Chapter 128
Morwenna once made Norbert a slingshot, and whenever she had some free time, she'd take him out to play with it to help him digest after a hearty meal.
Norbert seemed to have passed all his childhood delights to Morwenna. The young and the old were in the backyard, aiming at autumn leaves.
Orson watched by the side, a hint of envy in his eyes. He wished he had a slingshot, too.
They played for a while.
Quite a few leaves had fallen.
With a radiant smile, Morwenna said, “Norbert, how about that? Do you feel more limber after moving around a bit? We can't just sit around all day. No matter how busy we are, we need some activity. I also learned a new neck and shoulder massage technique. Want to have a try?”
“Of course, I want to try,” Norbert replied.
Morwenna began massaging Norbert’s shoulders.
The other Hetfields saw it and scoffed internally, though they didn’t say anything outwardly.
Such an effort to please Norbert must be her way of getting a piece of the Hetfield pie.
Yara was irked and pinched her daughter in frustration. “See that? Learn something. I’ve been raising you all for nothing. You can't even curry favor properly. That’s your grandpa. And you’re outshone by an outsider.”
Her daughters, grudging yet quiet, knew their attempts to cozy up never hit the spot, just like Yara's.
How could a granddaughter ever surpass a daughter?
Yara was oblivious to her daughters’ thoughts.
Seeing Morwenna and Norbert enjoying each other’s company, Yara pinched her daughters again, much harder this time.
Morwenna was well aware of the family's cold shoulder towards her, but she didn't sweat it.
She was indifferent to their stares and whispers.
As long as Norbert was kind to her, she wanted to return that kindness.
Morwenna temporarily ignored Stuart, who had already gone upstairs.
That man was either asleep or about to sleep.
He was early to bed, late to get up, and still yawning throughout the day. It was a wonder where he spent his energy.
Morwenna believed too much sleep could dull the brain but wouldn’t dare call Stuart foolish.
After Norbert had retired for the night, Morwenna headed upstairs.
The short staircase felt like a trek through a battlefield.
Every encounter with Stuart made her anxious.
Facing him at night doubled her nerves.
On reflection, Stuart hadn’t wronged her. He had helped her, saved her, and even lent her money.
But when faced with choices, Stuart had chosen Adelaide.
No matter how Morwenna rationalized, Adelaide had saved Stuart, and Adelaide was his benefactor. She couldn’t overcome the emotional hurdle.
Having grown up alone, Morwenna feared abandonment and being discarded.
If it weren’t for Stuart’s past actions and if he weren’t Norbert’s grandson, Morwenna would have left without looking back the first time Stuart chose someone else over her.
Standing at the door of her room, Morwenna hesitated before pushing it open.
Upon entering, Stuart gave Morwenna a cold glance.
Instantly, she felt guilty. “Stuart, you are still up?”
Stuart just hummed, not bothering to speak.
Unsure what to say, Morwenna quickly went to the bathroom to freshen up.
She took her time showering, washing, and drying her hair, even leisurely clipping her nails, dragging it out as long as possible. Finally, she tiptoed back into the room with no more excuses to delay.
She hoped Stuart would be asleep by then. NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
But when she stepped out, she met his piercing gaze.
It was clear and knowing, as if he understood what Morwenna was thinking.
Her nervousness instantly doubled.