Chapter 438
The man in black squinted his eyes at Elliot, a shadowy figure against the dim light.
“I refuse to answer these questions,” he finally said.
Elliot frowned.
“Look, kid,” the man continued, “there are things too big for you to understand right now. All you need to know is that I’m here to be your guardian, your protector. I’m not here to cause harm p>
“But if you want to be our guardian, why keep your identity a secret?” Elliot pressed.
“When the time’s right, I’ll reveal all. Next question p>
Biting back frustration, Elliot asked, “Did you know my mom was pregnant with Tarquin’s child right from the start p>
“Yes,” the man simply replied.
“How p>
“I knew everything that happened at the airport that day p>
Evan, who had been silently listening, couldn’t hold back. “So you knew when my mom was being harassed by that jerk Tarquin?!” “Yes p>
“Why didn’t you help her p>
The man shrugged. “I didn’t know her back then. Why would I intervene? What happened to her was none of my business p>
“You p>
Elliot, irritation mounting, asked, “So you’re familiar with her now p>
The man smirked. “Very p>
“And does my mom know you p>
“Trying to pry information out of me, eh?” The man chuckled. “So eager to figure out who I am? Next question p>
Elliot’s frustration was palpable. “Since you took Elijah five years ago, have you been plotting against Tarquin p>
The man fell silent, his face unreadable. After a moment, he gave a vague reply, “Yes and no p>
“What does that mean p>
Clearly, he was saying, “Mind your own business p>
Before Elliot could retort, the man added, “Just remember, your mom was never my target. She was just someone who got involved with Tarquin and ended up carrying his child. That’s the only reason our paths crossed p>
“And now?” Elliot pushed.
“Now,” the man’s smile widened, “I would never harm her. In fact, I want to make her mine, bring her home as my wife p>
Elliot’s face darkened. “You’re in love with my mom p>
“Whether I love her or not isn’t the point. It’s enough that my precious one does p>
“Precious one p>
The man dodged the question, saying, “Your mom’s a good woman, a fantastic mother. She’d make an excellent wife too. If we were together, everything would be perfect p>
Elliot’s voice was icy. “Stay away from my mom p>
“Why should I p>
“Because you’re not father or husband material. My mom and I, we don’t need you p>
The man looked genuinely puzzled. “And how have you figured that I wouldn’t make a good father or husband p>
“A good father or husband wouldn’t encourage his family to commit murder p>
But the man argued, “To Elysia, Tarquin was a violator, a source of deep pain. He deserves to die. And Allegra almost killed your mom in that accident. She deserves the same. Am I wrong to suggest justice p>
“True love thinks of the future, not of revenge or breaking the law!” Elliot shot back.
The man sighed softly, “One day, you’ll see that I can be a great father… and a great husband too. Being with me would bring you happiness p>