Chapter 72
Hortensia had a maid physically push Rebekah out of Shawn’s room, leaving a red mark on her arm. Through the crack in the door, she could hear them talking.
“Candice, thank you so much for coming. The boy is always so attached to you p>
“It’s no trouble. I adore Shawn, and I’m happy to be here for him. As long as he gets better, I’d come anytime p>
Shawn struggled to sit up and hugged Candice. “Aunt Candice is the best! I love you the most p>
They looked like a perfect little family. A bitter smile touched Rebekah’s lips as she turned away. The whole situation was just one cruel irony after another.
As she turned, she saw Old Mr. Forrester coming up the stairs.
“Rebekah, I need to speak with you.” His tone was once again kind and gentle.
She followed him into the study.
“Rebekah,” the old man began, “you told me you wanted to divorce Benjamin. I wanted to ask you why p>
Rebekah sat on the sofa opposite him, studying his benevolent expression. For a moment, she was lost in thought, remembering his harsh, accusatory tone in this very room just days ago.
“Grandfather, why are you so insistent that Benjamin and I stay together p>
Before, she might have believed it was because he was genuinely fond of her. Now, she wasn’t so sure. She was just a fake heiress, and her biological family was ordinary. She brought no benefit to Benjamin or the Forresters. So why was he so determined to keep them married?
Old Mr. Forrester’s face looked weary. He coughed a few times, and Rebekah, out of habit, poured him a glass of water.
He took a sip before continuing. “Rebekah, I’ve always told you that you have a kind heart and a good nature. You’re a positive influence on Benjamin. You’re my favorite, and I can’t bear the thought of you leaving this family p>
He sighed. “My dear, you know the Forrester Group is in a difficult position right now. A divorce on top of everything else would be devastating for Benjamin and the entire family p>
His eyes pleaded with her. “If you must leave him, can you at least wait until this crisis has passed p>
Rebekah shook her head. “Grandfather, I have to divorce him p>
A shadow passed over the old man’s face. His weathered hands, resting on his knees, clenched into fists. Then to her horror, he began to Tower himself from his chart as if to kneel before her.
Rebekah jumped up and caught him. “Grandfather, what are you doing p>
“I don’t know how much longer I have to live, Rebekah. If you’re going to leave,
can you at least wait until after I’m gone p>
Conflicted, Rebekah finally nodded. “Grandfather, please, get up p>
Seeing her agree, Old Mr. Forrester’s face broke into a smile. As he lowered his head, a cunning light glinted in his sharp eyes.
“Then it’s settled. You’re a good girl. You’ll stay here until I pass, and I promise, I won’t let Hortensia bully you anymore p>
In that moment, Rebekah saw him
clearly. He had always known how she was treated in this house, yet he had never intervened. She had believed he cared for her, but now
She understood that wasn’t the case at all.