Chapter 139
The General’s Assurance.
Immediately, Sterling studied Serena’s face. He frowned. “You cried p>
“We—” Serena glanced at Nathaniel. He just had to make things suspicious. “We talked about the past. I let out my grievances, and I cried, but it’s okay now. It’s better to let it all out, so I can slowly move past any lingering resentment p>
Talking about the past made Sterling’s frown deepen. Serena immediately saw his jaw tighten.
Nathaniel clearly saw it too, because he said, “She slapped me p>
He pointed to his face. “She slapped me hard p>
Celine made a face while Bianca lowered her gaze.
“Good,” Sterling said. “Your grandfather is leaving. At his age, he shouldn’t be traveling back to Greyhold p>
“I offered him a room for the night, but he said it was too much,” Bianca cut in. Nathaniel understood. “Thank you for informing me. I’ll go talk to him now p>
He headed down first, and the rest of them followed. By the time Serena and her parents made their way to the gathering, it looked like the former general had been convinced to stay.
Norman’s face was a little flushed, which meant he had a few drinks. Was that even safe? But then again, when two older men come together to have a serious chat, they often have a drink or two. This was especially true with Sterling.
Silas had been waiting for them. He followed as they made their way out.
While walking past Nathaniel and the general, Norman turned to Sterling. “Going now p>
“Yes, General,” Sterling confirmed. “It was an honor chatting with you p>
Norman smiled faintly. He shook Sterling’s hand and said, “Rest assured, Sterling. If
my grandson ever fails Serena and the children, I will order his retrieval p>
The old man frowned and considered it. “Preferably intact. At first p>
Serena, p>
Norman turned to Nathaniel and said, “You hear me, Nathan? You will not enjoy it.
Don’t think I won’t dare. I am retired. I have all the time in the world p>
“I will disown you!” Norman added with conviction. “And find you again!” Serena, p>
Sterling, on the other hand, raised a brow.
Celine chuckled.
Then, at last, the retired general laughed at his own words. He motioned to Nathaniel. “Get it, Nathaniel p>
Nathaniel simply shook his head. A quiet smile touched his lips, but his gaze shifted briefly to Serena, steady and unflinching. “That will not happen, Norman. I’ve learned p>
“It’s getting late,” Serena said. “Nathan, Bianca, welcome to the neighborhood. We should get going p>
She turned to the general. “It’s nice to meet you, Norman, and thank you for the children’s gifts p>
The Vanders returned to their home and prepared to rest. After Serena had completed her evening routine, she heard a knock on her door.
When she opened it, she found her father standing there, his arms folded across his chest.
Instantly, Serena’s heart galloped. She thought about her make-out session with Nathaniel and wondered if Sterling had noticed something. However, to her surprise, he said, “I just thought I should let you know that Nathaniel and I have come to an agreement p>
“Agreement?” Serena echoed. “What is it about? When did you have this agreement p>
“Over the weekend, before I went to watch his bedroom door over there,” Sterling motioned to the guestroom, the same one Nathaniel had slept in. “Because of how he helped us with the Montgomerys and how attentive he has been with the twins, I figured we can allow him to be openly recognized as their father p>
“In the first place, Dad, it’s something we cannot deprive him of,” Serena corrected.
“I know. I know,” Sterling said. “Also,
with Charles and Stella aware of your past relationship with Nathaniel, it’s bound to surface soonenor later Rexam will
Kovei
eventually know. Now that Nathantel is doing business in Greyhold and has reconnected with Norman, his name will reach the ears of Rexam’s business circle as well p>
“But of course, we don’t need to announce to the entire city how we’re connected to the Thornes or to the retired General. The Vanders’ name can stand on its own p>
He paused, then added more carefully, “Just don’t lower your guard too quickly, Serena. Nathaniel still has much to prove. He’s only in the early stages of rebuilding his relationship with the children. There’s nothing wrong with staying cautious.” Serena smiled at her father. “I understand, Dad. Thank you for speaking to me about this p>
“You seem to like the general,” Serena noted.
“His achievements in the military made headlines during my prime,” Sterling shared. “I won’t lie and say I don’t look up to him. It’s just unfortunate that he doted on the wrong wife and son p>
Serena’s curiosity piqued. She asked, “What really happened between him and his stepson? And who is this man p>
“Marcus Caldwell,” Sterling said. “The general never adopted him. Marcus always knew he wasn’t his real father p>
“Marcus and his family abused the benefits Norman had given him,” Sterling continued. “Some mistakes, Norman let slide, but it wasn’t until recently that he discovered Marcus had been using Stonewatch to get kickbacks for projects or priority treatment. He realized he had
entrusted his business to the wrong
man p>
Serena listened intently. She was utterly amazed at how much her father had
learned about Norman that night.
A second later, Sterling fell silent.
Her father looked very serious.
When he finally lifted his chin, his expression had hardened, as though the story angered him.
“The last straw,” he said carefully, “was when his stepson did… unspeakable things p>
Serena, p>
“Seriously, Dad,” Serena muttered.
“If you tell me what you and Nathaniel were really doing up there, I’ll tell you the rest
of the story,” Sterling suggested.
Serena could feel the heat rush to her face. Before the blush fully set in, she said, “Good night, Dad p>
The last thing she wanted was to be caught red-handed.