Chapter 311
Stuart led Morwenna upstairs without another word.
The remaining trio stood there, baffled, as Norbert maintained his stern expression. Once Morwenna was gone, the atmosphere seemed to chill. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
Norbert, trying to soften his imposing demeanor, addressed them, “Wenna is a bit naive and easily taken advantage of. You all are her friends. If anything untoward happens to her at school, I hope you’d let the Hetfield family know.”
Dahlia was about to respond when Lorna jumped in, “Of course, does that mean we can come over to the Hetfield Manor anytime?”
Lorna, ever the blabbermouth, didn’t even notice Dahlia pinching her arm in warning. With Stuart, the mood-dampener gone, Lorna was back to her unfiltered self.
But Hetfield Manor wasn’t a place you just dropped by.
Surprisingly, Norbert responded kindly, “As long as you're Wenna's friends, you're always welcome to visit.”
Lorna thumped her chest in promise, “Of course, I don't bother with the faint-hearted. They say no bond is stronger than one forged in battle, and I count Morwenna as a friend after our little scuffle.”
Realizing her slip, Lorna looked around nervously.
Dahlia’s expression could freeze water, obviously thinking Lorna had crossed a line by mentioning a fight with Morwenna in front of her grandfather. Norbert eyed Lorna more closely, then asked, “Who won?”
“Uh… Morwenna did, by a slight margin.”
Though Morwenna had won by more than a slight margin, a tipsy Lorna was too proud to admit it.
Norbert simply nodded, “Good, that’s settled then.”
His protective stance left everyone momentarily lost in thought. Morwenna was charming, sure, but did that justify Norbert’s blatant favoritism? His unwavering support, personally seeing her off to school, asking others to look after her, and even favoring her over his most accomplished grandson.
As they were escorted out, they were still in disbelief about the day's events. They had earned the privilege to come and go from Hetfield Manor, something even their parents couldn’t claim. They were also given the Manor’s landline number to report any issue concerning Morwenna. All because they were friends of Morwenna.
Upstairs in Hetfield Manor’s parlor, the younger Hetfields gathered, guarded by two bodyguards at the door.
Lily Hetfield vented to Rose Hetfield, “Sis, you said Morwenna was out of favor, right? So what’s this about? Grandpa even barred us from greeting her. Is he afraid we’ll say something unpleasant or bully Morwenna in front of her school friends?”
Rose replied coldly, “I underestimated Morwenna. She hasn’t seen Grandpa in a month, yet in that time, I’ve been by his side every day. Still, she manages to be his favorite.”
Ryan Hetfield mumbled, “She’s our sister-in-law.”
Lily snapped, “Shut it, Ryan! Are you even a Hetfield, always siding with outsiders? Your own brother got sent to jail, and you’re still talking about sister-in-law?”
All of Yara Hetfield’s daughters bore the Hetfield name, either seeking to inherit the family’s wealth or because their own family didn’t mind much due to them being girls.
“Big sis, my brother made his own mistakes,” Ryan said firmly.
Lily, losing patience, cut him off, “Enough with your moral high ground. If you’re so noble, then renounce your share of the inheritance. Stop pretending!”