62

Nathan lost his breath and color drained from his face.

"No... no, he... he's in jail," he muttered, his voice trembling.

"He escaped eight months ago," the old man said sternly. "The attacks started around that time, didn't they? He's been stalking you from the shadows, and you didn't even realize. But I'm smarter than that scoundrel."

"I thought it was you..." Nathan murmured, stunned.

"Just because I'm strict with you doesn't mean I'm capable of hurting you like that," the old man grimaced. "My methods might seem old-fashioned, but I don't want you to be like..."

Nathan understood immediately and couldn't help but scoff. How long would he be compared to that beast? He was nothing like that sick murderer!

There was bitterness in his heart because he had always tried to meet standards set almost impossibly high by his grandfather, simply because he was born from a mentally unstable man.

They barely talked as grandfather and grandson; if they did, it was merely out of courtesy.

"I'll never be like Richard, but you refuse to understand that," he looked at him with teary eyes. "I didn't handle things well with Suzanne, I admit, but I swear I'll show you I can be better, that I will be."

The grandfather couldn't suppress a smile, though he reminded himself he couldn't let his guard down now, not when he was so close to achieving his goal.

Jarek returned to the mansion with Suzanne, who was absorbed in feeding one of the twins.

The scene was a mix of tenderness and concern; he had made many adjustments to a life filled with luxury and constant attention, the opposite of what she had known before.

Jarek watched Suzanne with restrained emotion. She had changed so much since he met her.

She glanced up as Jarek entered the room, a soft smile spreading across her face despite the weariness in her eyes. She carefully cradled the baby in her arms, her touch gentle yet filled with maternal strength.

"You're back," Suzanne greeted him warmly, noting the emotion in Jarek's eyes as he approached.

"Yes, I missed this," Jarek admitted, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Seeing you with them... it reminds me of how far we've come."

Suzanne nodded thoughtfully, her gaze flickering briefly towards the window where the city lights glittered in the evening haze.

"It's been quite a journey," she murmured, her mind wandering back to the days when Nathan was a significant part of her life.

A silence fell over the room for long seconds, each of them lost in their thoughts.

"Suzanne," Jarek began, breaking the emotionally charged silence. "You're doing a wonderful job with the children."

She smiled weakly, grateful for the acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Jarek. I still find it hard to believe this is real."

Jarek sat down beside her, watching her tenderly stroke the baby's cheek. "It's been a sudden change for you, I know. But you're adapting so well."

Suzanne sighed, looking out the window.

"Sometimes I wonder if this is really what I want. I miss my independence."

Jarek nodded understandingly.

"I understand. I knew it would be tough for you, but I needed to keep you and your children safe."

Suzanne fell silent for a moment before speaking again.

"Sometimes, even after all this time, I still think about Nathan."

Jarek looked at her seriously.

"Do you miss him?"

She shook her head quickly.

"I'm not sure if it's missing. I know I decided to leave that feeling behind, but sometimes..."

Jarek gently interrupted her.

"You don't have to convince yourself of anything, Suzanne. Feelings are complex.”

"I know," she whispered. "I just wish he could see the babies."

Jarek hugged her gently.

"He would be proud of you, Suzanne. And of these little ones," he said, still not revealing that he believed they were dead.

Suzanne looked at him gratefully.

"Thank you, Jarek."

He gazed at her tenderly. She was a good mother and a good woman; it was a shame all she had to endure.

Jarek observed Suzanne's thoughtful expression and knew there were unspoken thoughts between them. He had always admired her resilience, even as she navigated the complexities of their intertwined lives.

"Are you alright?" Jarek asked gently, his concern evident.

Suzanne hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes, I have everything I need," she replied softly, though inwardly, she couldn't suppress a pang of longing.

"Not everything," she thought, though she didn't say it out loud.

"Alright," Jarek said after a moment. "I'll need to be away for a few days. But you'll be in good hands."

Suzanne furrowed her brow slightly.

"Where are you going?"

"Business matters," Jarek replied, avoiding specifics.

Suzanne nodded, though she knew the truth.

"I'll probably go see Nathan," she thought wistfully as Jarek walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the twins who now filled her life in ways she had never imagined.

**

Upon arriving in London, Jarek summoned Nathan to his private study in the mansion. The tension was palpable in the air as Nathan entered, closing the door behind him.

"Nathan," Jarek began seriously, "we need to talk about Richard."

Nathan frowned, knowing what he meant but hoping not to hear it.

"Are you sure he's responsible for the attacks? It's hard for me to believe that man would still want to cause harm."

Jarek stood up, walking towards the window overlooking the garden.

"There are too many strange coincidences with the troubles we're facing. The modus operandi is the same," Jarek said.

Nathan sighed, feeling a knot in his stomach.

"But, Grandfather, we don't have concrete evidence. No one has seen the perpetrator. We can't just accuse him."

Jarek turned towards Nathan, determination in his eyes.

"But you were quick to blame me," he spoke sharply, and Nathan lowered his gaze. "I know how Richard operates. I won't let him get away with it, whatever his game may be."

Nathan looked down, wrestling internally.

"It's hard to think he's back after all this..." he sighed, pain in his heart. "I'm glad at least Suzanne escaped all this web of deceit and lies."

Jarek was surprised by his words, placing a gentle hand on Nathan's shoulder.

"I know, Nathan. But we must protect what we've built. I promise I'll do everything in my power to investigate this discreetly."

Nathan closed his eyes for a moment, taking in Jarek's words.

"Alright, I just want to never have to see him again."

Jarek nodded, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.

"Keep your eyes open and let me know if you notice anything else out of the ordinary."

Nathan nodded, feeling a weight on his shoulders.

"Alright, I'll do that."

Nathan wondered if he was doing the right thing by trusting Jarek and accepting his help, knowing there were still doubts about his own grandfather's loyalty.