Chapter 71: Heated argument

Words : 1165 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Chapter 71: Heated argument Dimitri’s frail frame trembled slightly as he sank back into his recliner, old memories surfacing like ghosts from the past. He had witnessed bloodshed within his own family—battles between his sons that had left scars too deep to heal. He would not allow history to repeat itself. Seeing his grandfather’s sudden weakness, Augustine’s expression shifted to concern. He stepped forward hurriedly. "Grandpa... are you alright?" Dimitri waved a dismissive hand, brushing off the concern, but his eyes seemed distant, clouded with something unreadable. Then, his expression hardened. "If you intend to challenge your own family, abandon that thought immediately," he said coldly, his sharp gaze locking onto Augustine’s. "I understand you have suffered. I know you have held resentment toward your uncle for years. But no matter what, we are bound by blood. Family is not something you can cast aside." Augustine’s jaw tightened. "Am I wrong?" he countered. "I never wanted to sever ties with this family. It was you who sent me away. You cut me off." Dimitri remained quiet, his shoulders slumping under the weight of unspoken truths. Yes, he had been the one to send Augustine away—driven by the fear that his grandson would meet the same tragic fate as his parents. He had done it to protect him, to keep him alive. But he couldn’t say that. He couldn’t reveal the harsh reality, knowing it would only stir up more conflict, perhaps even bloodshed. The truth about the past was buried deep, where Augustine could reach it. And he intended to take that secret to his grave. "You stopped contacting me," Augustine continued to whine, pulling Dimitri back to reality. "You even stopped sending financial support." Dimitri’s body went rigid at his words, his expression shifting from stern to startled. No financial support? How was that possible? He had ensured that funds were transferred to Augustine every month, making certain his grandson never lacked anything while living abroad. If Augustine never received them, then what had happened? Where had the money gone? Confusion and suspicion flickered across Dimitri’s face. Augustine scoffed at his reaction, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "Why do you look so surprised? You were the one who severed ties with me. But now that I’m back, I will reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to me." Dimitri’s grip on his walking stick tightened, his initial surprise hardening into a stern, warning tone. "Let me make this clear," he said coldly. "Over the years, your uncle and cousin have grown powerful. They control this city, and standing against them won’t be easy. You need to be strategic—without strong backing, doing business here will be tough." Straightening his posture, he rolled his fingers over the carved handle of his stick. "The Granet family’s daughter is the perfect match for you. With their backing, your uncle and cousin wouldn’t dare to touch you. Megan is beautiful, well-educated, and comes from a highly respectable family. You’ll grow to like her." "I won’t marry for protection," Augustine snapped before Dimitri could finish. "I don’t need anyone to shield me—I can take care of myself. And I already have someone I love. She is the only woman I will ever be with." Dimitri’s expression darkened, his fury evident as he struck the floor with his walking stick. "I thought you had become wiser with success, but you are being reckless," he bellowed. "I’m trying to look out for your future, to secure your place here, but you—you are throwing everything away for some worthless girl from an insignificant background. What does she have to offer? You are discarding a rare gem for a piece of trash." That was the final straw. Augustine’s patience was shattered. His eyes burned with fury as he glared at his grandfather. "If you have nothing else to say, I’ll be leaving." Without wasting another second, he turned on his heel and strode toward the door. "You ungrateful brat! Stop right there." Dimitri’s voice thundered after him, but Augustine didn’t falter. He stormed out, refusing to look back. "Augustine, come back," Dimitri’s loud voice rang through the halls, his throat raw from yelling. The next moment, his body trembled, wracked by a violent coughing fit. The butler rushed to his side, gently rubbing his back and chest. "Master, please calm down. Agitating yourself will only worsen your condition." Struggling to catch his breath, Dimitri gritted his teeth. "Stop him... Bring him back." "Let him go for now, Master. He is too angry to listen. You can speak to him once he has cooled down. He is in town—you will have another chance." Dimitri exhaled sharply, leaning back into his recliner as his coughing gradually subsided. His aged eyes glistened with unshed tears. "He has endured so much," he murmured hoarsely. "We failed him." His fingers curled tightly around his walking stick, his gaze hardening. "Look into the funds I sent Augustine all those years. Find out what happened—why he never received the money. And keep this investigation from Gabriel and Denis." The butler bowed slightly. "I’ll conduct it discreetly, Master." Outside the house... As Augustine strode toward his car, a familiar vehicle pulled up, and Denis stepped out. His usual smug expression was firmly in place as he approached, his hands casually shoved into his pockets. "Well, well, dear cousin," Denis drawled, standing tall with an air of arrogance. "I see you have paid Grandpa a visit. Did he invite you to the family reunion dinner?" Augustine had no patience for him. He had no intention of wasting his time on meaningless chatter, especially not with Denis. His priority was getting home to Anne, to spend the evening with her. Without a word, he walked past him, heading straight for his car. Denis’s lips twitched in irritation, his fingers curling into fists inside his pockets. "Leaving so soon? Skipping dinner already?" he taunted. Augustine stiffened mid-stride, his shoulders tightening. Denis smirked as he turned around, watching the way Augustine’s back tensed. "What’s wrong, dear cousin?" His voice was dripping with mockery. "Did Grandpa say something to upset you? Or did he refuse to acknowledge your so-called marriage?" Augustine’s eyes narrowed as realization dawned. So that’s how his grandfather had found out about Anne. It was Denis. His features tensed, anger churning deep within him, threatening to explode. Turning to face him, Augustine hissed with barely restrained fury, "Do you really think your petty schemes can drive a wedge between me and Anne?" His voice dropped an octave as he uttered each word with conviction. "She is the woman I’ve loved for years. If I didn’t pursue her before, it was because of my own weakness. But that’s in the past. Things have changed now. I’ve changed." His gaze turned even sharper. "She is my wife. Mine. And no one—not you, not anyone—will ever come between us." Denis sneered. "Don’t forget she was with me for three years. Do you want my used things?"

Chapter 71: Heated argument

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