CHAPTER 90: THREATS AND PLANS
Suzanne packed her important belongings into a small bag and came running down the steps. "James, Diana," she said, her voice tight, "we're leaving."
James met her gaze, a storm brewing in his eyes. He turned to Harold, his voice low and dangerous. "And whatever my wife does is none of your business—her dress style and work included—unless I say otherwise. It becomes my business when it affects our family." He glanced at his relatives, each face etched with apprehension.
"And if any of you were involved in my mother's disappearance," his gaze lingered on his aunts, "you'll answer to me. Tenfold."
A shiver ran down Harold's spine. The look in James's eyes – a mix of raw pain and icy fury – sent a jolt of terror through him. He knew James wasn't one for empty threats. He carried them out with the cold precision of an executioner; swift and precise.
James smirked, noticing the fear flickering on his father's face. "Enjoy your day with your precious family, Harold," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
He paused, his gaze lingering on each of them, a silent accusation hanging in the air. Then, with a final, icy stare at his father, he turned and walked out, holding Suzanne and the silent Diana by the hand, as every other person stood in place staring at their vanishing backs.
As the imposing oak door shut behind them, the oppressive atmosphere lifted. Relief washed over the remaining family members, as everyone let out a shaky breath.
Harold, however, slumped onto the sofa, his bravado shattered. He looked around at the wreckage – a broken table, shattered relationships, and a truth he couldn't deny.
Margeaux unable to hold back, broke the silence, her voice tight, "Are you just going to let what happened today slide, Harold?"
Harriet chimed in, "Especially that Diana! How dare she talk down to you like that? And humiliating you"
Belle's voice was venomous. "And Suzanne calling us Jezebels! The nerve! Uncle, you really have to do something."
"Enough, all of you," Harold snapped at his family. "That is enough fighting for one day. Now leave me—I have to think."
With a disgruntled mutter, they all left the room, each nursing their own grievances and plotting their next moves.
Alone, Harold stared into the fireplace, the flames reflecting in his haunted eyes. The weight of his actions, the truth of his past, pressed down on him.
Outside, James slid behind the back seat of his car, Suzanne at the front and Diana beside him. He dialed a number and Jared picked up on the first ring. "Jared, meet me at the house in five minutes. And be prepared to meet Grandma too."
"Grandma?" Jared's voice crackled with excitement. Before he could elaborate, the call ended abruptly.
The car sped away, leaving behind a shattered family and a future shrouded in uncertainty.