Chapter 1796
A shadow crossed Tarquin’s features, his brows knitting together as dark memories surfaced.
“Axel had a tragic upbringing p>
Before he could elaborate, his phone buzzed. It was Booker Murphy, inviting him to the Blissful Pub.
Keaton’s sudden plunge into fatherhood was massive news, and the guys were eager to drag him out for drinks and merciless teasing.
With all the parents hovering at the party earlier, they hadn’t been able to properly celebrate. Now, it was time for a private boys’ night.
Through the receiver, Gale Windham’s loud laughter and drunken jokes echoed in the background.
Hearing the commotion, Elysia smiled at Tarquin.
“Go on. I’ll take the kids home. We can talk later p>
Tarquin told Booker he’d see him shortly and ended the call. He then instructed the driver to pull over at the Blissful Pub, which was conveniently on their route.
Turning back to Elysia, he murmured, “I’ll give you the full story on Axel later. Just know that he’s had it rough. Aside from us, there isn’t a single person in this world who cares whether he finds happiness p>
“We met as kids and practically raised each other. He’s my brother in every way that counts, and I just want to see him happy p>
Elysia softened. “Does Axel actually have feelings for Blossom p>
Tarquin offered a pragmatic response.
There was a time when Tarquin hadn’t understood the downside of solitude.
But ever since he had built a life with Elysia, the mere thought of returning to that lonely existence was unbearable.
A home was just a house without the warmth of a loving partner.
Being truly alone was a miserable fate.
He had experienced both sides, and the joy of having a family was unparalleled.
That was why he was pushing so hard for Axel and Blossom to make it work, so he could have a warm home of his own.
A tight-knit brotherhood was incredible, but it could never replace the deep, fulfilling love of a family.
Elysia frowned thoughtfully.
“The Spencers are a warm, stable family, and they completely adore Blossom. When it comes to family dynamics, Axel is at a massive disadvantage p>
“And let’s look at their careers. Axel might be loaded, but his line of work is highly volatile and dangerous. Lancelot’s job is safe and respectable p>
Forget Folly and Hollis-even she and Winona just wanted Blossom to have a safe, peaceful future.
Tarquin countered smoothly.
“Career isn’t an issue. Axel could step into a CEO role tomorrow if he wanted to. His personal net worth, blows past eighty percent of the billionaires in this country
IK
Elysia raised an eyebrow. “The real question is, is he actually willing to walk away
from his current life p>
Tarquin went silent.
The answer was painfully obvious: No, he wasn’t.
Axel thrived in the dangerous, adrenaline-fueled underbelly of the world Asking him to suddenly settle down into a mundane corporate life was nearly impossible.
Elysia let out a soft sigh.
“Folly and Hollis know Lancelot inside and out. They have zero clue who Axel really
is, which means they’re absolutely going to pick Lancelot p>
“So, look at it objectively-whether it’s family background, career stability, or parental approval, Axel has no leverage p>
She and Winona had admitted to each other in private that even they would choose Lancelot.
His credentials completely overshadowed Axel’s, and most importantly, a life with Lancelot guaranteed Blossom’s safety.
Tarquin’s tone was calm and resolute.
“But Blossom is in love with Axel. And that is his ultimate trump card p>
Elysia couldn’t deny that. Outsiders could only do so much; matters of the heart always came down to the people involved.
Blossom’s undeniable love for Axel annihilated every logical advantage Lancelot possessed.
But p>
“She loves him now, yes, but feelings don’t last forever in a vacuum. If Axel keeps shutting her out, they’ll never work. Besides, he’s constantly out of the country. They barely even see each other p>
Tarquin’s eyes darkened slightly.
“If everything goes according to plan this time around, Axel is going to change p>