Chapter 336: Sacrifices and Substitutes
Very few people knew Shane was being sent away—and Wayne was one of them. When he got the news, he said only one thing: “He accounted for everything.”
Jonathan hadn’t chosen to directly suppress Shane. Instead, he’d gone through Jade, which would frustrate Shane even more. After all, the person Shane hated most was probably Jade.
If this had been about anything but a woman, Wayne might’ve even praised Jonathan’s strategy. But in the end, it all started because Shane developed feelings for Sierra.
Wayne rubbed his temples, his head aching. Then he ordered someone to bring Quinn over. Quinn wasn’t staying at the old estate. She’d been arranged to live in a small villa at the foot of the mountain and was actively cooperating with her treatment.
When she saw Wayne, she looked visibly shaken—like she was frightened and overwhelmed. Wayne glanced at her and said flatly, “Enough. You don’t need to pretend in front of me.” He knew exactly what kind of person Quinn was. Anyone who could fool his eldest grandson had to have a few tricks up their sleeve.
Even after hearing that, Quinn kept up the timid act. But if one looked closely, they’d notice her ears twitch. Wayne knew she was being cautious around him, so he didn’t push her to drop the act. He simply said, “I don’t care where that child of yours came from, but the future Madam of the Wynn family cannot have a child.”
He didn’t say anything else. After that, he ordered someone to escort Quinn out. She kept her head down and avoided everyone’s eyes. But behind her lowered lashes, there was nothing but calculation.
At the Goodman estate, guards stood watch outside Shane’s room while servants packed his things. Shane sat in his wheelchair, coldly watching the scene. Jade walked in, waved off the guards and servants, and stared his only son down. “You haven’t been back long, but the mess you’ve made? Your health’s been hanging by a thread too. I think it’s best if you leave for a while. Don’t hold it against me.”
“Why would I?” Shane sneered. “Whatever Uncle says goes.”
That hit Jade like a slap. His face darkened. “What choice did I have? I told you again and again not to go head-to-head with Jonathan. But you didn’t listen. You just kept provoking him. I can’t throw the entire Goodman family under the bus for one person. Shane, you’re not a kid anymore. Stop acting like one. I won’t be able to protect you forever.”
“Hah!” Shane laughed like he’d heard a joke. He laughed so hard his eyes watered. Jade’s expression twisted in frustration. They hadn’t always been like this. When Shane was young, he’d adored his uncle. Everything changed that summer.
Jade regretted it bitterly. If he’d known Shane was home that day, he never would’ve done something so reckless. He’d wanted to explain it afterward—that it had always been him and Shane’s mother who were childhood sweethearts. She only married Jade’s older brother because of certain circumstances. But Shane had never listened.
Seeing the wall Shane had put up now, Jade gave up on talking. Sending Shane away wasn’t just part of a deal with Jonathan; it was also Jade’s personal decision. Jonathan wasn’t someone to mess with. If Shane stayed, it was only a matter of time before he ended up dead.
Jade had said all he needed to say. As he turned to leave, he paused and added, “If you like someone, then like them properly. Acting the way you do—who could ever love you?”
Shane had been smiling, but the moment those words landed, the smile vanished. “Who told you I like her?”
Jade saw the flicker of pain in his eyes and replied calmly, “Whether you do or don’t, only you know. But if I were her, I wouldn’t like someone who hurt me.”
With that, Jade walked out. He didn’t know if his words would make a difference. Shane had become harder and harder to control over the years. But he couldn’t just let him throw his life away.