Chapter 17 Don’t Call It a Goodbye Just Yet
Fausted
Merrick continued. “You’re not like your mom. You can live a better life than she did–because you’re smart Once you grow up and get strong, it won’t matter whether the people around you love you or not we won’t need to rely on them. Got it?”
Chloe didn’t really understand, but she remembered everything.
Then, all of a sudden, she felt a wave of sadness. She reached out and hugged him. “Will we see each other again?”
She liked Merrick the most
Merrick furrowed his brow, a faint shimmer welled in his eyes. He nodded heavily. “We will. I’ll work hard and climb as high as Dian. We’ll meet again at the top
Chloe’s nose tingled. She looked up at him. “How far is the top?”
Merrick froze and quickly turned his head away. “Go find your brother.”
He didn’t answer her.
Chloe sniffled she didn’t want to let go and hugged Merrick tightly.
She didn’t say anything else—just clung to his thin frame.
Merrick’s lips trembled as he buried his face into the crook of her neck. Then, with cruel determination, he pushed her away.
Tears streamed down Chloe’s face. She didn’t say a word and turned to leave.
Marvin
stood in the
he corner, taking in the whole scene.
Chloe didn’t look back, because she was crying too hard.
So, of course, she never saw Merrick silently watching her as her tears fell.
He let out a cold snort. See
He’d said it before–he was going
to be the most dangerous guy in Chloe’s life.
She just rubbed him the wrong way.
Good thing the girl was an orphan; after this, there’d be no chance of seeing her again.
Once all the paperwork was done, Chloe, sniffling and teary, said goodbye to everyone in the caretaker’s arms.
Merrick still didn’t show up for the farewell.
Chloe followed behind Marvin, carrying her little bundle. She looked back at the orphanage.
The caretaker waved at her through her tears. “Chloe! Don’t come back again!”
Her eyes blurred with tears. She looked up at the four tall boys and felt a bit lost. Im I really never coming back?
She was full of reluctance–and still, she never caught a glimpse of Merrick coming to say goodbye.
terrick was curled up in a corner, staring blankly as Chloe climbed into that sleek, beautiful Maybach and disappeared from sight
His whole heart felt hollow. He looked around.
No more Chlor
No more little crybaby who peeked out from the crowd the first time she saw him, all timid and wide–eyed.
No more little munchkin who secretly poked his palm and smiled up at him, trying to make him Laugh.
12.27 AM p p.
Chapter 17 Don’t Call It a Goodbye Just Yet
He turned away, completely dejected.
Suddenly, screeching brakes echoed from the orphanage entrance.
Merrick turned back in surprise–only it wasn’t the Maybach he saw
It was a Rolls–Royce.
Finished
The caretaker froze. Then she watched as two bodyguards stepped out of the luxury car, followed by an old man in a suit, leaning on a cane, his face stern. He slowly made his way into the orphanage.
Merrick’s expression shifted. He clenched his fists warily
The caretaker stepped up. “Excuse me, who are you here to see?”
The old man calmly swept his gaze across the room before landing on Merrick. “I’m here for Merrick. He’s my grandson”
Everyone’s expression changed at once. They all turned to look at Merrick.
There was hostility in Merrick’s eyes. The old man stood there, composed as ever.
When their eyes met, sparks flew.
The old man looked Merrick up and down, clearly sizing him up. “Not bad. Tall. Good proportions. Sharp eyes. Come with me. From now on, you’ll be the heir to the Lyle family business. You’ll have whatever you want.”
Merrick let out a cold laugh and turned to leave.
But then he stopped in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder. “Do you know the Ace and the Tate family?”
Jareth’s tone was cool. “Which Tate family? Which Ace family?”
“The biggest ones,” Merrick replied.
Jareth’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. One of the bodyguards beside him offered, “Merrick probably means Andres Tate family and the Ace family they’re allied with.”
Jareth raised a brow and nodded. “Of course I know them. We’re old friends. Why are you asking?”
In Velmora, there were three top families; these were it.
Merrick thought for a moment, then offered terms. “If I go with you, does that mean there’s a chance I’ll meet the Tate kids and the Ace kids?”
Jareth looked confused. “Of course. I’ll personally throw you a party. You’ll meet all the kids in the circle. You’ll be the Lyle family’s only heir.”
Merrick’s eyes darkened. “You said I could have whatever I want.”
Jareth was running out of patience. “Yeah, yeah. If you want a castle, I’ll buy it for you. An island? I’ll buy it. Boats, cars- whatever. Can we go now?
Merrick raised his chin proudly. “I only want the Tate family’s daughter.”
Jareth blinked. “What?”
He wants a person? Now he finally took Merrick seriously.
This grandson was interesting
Totally different from his good–for–nothing son.
In fact, he reminded him a lot of himself.
With a spark of amusement, he raised a brow. “If the Tate family is willing to let her be with you, then sure. If you want to suppert her marry her–gu ahead”
Chapter 17 Don’t Call It a Goodbye Just Yet
Merrick didn’t hesitate. “Get in the car.”
Finished
Jareth’s mouth twitched. He exchanged glances with the bodyguards, watching Merrick’s cold, arrogant figure walk ahead.
