Chapter 417 Marcus Was at a Loss for Words
Marcus began to bring up old issues. "When Daphne first mentioned divorce, do you remember what you said?"
He continued, "You knew Charles was going down the wrong path, yet as his father, you didn't warn or discipline him."
Hayden paused, acknowledging he hadn't handled the situation well.
Back then, the comment "You wouldn't be treating Daphne as a stand-in for Kayla, would you?" was just a joke. He only knew Charles had a first love but didn't delve deeper.
He never expected Charles to actually divorce Daphne for Kayla.
If he had known, he would have certainly given Charles a good talking-to.
It could only be said that Charles and Daphne were destined to go their separate ways.
Unable to scold Charles any further, Marcus turned his ire on Hayden. "I really don't know why Laura fell in love with you back then. How could I produce a jerk like you?"
"That term suits Charles better than me," Hayden responded maturely. "He's genuinely bad. I'm just helpless."
"That's because you didn't teach him well," Marcus scolded.
"Yes, you're right," Hayden replied, going along with him. Marcus was at a loss for words.
Hayden thought it would be better for Charles to take the brunt of the scolding.
He was at a loss for how to respond since his last targeting, knowing that any misstep would lead to further reprimand.
"I'll go check on Charles," Hayden changed the subject.
Marcus made it clear he was out to give Hayden a hard time today and asked, "Do you find me annoying and don't wanna stay?"
"How about playing chess?" Hayden suggested, not caring at all as he could stay anywhere.
Even though he sometimes couldn't keep up with Marcus' words, it didn't matter.
When he couldn't keep up, he would respond calmly and take his time to think of the right words. At their age, inner peace was more important; maintaining a calm demeanor was the key.
"Get lost." Marcus said irritably, his mind on Charles. "Go find out what's happening with Charles and try to cheer him up."
"He'd feel better if you went," Hayden said seriously.
Marcus gave him a disdainful look. If it were just a normal bad mood, he could talk to Charles, but this time, it was clearly different.
"Just go already. Stop dawdling," Marcus urged, genuinely hoping Charles would be okay. "If he doesn't eat much tonight, see how I deal with you."
Hayden fell silent.
Even in a good mood, Charles never ate much.
But Hayden didn't dare say that; if he did, it would just lead to more scolding. He said he'd give it a try and went to find Charles.
Charles was sitting in the yard wearing a sweater, looking more serene and composed.
The temperature in Ivrea City was quite different from Gedser. Even in February, wearing just two layers didn't feel cold.
Hayden noticed Charles was less aloof and more serene upon his arrival. He walked over and sat next to him, starting a conversation, "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing much," Charles replied calmly, picking up a coffee pot and cup from beside him and pouring Hayden a cup of coffee.
A deeper meaning flickered in Hayden's eyes.
Hayden took the coffee and said, "Wanna talk?"
Charles glanced over and said, "Go ahead."
"Why so polite?" Hayden asked.
"What?" Charles asked, puzzled.
Hayden smiled slightly but didn't press further. He naturally started chatting, "Since taking over the Lancelot Group, I rarely see you sitting in this yard. What brings you here this time?"
"Just clearing my mind," Charles answered naturally.
"Feeling troubled?" Hayden asked with concern.
"Not really," Charles replied.
"Not even honest with me?" Hayden doubted, raising an eyebrow.
"Did Grandpa send you?" Charles changed the subject.
"Yes, he's quite worried about you. Seeing that you're not yourself, he asked me to come talk to you," Hayden said, crossing his legs and rubbing the cup. "He even scolded me for it."
Charles showed little interest.
"That's your attitude?" Hayden said, displeased.
"Do you need comfort?" Charles asked naturally.
Hayden took a sip of coffee and spoke frankly, "I don't need comfort. You're the one who needs it."
"I don't need it," Charles said.
"Your state says otherwise," Hayden said, exposing him.
"I'm fine. I've just been walking for too long and got a bit tired. I want to stop and think about the wrong paths I've taken," Charles said slowly, his voice deep. "Once I figure it out, I'll move forward on my own."
"Have you figured it out?" Hayden asked.
Hayden was always confident in Charles, who had never been a cause for concern since he was young. But when it came to emotions, he was genuinely worried Charles wouldn't handle it well. The more foolish his past mistakes, the more he would regret them now.
"I've figured it out," Charles replied affirmatively. "I just need some time."
Hayden understood what he meant.
Hayden made a promise to Charles. "Take your time, no rush. In the short term, neither your grandpa nor your mom will pressure you."
"Thanks, Dad," Charles said.
"What are your thoughts on Daphne?" Hayden asked.
"Just let it be," Charles said, his voice hoarse and his eyes deepening. "She already has someone who can take care of her. I won't interfere her life."
Recalling what Charles had said earlier, Hayden asked, "Do you really think Benjamin is someone she can spend her life with?"
"Yes," Charles spoke with certainty.
Hayden was curious. What kind of person could earn Charles' approval?
He knew about the Reynolds Group, but the heir to the Reynolds Group had never been publicly announced, so no one knew who it was.
"He's skilled, has a good family background, looks good, and treats Daphne well," Charles said, each word causing a pang in his heart. "As long as he continues like this, Daphne can spend her life with him."
"Does he know about you and Daphne?" Hayden asked.
Charles nodded in agreement. "He knows."
That was why Charles felt at ease.
Hearing this, Hayden didn't ask further.
Hayden stood up and patted Charles on the shoulder, showing concern and love. "If anything's bothering you, don't keep it to yourself. If you don't want to talk to us, talk to your friends."
"I know," Charles replied sensibly.
Hayden understood Charles needed time alone and left the yard after a brief exchange.
Charles needed time to work through this on his own.
Charles spent the rest of the afternoon in the yard.
Looking at the lush greenery and the clear blue sky, his heavy heart gradually mended, and he reached a level of tranquility he had never experienced before.
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