Chapter 33
Nathan’s voice was cool and detached. “This is my home. I come and go as I please. It’s none of your business.”
Benjamin’s face twisted with anger, “This is my home. I’ve been here since I was born. And you? You’ve shown up here for the first time in sixteen years.”
Nathan shot back, “You’re like a cuckoo in the nest, and you’ve got the nerve to say that.”
Benjamin was livid. “I’m twelve years older than you–my mom knew my dad way before yours did…”
Nathan replied with a smirk, “Want me to give you a legal lesson? Civil law says only kids born to legally married parents are legitimate. Your mom and my dad were never married, so you were born as the ‘other woman’s‘ child.”
Benjamin’s cheeks flushed with fury. “Just wait. I’ll have my dad throw you out.”
Right then, the butler stepped out of the study, glanced at the fuming Benjamin, then turned to the calm Nathan. He approached Nathan with a slight smile playing on his lips and said respectfully, “Mr. Nathan, your grandfather would like to see you.”
Nathan nodded silently and made his way to the study.
Benjamin, surprised, turned to go find his father.
In the study, Mason sat in a black leather swivel chair, staring blankly at Nathan.
Nathan met his gaze steadily.
Mason had expected the boy to be flustered and maybe even start complaining. But Nathan’s unfathomable eyes and mature demeanor made Mason realize he couldn’t control the young man standing before him.
“I’m really glad you could come back,” he said with a meaningful tone.
Nathan replied, “I’ve been lucky. I turned bad situations into blessings, found good fortune in trouble, and had people to help. I’m sure I’ll live a long and successful life.”
Mason sighed, “I heard about what happened in Milan. I’ll make sure we find out who’s behind it and get you some justice.”
Nathan responded, “Thank you, Grandpa, but I can handle my own affairs.”
Mason looked taken aback. Nathan’s poise and restraint were far beyond his years.
“I’m sorry about your mother. Your maternal grandfather and I were too stubborn. We forced her to marry your father. He never loved her, his heart always belonged to Claudia. She couldn’t win his heart, and she chose to end her life. I hope you can understand her decision and understand your father’s perspective, too.”
Nathan’s fists were clenched tight in his sleeves, but his face was calm. “It’s all in the past.”
Mason felt relieved. “Nathan, those of us still here must look ahead. You’re the rightful heir of the Rowland family and the McCoy family’s grandson; no one in the Capital has a more prestigious status than you. The more capable you are, the bigger your stage will be. You’ll stay with the Rowland family for a while and learn the business from the family’s tutors. I want you to take over my company
soon.”
Nathan replied, “I’ll follow your instructions, Grandpa.”
Mason said, “You can go now.”
Then he asked the butler, “Is Mr. Nathan’s room ready?”
The butler replied, “Yes, sir. I’ve arranged a room for Mr. Nathan on the third floor.”
