Secret Wealthy Marriage
Chapter 311: His Threat (9)

Chapter 311: Chapter 311: His Threat (9)

Avery Graham suddenly got out of the car, slammed the car door behind her, and took the stack of money from him.

She’d be a fool to refuse money. Even if she didn’t need it herself, her employees did, so of course, she was going to take it.

But, she couldn’t help noticing that Bernard Taylor now seemed a little different from how he used to be, less cold, slightly warmer.

This version of Bernard wasn’t as annoying as he used to be. Still, whether she liked him or didn’t, had nothing to do with her. She could never be interested in someone like him.

Perhaps she should heed her family’s advice and start dating seriously.

She turned and walked towards the Residential Area. After watching her disappearing around the corner, Bernard started his car and went home. Instead of going back to his apartment, he headed to the Taylor Family villa.

The Taylor villa was located in the Violet Villa complex, newly developed. His mother had a preference for villas. His father loved her, so any villa she fancied he’d buy for her. They moved houses often.

His parents, especially his mother, always treated him well, giving him the best of everything. But her love was stifling, he could hardly breathe.

After a traumatizing incident triggered by his mother’s suffocating love, he hadn’t spoken to her for many years. He hadn’t been mentally prepared for what happened. If it wasn’t for his mother’s meddling, his life wouldn’t be in this state.

That incident was an accident. Even the law found her not guilty, yet in his heart, for a long time, his mother was a murderer. Despite this, she was still his mother.

This was an unchangeable fact, and something that he could never accept. He felt guilt, punishing his mother, and himself in his own way, since they were both guilty in his eyes.

He’d rejected women who’d explicitly shown interest in him. Firstly, he genuinely wasn’t interested in them. Secondly, he didn’t want their innocent lives entwined with his.

Avery was accidental. Initially, he just wanted to tease her. But as time passed, he found her increasingly interesting and then some things just became uncontrollable.

"Master, Madam, the...the young master is back." Seeing Bernard park his car in the courtyard, the servant excitedly ran to the main house to report.

Jacob Taylor and Nancy Sallow, who were watching television, were visibly excited, especially Nancy. The face mask she’d just applied was hastily removed, her eyes filled with excitement and emotion.

How long had it been since he last visited? It felt like she had lost her son completely. No matter how hard she tried to make up for it over the years, she couldn’t fill the void in her son’s heart.

"Really... really?" Nancy was still in disbelief. Usually, it was the two of them visiting him in the hospital or his apartment. Bernard seldom came home of his own accord.

The last time he came home deliberately, he confronted her about Avery Graham. She admitted that she had sought Avery. After that, Bernard didn’t say another word, turned around, and left. He hadn’t been home in three years.

In these three years, she had been turned away at the door every time she attempted to visit him at the hospital or his apartment. He refused to see her.

She knew that Bernard was angry. But she couldn’t convey Avery’s words to Bernard. Her son was her treasure, no one could slander him and get away with it.

She had given Avery money, kindly asking her to leave, which was the politest thing she could do.

Before the servant could respond, Bernard walked in and said, "Dad...mom."

"Ah." Jacob and Nancy responded simultaneously, Nancy choked on her words.

"Have you eaten?" Nancy promptly inquired, her eyes fixed on Bernard, unwilling to look away. She had lost her son for too many years, she no longer dared hope to rebuild mother-son bonds. She seemed to always do the wrong thing, never understanding her son’s real feelings.

"Yeah, I’ve eaten. I have something to tell you both." Bernard nodded and then sat down on the living room sofa.

Nancy immediately dismissed all the servants in the room. When Bernard wanted to talk, she needed to pay attention, but she didn’t want outsiders listening in.

"I want to get married." Bernard suddenly announced.

Jacob, who had been calm until now, wasn’t so calm anymore. Their son was over thirty and they thought he’d never marry. Now that he suddenly wanted to get married, they wouldn’t dare judge his choice, regardless of who she was or her family background.

"Who is she? Do we need to meet right away to decide on the betrothal gifts?" Jacob asked anxiously as if all that was left to do was negotiate the wedding date with her parents.

"No, I’m still in a one-sided love affair. The woman doesn’t share my feelings." Bernard calmly replied and then looked at his parents’ dumbfounded expressions.

They might not be able to fathom that a woman would reject their son. Unrequited love, how could that be possible for their son.

"I need Mom’s help. Since Mom has met her and humiliated her, I think Mom should apologize sincerely. Otherwise, it’s likely I’d remain single my whole life."

"..." Nancy understood; her son was using his marriage, their family’s lineage to blackmail her into apologizing to Avery.

He hadn’t let go of the past incident. When Avery left all those years ago, forcing her to apologize would have been pointless when Avery had disappeared. But now, Avery was back.

"Alright, I’ll go. Are you serious about marrying her?" Nancy agreed, ready to do anything, even kneel, for her son’s happiness.

"If she accepts me." Bernard handed the choice back to Avery. "So, thank you, Mom. I’ll go upstairs to rest first."

Downstairs, Jacob was questioning Nancy, but Bernard paid them no mind.

Their family owed Avery an apology. No matter how noble the wealthy lady, when she’s in the wrong, she should apologize. It was basic manners.