Chapter 133
Nathaniel’s Hero.
“It’s retired General Collins. What is he doing here p>
“What is his relationship with Mr. Thorne p>
“Oh my God, he came with a squad of soldiers p>
At first, Serena’s gaze turned to her family. They were equally surprised.
Sterling stood up, almost automatically giving respect to the retired, decorated military officer. Celine’s expression showed astonishment, while Silas turned toward Serena instinctively.
Serena also caught Alice’s stare. Their eyes met, silently questioning her. Unfortunately, Serena had no answers to give.
She had already told Alice about Nathaniel’s relationship with the former general. Until that day, Serena had remained in disbelief that Nathaniel was his biological grandson.
Now, she would see this unusual relationship for herself.
A group of soldiers immediately secured the estate, several guiding Norman Collins onto the lawn. He stopped where Bianca sat and turned to her. The old man gulped and hesitated. After a moment, he said, his voice weak and trembling, “We will talk later, Bianca p>
Serena noticed how tense Bianca looked, but whatever reluctance she felt, she quickly masked it and forced a smile. “Of course, General p>
Only then did the former general make his way toward Nathaniel.
It seemed as though the temperature around the estate dropped. A perplexing silence followed, and everyone’s gaze lingered on the two imposing men.
“Is this how you greet your grandfather, Nathan?” Norman spoke, briefly shifting his gaze to Serena, and a faint smile formed on his lips.
At first, Serena noticed Nathaniel’s displeasure, but he quickly concealed it with a smile. “Where are my manners? My apologies, Grandfather p>
Nathaniel bowed his head. “Good evening, and welcome to my new home p>
“Oh my God,” Lucy gasped. “Mr. Thorne is not only a business tycoon, but also the grandson of the former general p>
Daisy’s face paled, as did Gwen’s.
Gwen glanced at Serena apologetically, suddenly aware of the consequences of offending her.
But Serena paid no attention to the women nearby. Unbeknownst to them, she was nervous about meeting this grandfather.
The general wanted to meet her and the children. Why?
After years of abandoning Nathaniel, Neal, and Bianca, was he suddenly becoming sentimental?
Serena refused to believe it was that simple.
“Why have you come all the way here, Grandfather?” Nathaniel asked calmly. He added, “Your soldiers are frightening my guests p>
Norman looked back, his hands and legs trembling slightly with age. He ordered, “At ease p>
Then he added with a wave of his hand, “Fall back p>
The soldiers withdrew to the perimeter of the estate, giving the guests more space.
One soldier assisting Norman remained by his side. Another one carried shopping bags behind him.
“Nathan, please. I’m not getting any younger,” Norman said. “I want to meet your wife and great-grandchildren. Is that so much to ask p>
The general’s words left the guests with many unanswered questions,
but one thing was clear: Nathaniel
his grandson, and the
Thorne We
wife he referred to was most likely
Serena.
Nathaniel turned to Serena, looking apologetic.
For his age, the general was in good health, but it was clear that he was losing his vitality.
Serena had her reservations about this general, but seeing his state, a hint of sympathy stirred in her.
She nodded, and Nathaniel said to his grandfather, “Let’s step inside the mansion p>
Nathaniel looked past the crowd and called out, “Bastin, Ali, come with Dad p>
Silas stood and walked over, placing a steady hand on Sebastian’s shoulder as he guided the children closer to him. It was clear he had no intention of leaving them.
Nathaniel paused. He and Silas exchanged a look, then nodded at the same time, reaching a silent understanding.
They all went inside the mansion and into the private study. It was there that the former general finally spoke of what he desired.
“Nathan, don’t make this harder than
it already is,” he said “While I’m still p>
alive, can you at least let me experience what it’s like to have a real family p>
Softly, he added, “I beg you, let me make up for my mistakes p>
Before Nathaniel could respond, Sebastian tugged on his shirt. “Daddy, who is he p>
The room fell into an awkward silence.
Even Serena found it hard to breathe.
After a moment, Nathaniel eventually revealed, “Bastin, this is your great- grandfather, Norman p>
“Great-grandfather?” Sebastian echoed, counting on his fingers. “So there’s a grandpa and a great-grandpa p>
“Yes,” Nathaniel said gently. “Grandpa Norman is the father of my dad p>
“But where’s your dad, Daddy?” Sebastian asked, pouting.
Nathaniel looked almost teary-eyed as he replied, “My dad is in heaven p>
It was a solemn moment… until
Sebastian’s eyes lit up. “Oh
Dad! That’s where angels live… and where superheroes go when they re done saving the world p>
Serena, p>
Norman was clearly amused. Tears welled in his eyes as his gaze softened at Sebastian.
“Dad,” Sebastian continued softly. “Was your dad a hero too p>
Nathaniel didn’t answer right away. He pressed a hand to his chest, as if steadying himself, then said, “He was p>
His voice faltered. “He was my hero p>
Serena’s eyes stung. The quiet way Nathaniel spoke of Neal Collins undid her.
Yet again, Serena was reminded just how deeply Nathaniel had loved his father.