Chapter 28

I shook my head, a dull ache throbbing within. Mocking voices echoed in my mind: “How could someone from such a humble background possibly be a match for the Ford family?” “Jonathan is the brightest young man in Harthville. He could marry a princess, yet he chose an ordinary student?” “Alicia’s grandfather was my comrade; before he died, he entrusted his granddaughter to me. Only she is fit to care for her!” “Who does Elise think she is? Alicia is the heir I painstakingly groomed. Elise doesn’t deserve that role!” These words spun in my head, a relentless storm. A sharp pain jolted me, making me stumble. Jonathan caught me, steadying me with a hand. His guarded expression offered no clue to his thoughts. Was he worried? No, likely not about me. Probably just afraid I'd embarrass him before his grandfather, Edward Ford.

I took a deep breath, straightening. Jonathan leaned in, whispering, “Greet him.”

“Good day, Mr. Ford Senior,” I said.

A collective gasp filled the room. The butler stared, shocked. Jonathan's expression darkened. “Call him Grandpa,” he said firmly, repeating the command in my ear when I didn’t respond.

I pursed my lips, refusing. Edward snorted. “Forget it then. You’re so petty!”

The insult stung, my face flushing. Though I couldn't remember him, something about him struck a nerve. He must always have been harsh. That was probably why I was so afraid. My instinctive reaction—fear, not irritation or impatience—surprised me. What kind of person had I become after all these years with Jonathan? Faced with his undisguised contempt, my reaction wasn’t anger or disgust, but fear.

Just as I prepared to leave, Alicia’s cheerful voice cut through the air. “Mr. Ford Senior, I’m sorry I’m late.”

I turned to see her standing in the doorway—I hadn’t even noticed her arrival. Dressed in pink, she entered gracefully, carrying gifts. Edward’s expression softened instantly. “Alicia, you’re here,” he said warmly, his tone a stark contrast to his treatment of me.

Jonathan frowned, glancing at me, his look a warning. I met his gaze.

“What are you looking at me for?” I snapped.

He pulled me closer, whispering, “Don’t upset Grandpa.”

I shrugged off his arm. “Did you not see? He’s been picking on me. My staying shows more respect than he deserves.”

He stared, as if seeing a stranger. After a pause, he said, “You weren’t like this before.”

“And what was I like before?” I asked, shrugging, glancing at Edward and Alicia, chatting happily. “It’s obvious he wants Alicia as his granddaughter-in-law. Why should I bother?”

I turned and walked away.