Chapter 116

"Mr. Edwards, you and my sister are divorced. There's no need for you to see her, and it's best if you don't come looking for her again," Bryce said coldly.

Theodore was anxious. "Bryce, there were many misunderstandings. Rebecca really likes me. She divorced me out of anger. Let me in. I'll explain everything to her. She will forgive me, I know she will."

He remembered something and hurriedly added, "About Janet, I can explain that too. Nothing happened between us. Her child isn't mine. I never betrayed Rebecca or our marriage."

"Get lost!" Bryce cut him off, issuing a blunt command.

Bryce turned to go inside. Theodore, desperate, grabbed his arm.

Bryce, trained for such situations, swiftly performed a reverse takedown, throwing Theodore to the ground. He released him immediately, disgusted.

"Don't bring up the past. My sister has nothing to do with you or your family. If you have any sense, go home and stay there. Stop thinking about my sister. If I catch you again, I won't let you off so easily," Bryce warned sternly.

Bryce walked into the house.

"Bryce!" Theodore scrambled up. "I messed up. I understand where I went wrong. I hurt Rebecca, but I'm ready to make things right. I'll apologize. We still love each other."

Bryce grabbed a broom and swung the handle, striking Theodore's calf. The blow sent him backward, out of Carter Villa.

Bryce drew an imaginary line in the dirt. "Take a good look. Inside this line is Carter territory. Don't step in again, or don't blame me for what happens."

Terrified, Theodore stumbled back. He knew Bryce's threats were never empty.

Seeing Theodore retreat, Bryce snorted and went inside.

Theodore's face twisted with frustration. He wanted to leave but couldn't.

By the time Patrick returned from work, it was dark. He noticed Theodore under a streetlight by the gate. Disgusted, Patrick spat on the ground and went inside.

Theodore stood at the gate until his legs went numb. It dawned on him: Rebecca was genuinely furious and didn't want to see him. He threw his trash away and walked away.

Just as he entered his house, his phone rang. It was Michael.

Theodore hesitated before answering.

"Theodore? How did it go? Did you make up with Rebecca?" Michael asked.

"Have Rebecca bring the kids to Edwards Manor tomorrow. Your grandparents want to see them," Michael continued.

"No," Theodore replied, his voice low and weary.

"What?" Michael was puzzled.

Theodore felt a surge of frustration. If it weren't for Michael's interference, would things be this bad?

"She's still angry. It might take some time," Theodore said.

Michael paused. "That's to be expected. Women can be temperamental, like your mother. And now that Rebecca has the Carters backing her, it's normal for her to feel more assertive. Be patient. Spend time making her happy. Buy her flowers, jewelry, handbags. She'll come around. And don't forget to clear up the misunderstanding about Janet's child."

Theodore nodded. "Okay."

Michael added, "And Jenny, even though you'll be with Rebecca, don't offend the Smiths. Soothe her. Don't upset her."

Theodore frowned. "I'll explain to her." He had no feelings for her.

"Good. You can handle the details. But don't drag things out with Rebecca. Try to make up and get the marriage license soon. It'll put everyone at ease. If she's really upset, take a few days off work to be with her. The benefits of being with the Carter family far outweigh a few extra days at work," Michael advised.

Theodore nodded. "Alright."

Meanwhile, in Hivalis, Stacey woke up, tidied herself, and carried Kev downstairs. Lily was still asleep.

Adrian was watching TV downstairs. Hearing the noise, he stood up, took Kev, and asked, "Morning. Are you hungry? Should I ask the housekeeper to make you something to eat?"

Stacey shook her head. "That's fine. Is Mom still asleep?"

Adrian nodded. "Yes."

Stacey didn't know what to do.

Adrian suggested, "You could go outside. Our garden is quite nice."

Stacey considered it but remembered Lily. "Maybe I'll wait. Lily should be waking up soon. I'll go after she wakes up."

Adrian nodded. "That works, too."

Stacey sat in the living room, watching TV with her brother. Adrian silently handed her the remote.

Stacey shook her head. "It's okay."

Adrian chuckled. "Why are you treating me like a guest?"

Stacey sighed. "Aren't you the one doing that, Adrian?"

Adrian paused, then took back the remote. "Alright, from now on, I won't treat you like a guest. Watch whatever you want. Don't worry about me."

"Okay," Stacey agreed.