Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 479

Ethan chuckled and turned to Ines. “Have you finally stopped being jealous of the kids?”

Ines glared at him. “I’ve never been jealous, just a bit unhappy.”

Well, wasn’t that the same thing? Ethan chose not to argue. Together they were teaching their little darlings to walk in the yard. It was really a picture of domestic bliss.

Soon, Trenton hurried back home. He wore a smile upon seeing his grandchildren outside. He picked them up, and kissed their cheeks. Then he turned to Ines and Ethan. “Are things sorted?”

Ethan grinned. “Not entirely, but we’re making progress.”

“Alright, handle it as you see fit. If you need me, just ask.” He handed the children back to them and hurried inside. Ines frowned. Trenton wasn’t very expressive but would spend some time with his grandchildren. Today, his quick departure was unusual.

“Ethan, is something bothering dad? He was not at home for a few days. Now he’s back, but he is in a rush.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “His love rival is coming, so of course he’s unsettled.” The situation was nothing new to Ethan. Whenever Mr. Lionel visited the Meyer family, Trenton would drop everything and rush home.

Sometimes, Erica wouldn’t see him for days, but inviting Mr. Lionel over ensured Trenton’s immediate return. The trick never failed.

Ines chuckled, remembering Ethan’s stories. “He can be quite cute.”

Ethan affectionately pinched her nose. “Just say that around me. Never let Dad hear you.”

“I know. I wouldn’t embarrass him like that. But their love is admirable. I doubt you’d be as devoted when we’re their age.”

Ethan disagreed. “Dad has a rival. It’s different.”

Ines laughed. “Maybe I should find you a rival. Someone you can never forget, someone you’d guard against carefully.”

Lauren sighed. “That girl’s something else. She usually argues with Jacob and complains about his nagging. But when he’s gone for a few days, she misses him.”

With Jacob’s issue temporarily resolved, they enjoyed a cheerful dinner.

The next day, a news report caught Ines’ attention. As she read it, her expression darkened.

The story was published by Russel’s side. It was about his love affair with a woman, including their break-up, reunion, and final separation.

The woman, his first love, had been unhappy in her marriage and divorced. During that time, they rekindled their romance. But Russel couldn’t support a child and a woman. Then she chose to remarry, leaving him behind.

The report was calm, without accusations or complaints, merely stating facts. They even portrayed Silvia, his illegitimate daughter, as the fruit of their love, publicly announcing her birthdate, and even his own marriage certificate. Anyone capable of doing simple math could see that Silvia was born before he was married. Even his wife’s brother, Allen, came forward to testify. Everyone thought Russel and Maria were an item back in the day, but in reality, they were not together. Russel had a secret love, and it was Maria who was infatuated with him, stubbornly and wishfully claiming him as her boyfriend.

The tide of public opinion began to turn in his favor. He went from being a man who dumped his lover to a man who bore humiliations and burdens for the sake of providing a better life for his beloved. Ines was simply floored by these outrageous news articles. Russel was spinning such an absurd tale. How Silvia came about was unknown to Ethan, but the love story between him and Cicely was nothing like the tragic and helpless romance portrayed in the reports. What Ethan discovered was a tale of a self-centered man who abandoned his childhood sweetheart for the sake of his own ambitions.