Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 179

Chapter 179: Utterly captivated Chapter 179: Utterly captivated “The truth?” Roderick’s lips curled into a bitter smile.

“Grandpa, you already know the truth.

But you’re so blinded by your love for your younger son that you refuse to see it,” he said, his voice laced with frustration.

Alekis, seated with the wisdom of years etched into his features, sighed deeply.

“Roderick, there was a time when you admired your uncle, even wanted to be like him.

You may have grown older, but I still remember my grandson’s youthful days.

You saw Lucius as a second father, someone you cherished.” “Grandpa, I don’t understand what you’re trying to achieve by bringing that up now.

The man I admired is long gone.

Uncle Lucius orchestrated everything.

That accident-” Roderick paused, his voice firm with conviction.

“His injuries were minor.

Far too minor for what should have been a catastrophic incident while my father’s injuries were severe.

It doesn’t add up, and deep down, you know it too.” Before Alekis could speak, Roderick rose to his feet.

“I’m exhausted, so I’ll head to my room.

See you at the dinner, Grandpa,” he stated and walked away.

Entering his room, Roderick yanked off his blazer and tie, letting them fall carelessly to the floor.

He sat heavily on the edge of the mattress, his hands raking through his hair in frustration.

“Why is Grandpa asking me this now?

Even Mother sides with Uncle Lucius,” he muttered through clenched teeth, his jaw tight with a suppressed anger.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting his thoughts.

Frowning, he pulled it out and saw the name on the screen.

“Layla?” he murmured, his brow furrowing deeper.

She hadn’t called him since marrying Lucius.

Why now?

Without hesitation, he answered, bringing the phone to his ear.

“Yes, Layla?” “You didn’t respond to the proposal I sent you.

I contacted your secretary, but he said only you could approve it,” Layla said.

Roderick’s lips twitched in a small, fleeting smirk as he recalled instructing his secretary to redirect her to him.

It was an intentional move-he wanted to hear her voice.

“Ah, sorry about that.

I trust your judgment, Layla.

Whatever you decide, I’m sure it’ll be great,” he replied, his tone softening.

“Alright then, I’ll take that as approval,” Layla replied briskly.

“Yes,” Roderick affirmed.

“Good.

I’ll move forward with it.

I’ll hang up now,” she said.

“Wait, Layla.

There’s something I need to ask you.

Please don’t hang up-it’s after office hours, so maybe we can talk?” A brief silence followed before Layla replied, her tone neutral.

“Sorry, but my husband is calling me.

Goodbye, Roderick.” The call ended abruptly.

Roderick stared at the phone in his hand, his grip tightening until his knuckles turned white.

A sharp, bitter laugh escaped his lips as he tossed the phone onto the bed.

Leaning back, he sneered, his frustration boiling over.

“Of course.

Always Uncle Lucius,” he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.

~~~ Layla chuckled softly, placing the phone back on the bedside table.

Her smile, however, held no warmth.

“Roderick,” she muttered to herself, her arms crossing tightly over her chest.

“Do you really think I’ve forgotten what you did to me?

This…

all of this, started because of you.” Shaking off the lingering bitterness, she made her way downstairs to check on the dinner preparations.

But as she descended the stairs, a figure by the entrance caught her attention-a man she didn’t recognize.

Her steps slowed as she took in his appearance, and her eyes narrowed slightly when she noticed the emblem on his jacket.

“Excuse me, who are you?” Layla called out from the middle of the staircase.

The sight of a stranger in a police uniform entering her home unannounced was enough to set her on edge.

The man looked up at her with a polite smile, his demeanor calm.

“Apologies for walking in uninvited.

I’m Zayne Paxton,” he introduced himself, his tone steady and professional.

“I’m here to see my boss.” Layla descended the final step, her expression softening just enough to maintain courtesy.

“You mean, Lucius?

He is in his study.

Please, have a seat in the living room.

I’ll call him for you,” she offered, gesturing toward the nearby seating area.

Zayne nodded in thanks and moved toward the couch.

“Madam, I’ll call the Master,” Sarah offered quickly.

Without waiting for a response, she headed to the study room, leaving Layla alone in the living room with Zayne.

Layla glanced at the officer, her brows furrowed slightly.

“Why is an officer referring to Lucius as his boss?” she asked, her tone casual but laced with curiosity.

She gestured to a nearby maid.

“Bring some water for our guest, please.” Zayne leaned back slightly, a polite smile playing on his lips.

“Well, it’s a long story, Madam,” he replied.

Layla’s lips twitched into a faint smirk.

“You all keep calling me ‘Madam,’ and it makes me feel ancient,” she said lightly as she took a seat across from him in a relaxed posture.

The maid returned swiftly, setting a tray with a glass of water in front of Zayne.

He accepted it with a nod of thanks.

“It’s alright to call me by my name,” Layla added.

Zayne chuckled softly, taking a sip of water.

“Noted, Layla,” he said, his smile widening just a fraction.

“I believe you also know Roger and Aiden then,” Layla stated.

“Yep,” Zayne replied as he placed the glass on the table.

“Zayne!” Lucius’s deep voice resonated as he entered the living room.

Both Zayne and Layla stood up instinctively, turning to face him.

Layla’s eyes widened slightly in surprise as she noticed something different-Lucius was wearing glasses.

Her breath hitched, and her heart skipped a beat.

The sharp, intellectual air the glasses lent him was unexpected, and for a fleeting moment, she found herself utterly captivated by his appearance.

Her thoughts scrambled as she tried to regain composure, silently chastising herself for the sudden distraction.

Lucius, oblivious to her reaction, removed his glasses as he approached them.