Chapter 139
Today was the big day when Paul came home from the hospital to recover, so the Vanderbilt family had mostly gathered. The whole family w sitting in the living room, chatting and laughing
Dominick was taking his time before joining the table, so no one else could start eating. After all, Dominick had a significant position in the Vanderbilt family now.
Paul sat in his wheelchair, looking at all the people in the room, his head aching-
He really didn’t want to be home for his recovery. He wanted to go back to the mountain clinic, at least there it was peaceful, and he had his old companions around. But Dominick and Reginald didn’t agree and firmly insisted on bringing him back.
The sudden health scare with Paul had frightened them. If something like this happened again, without timely treatment, they might not even get to see him one last time.
After all, not every time would turn out like this one. Every
ery time Reginald thought about this, he regretted it deeply.
If Paisley were still there, with her medical expertise, she could have saved the family a lot of trouble in the future.
But Reginald only thought about it in his heart. After all, Paisley and Dominick had been divorced for so many years and had moved on with their lives
Paisley even had a child with another man. Just based on that, he would never allow her to return to the Vanderbilt family. Now, as he looked at Marissa helping Lauren care for everyone like a daughter–in–law, Reginald’s last traces of regret vanished.
Even though Marissa was the daughter of the driver, Lily, she grew up within the Vanderbilt family, and Reginald had watched her grow up. Since she was young, she had been by Dominick’s side, receiving elite education.
As a result, she possessed the poise and knowledge that rivaled any noble family’s daughter, along with resilience and kindness far beyond what most daughters of such families had.
Most importantly, she had a deep sense of gratitude toward the Vanderbilt family. With that gratitude, she would never betray them, and everything in her future would be for the Vanderbilt family first.
Reginald could also tell that his wife and daughter really liked Marissa and treated her like family. So, for all these reasons, Reginald was happy to see Dominick and Marissa reach a conclusion soon.
“Hmph! Paul suddenly snorted from his wheelchair,
Reginald looked over. “What’s wrong. Dad!”
Paul glanced ahead, curling his lips in annoyance. “I told you I didn’t want to come back, but you insisted. And now, as soon as I’m back, I see someone I don’t want to see. How is that supposed to help me recover?”
Hearing this, Reginald turned to look and saw Marissa walking toward them with a smile. He immediately understood what Paul meant.
“Come on, Dad,” Reginald said helplessly. “You’re way too biased against Marissa. She’s actually a good kid”
Paul glared at him. “Am I biased, or are you just blind?”
“What kind of elder just starts calling people names?” Reginald muttered, surprised that even at his age, he was still being scolded by his father.
“What’s wrong? I’m your father. If you’re blind, I have every right to say so Paul lifted his chin, his commanding presence undiminished even though he was in a wheelchair.
Reginald nodded repeatedly. “Fine, fine! You’re absolutely right
Fortunately, the two were seated far from the others. Everyone else was chatting and laughing, paying no attention to their father–son exchange.
“Dad, I know you like Paisley, but she and Dom have been divorced for four years now. She’s got You’ve got to let this go.”
‘s got kids with someone else. There’s no going back.
Paul felt a pang in his chest. Back at the hospital, Paisley had made it clear she wasn’t going to reconcile with Dominick. But just because Paisley and Dominick were done didn’t mean he was willing to accept Marissa as his granddaughter–in–law.
Still, Paul knew his influence had waned with age. He’d handed over power long ago, and this family wasn’t his to run anymore.
His son, daughter–in–law, and even the whole Vanderbilt clan seemed to adore Marissa, treating her as the future matriarch of the family. His opinion as a sickly old man didn’t count for much
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Chapter 139
“Do whatever you want. Just don’t regret it later,” Paul finally said, offering his last piece of advice to what he saw as a group of blind younger
relatives
Reginald chuckled at his father’s attitude. “Alright, we won’t regret it. After all, what was there to regret about letting Marissa join the Vanderbilt family”
Initially, Reginald had planned to say a few kind words about Marissa to his father, but seeing Paul’s unyielding attitude; he dropped the idea. He figured that with time, his father would come to realize how kind and good Marissa truly was.
Meanwhile, Marissa walked over, smiling as she addressed Lauren and the others. “Dom said he has some work to finish up, so he told everyone to go ahead and eat without him.”
“No way! We should wait for him. None of us are starving, so let’s sit and chat while we wait,” said Dominick’s second aunt, Ronda. Her husband was Paul’s younger brother Harris’s s
son
Ronda’s husband had been assigned by Dominick to oversee a branch office overseas last month. So today, she represented Harris’s family, bringing along her children. Harris’s family depended on Dominick for their livelihood, so their attitude toward him was naturally humble.
You’re right, let’s wait,” Lauren agreed, happy to wait and dine with her son.
Marissa nodded obediently. Tll go to the kitchen and make sure the food is kept warm?
“Oh, you don’t have to do that! The housekeeper can handle it. No need to tire yourself out,” Lauren said warmly, pulling Marissa to sit beside her.
Lauren then praised Marissa to the others. “This girl is so thoughtful. I’ve handed over all the household affairs to her, and she manages them better than I ever did. Tm really enjoying my retirement now.”
Hearing this, the others quickly understood Marissa’s place in the family.
Back when Paul was gravely ill, Marissa had already stepped in to handle many responsibilities on Lauren’s behalf, impressing the Vanderbilt relatives. At that time, speculation began that Dominick and Marissa’s marriage was just around the corner.
Now, by Lauren’s words and how Marissa managed things so capably, it was clear she was already being treated as the future daughter–in–law.
“Lauren, when do we get to attend the wedding? Ronda asked, perfectly reading the room to flatter both Lauren and Marissa.
This question hit Lauren’s soft spot. She couldn’t wait for Dominick to marry Marissa, settle down, and hopefully give her a granddaughter. While Lauren was cager, she knew better than to say it outright.
She patted Marissa’s hand affectionately. The kids‘ choices are their own. I can’t interfere. It’s up to them.”
