Chapter 627
Chapter 627:
Truett fidgeted with the wristwatch in his tiny palms, letting out soft, playful coos that made the air lighter.
Beverley picked up a toy from beside her and shook it, trying to coax a laugh, though the smile she forced felt a little awkward.
Truett’s wide, luminous eyes followed the toy’s movement until, at last, he gave in to temptation, his little hand landing squarely on hers.
The touch melted her heart.
Moments like this were treasures no wealth could buy.
From the side, Matthew’s gaze turned wistful, and he found himself aching to cradle Truett as well.
“Mom, let me hold Truett for a while,” he asked eagerly.
𝘜p𝖽𝗮𝘁е𝗌 𝖾𝘷еry 𝘄𝖾𝘦𝗄 о𝗇.с𝘰𝘮
Although Beverley hesitated, not quite ready to part with the warmth in her arms, she finally passed Truett into his waiting embrace.
Matthew cradled his grandson, his eyes misting until he nearly broke into tears. His throat tightened, leaving him unable to speak.
A hurried tilt of his head concealed the fragility he couldn’t bear for Gabriela and the others to see.
Watching him, Beverley’s thoughts drifted to his loveless marriage, and a quiet sigh of sympathy escaped her.
After the meal, Gabriela appeared with a three-tiered cake, handing the knife to Farley. Everyone clapped in rhythm as they sang his birthday song.
In the midst of the laughter, Truett suddenly babbled, his tiny voice joining in.
Everyone caught the word. “Farley p>
Farley halted in place, his eyes instantly reddening. Overcome, he pulled Truett close and rained kisses across his chubby cheeks. “Truett, you’re the sweetest little thing p>
Matthew seethed with a sharp pang of jealousy. That was his grandson.
By the time Beverley and Matthew finally headed out, it was already late.
The moment Matthew dropped into the car seat, his restraint shattered. “Mom, I can’t keep this secret any longer—I want to tell Gabriela the truth now p>
He ached to hear Gabriela call him Dad, to feel her look at him with the same deep warmth and respect she gave Farley. What he wanted most was to hear Truett say “Grandpa” to him.
Beverley stayed silent at first, letting him spill every ounce of frustration. When his breathing finally steadied, she spoke with calm deliberation.
“Once you reveal everything, there are only two paths. Either Gabriela refuses to acknowledge you and turns away completely… or she accepts you, returns to the Howard family, and then faces constant pressure from Lauren p>
She weighed her words carefully, her gaze steady on Matthew. “Which of these outcomes can you live with p>
Matthew sank into silence.
Neither choice sat right with him.
“That’s why you can’t rush this,” she continued softly. “Give Gabriela time to accept us. We’ll take it step by step p>
Her tone was firm but not unkind. “Don’t worry—I’m not saying you shouldn’t acknowledge her. I’m only saying we need to guide her slowly p>
Matthew had been shackled to the marriage arranged between the Howard and McCoy families. Decades of a hollow union had left him suffocated, unable to break free, crushed beneath its weight.
Beverley sighed. “In the future, do whatever your heart tells you. I won’t stand in your way. If you want a divorce, I’ll help you through it. If the McCoys dare mess with you again, I’ll make sure they regret it p>
Though age had crept up on Beverley, the weight of her connections and influence remained unshaken.
“Thank you, Mom.” Matthew lifted his gaze, his tone steady and unyielding. “I’ve decided to end Rebecca and Wesley’s engagement p>
Her brows knitted tightly as she pressed. “Why? Do you have some grievance against Wesley p>
For all his arrogance, Wesley was undeniably gifted—rarely had the Howard family encountered someone of his caliber.
Matthew countered with a question of his own. “Have you ever considered who Truett’s real father might be p>
Beverley needed only a heartbeat to grasp his meaning, her composure faltering. “You’re suggesting Wesley and Gabriela p>
Matthew gave a solemn nod. “It’s still only a suspicion, but I’m convinced I’m not mistaken. I’ll arrange for a paternity test at the right time p>