it straight, Shirley, he's my grandpa, not yours!"
Alyssa's voice suddenly rose, itching to slap some sense into the woman if they hadn't been surrounded by other people. Shirley's fakeness irritated her.
"So what? Grandpa Flynn has always treated me well since I was little, and I've always seen him as my own grandpa."
Shirley held onto Grandpa Flynn, calling him 'grandpa' with such endearment it almost seemed genuine.
Reese approached with a forced smile that sent shivers down Shirley's spine.
"I don't care if he’s really your grandpa or not, let's not digress and waste everyone's time with this apology business," she stated with a sense of composure that bordered on assertiveness, a tone that Shirley definitely picked up on.
Shirley was nervous, not sure what to make of Reese. Word around was that she was just some country girl with no background or education, yet something about Reese’s piercing gaze was disconcerting. And the intimidating aura she exuded was also baffling.
Shirley, for reasons unknown to her, found herself inexplicably intimidated by that look and blurted out, "Reese..."
Reese's lips curled into a smile. "That's more like it. Although tonight's incident was minor, we can't afford such things happening again. It could strain the relationship between our families, and none of us want that, right, little Shirley?"
Shirley's mind was a mess, and all she could do was nod vigorously.
On the side, Alyssa nearly burst into laughter seeing Shirley's dazed expression. When it came to pulling one over on someone, Reese was a pro, leaving Shirley defenseless with just a few words.
Sawyer, who had been dragged into this reluctantly, now rose to leave. "It's getting late, Grandpa Flynn, we should be going. We'll visit some other time."
Grandpa Flynn quickly stood up as well. "Let Malcolm escort you out."
"No need, really. You all need to rest, especially since we dropped by unannounced." Sawyer said and then left with Shirley.
The living room quieted down, and Malcolm and Reese exchanged curious glances. Reese had an inkling that Malcolm would have questions for her later.
Grandpa Flynn settled back into his chair, now looking at Reese with newfound respect and curiosity about how she had managed to convince the Sue family to apologize in person.
"Reese, tell me, how did you do it?" he inquired.
Reese pressed her lips together slightly, "Sorry, Grandpa, that's my secret to keep."
Grandpa Flynn's face, which had just relaxed for a moment, tensed up again at her response. "What do you mean by that? You're not willing to share your strategy?"
Everly scoffed contemptuously. "Perhaps she resorted to some lowly tactics that she’s too embarrassed to admit."
Reese was indifferent to others' opinions. She cared only about results. With a calm nod, she replied, "Precisely why I'd rather spare you the details."
Annoyed and frustrated, Grandpa Flynn pointed a finger at Reese and let out an angry huff.
"Reese, don't get cocky just because you healed Malcolm and think you can get away with anything in the Flynn family!"
"Grandpa, I'm not overstepping my bounds. I reserve the right to respond or not. You're the one pressuring me. We had an understanding that as long as Sue's folks let this go, you wouldn't hold us accountable anymore. You gonna keep your word?" Reese challenged him.
Grandpa Flynn's eyelids twitched with irritation. "Of course, my word stands."
"Great. It's getting late; everyone should get some rest."
Alyssa, unable to resist the pull of sleep any longer, yawned sleepily. "I'm beat. I'll head to my room first. Grandpa, you should turn in too."
As she passed by Reese, she gave her a conspiratorial thumbs-up.
The show was over, Vincent knew the matter was settled. Grandpa Flynn couldn't touch Reese now; he himself had agreed to the terms. To go back on his word now would make him the bad guy.
He rose quickly, "Grandpa, I'm off to bed too."
Everly watched them leave, confusion written all over her face. "What... Why is everyone leaving?"
Just when it was Reese's turn, how could they...
Reese could guess what was swirling in Everly's mind. Sauntering over with a taunting lift of her lips, Reese spoke confidently, "You think a few words in front of them will run me out of the Flynn family? Even if Grandpa wanted to, you'd have to check with my husband first."
Reese continued, "And even if Malcolm agreed, my own wishes would still need to be considered. If I want to stay, nobody can push me out. And if I want to leave, nobody can make me stay."
Her words radiated self-assurance, her eyes sparkling with an irresistible charm. Everly was momentarily dazzled, and by the time she collected herself, Reese had already said goodnight to Grandpa Flynn and headed upstairs.
Malcolm, with a smug look, also decided to retire. "Grandpa, I'll head up too."
Grandpa Flynn had to admit defeat this time, unused to such defiance. He lifted his cane, feigning a swing at Malcolm but ultimately couldn't bring himself to strike. Instead, he spat out a resentful remark. "Look at the fine wife you've found yourself!"
Malcolm, ever the peacemaker, corrected gently, "Grandpa, remember, you are the one who found her for me. And as it turns out, your judgment wasn't off at all."
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