Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 236

Chapter 236: Family Trip (3) Chapter 236: Family Trip (3) “Where are Fiona, Layla, and Ivy?” Alekis asked, his gaze scanning the path behind them.

“I sent them back with Roger and Aiden,” Lucius replied.

“Fiona wasn’t feeling well, so Layla suggested they should return to the cottage to rest.” “I see,” Alekis murmured, his brows furrowing slightly.

“It isn’t anything serious, is it?” “No, it’s not, Dad,” Lucius assured him, offering a small smile.

“Layla just wanted to be cautious.” Alekis nodded, the worry easing from his face.

He shifted his attention to the vast stretch of vineyards surrounding them, the lush green rows stretching endlessly into the horizon.

“And where’s Roderick?” he asked.

“He should be with us if he’s here.” Lucius turned to scan the area as well, but there was no sign of his nephew.

“I thought he was right behind us earlier,” he said, frowning slightly.

Lucius spotted Roderick soon enough and signaled his father to follow him.

They found the young man standing alone amidst the vines.

“What are you doing here alone?” Lucius asked, his tone carrying curiosity and mild concern.

“Nothing,” Roderick replied curtly, turning to face them.

He avoided meeting his grandfather’s eyes, his discomfort palpable.

Earlier in the morning, he had managed to keep his face out of Alekis’s view, but now, standing so close, he felt completely exposed.

Alekis’s sharp gaze narrowed.

“Did you get into a fight?” he asked, frowning as he examined his grandson.

Roderick hesitated for a moment before admitting, “I didn’t start it.

I encountered a group of strangers at the bar last night and ended up in a brawl with them.” He glanced toward Lucius, silently pleading for his uncle to step in and shield him from the inevitable lecture.

But Alekis’s next question was unexpected.

“Do you hate my decision to choose Layla to lead the company?” Roderick stiffened, his jaw tightening.

“Yes,” he admitted without hesitation, deciding against hiding his feelings any longer.

Alekis turned away from them, walking in the opposite direction without another word.

Roderick and Lucius exchanged glances before silently following the old man.

They soon arrived at a large tree with a bench beneath its expansive canopy.

Lucius quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the bench clean, ensuring his father could sit comfortably.

Alekis nodded his thanks and sat down, gesturing for the two men to join him.

“You two should sit down here as well,” Alekis said.

Lucius and Roderick obeyed, taking seats on either side of him.

The cool breeze began to stir, rustling the leaves above.

Alekis leaned back on the bench, his hands resting on his knees as he spoke, carefully measuring his words.

“I promised to hand the legacy to my grandson, but my grandson hasn’t worked in the way I expected him to.

I didn’t want to bring this up, Roderick, but I’ve been receiving complaints about your performance.

This isn’t the leadership I envisioned for the company under your guidance.” Roderick’s eyes flared with anger.

“Grandpa, who complained against me?” he demanded, his voice rising.

Alekis held his gaze firmly.

“I can’t name them, and it doesn’t matter who they are.

What matters is that you have much to learn.

I still hope you can improve, but for now, I believe Layla is the right person to lead the company.

She will teach you what you need to know.” “She’s not as experienced as I am, Grandpa,” Roderick retorted as he turned defensive.

“Watch your words, nephew,” Lucius interjected as he leaned forward to face Roderick.

“Layla is far better than you.

Even in her father’s company, she accomplished wonders in a short amount of time.

Her work speaks for itself.” Roderick’s glare shifted to Lucius, his frustration boiling over.

“You’re happy to see her as the Chairwoman because she’s your wife,” he snapped.

Lucius smirked, unbothered by the jab.

“Of course, I’m proud of her,” he replied smoothly.

“And you should be too, considering the kind of example she’s setting for the family being your aunt.” Alekis sighed before speaking again, “This isn’t about personal grievances or favoritism.

It’s about the future of the company and what’s best for it.

Roderick, instead of resenting Layla, you should learn from her.

Look at your uncle.

He is not even complaining to me when you also know how capable he is.” “That’s because you never made any such promise to Uncle,” Roderick snapped in frustration.

He hesitated for a moment before adding, “Moreover, he’s not even the real…” His voice trailed off, and he stopped himself, unwilling to finish the thought.

Alekis’s gaze hardened.

“Apologize to your uncle,” he said in a stern tone.

Roderick met his grandfather’s eyes for a moment, then glanced at Lucius.

Reluctantly, he muttered, “I’m sorry.” Alekis exhaled deeply, his disappointment evident.

“Don’t forget what your uncle has done for you,” he said firmly.

“Just because he survived an accident, which my other son couldn’t, you cannot blame Lucius for the rest of your life.

Grow up, Rick.

You’re acting like a child, and it’s time to take responsibility for your actions.” Lucius offered a calm smile, though there was a flicker of pain in his eyes.

“It’s alright, Grandpa,” he said softly.

“I don’t mind Rick’s words.” But deep down, they stung.

Roderick’s accusations and lingering resentment had always cast a shadow over their relationship.

Lucius clenched his fists subtly, determined not to let his emotions show.

He had been working tirelessly to uncover the truth about Antoine’s death.

He knew that once the truth was revealed, Roderick would no longer have a reason to blame him.

“Roderick, you have made some serious mistakes in your life.

You need to bring a change to yourself.

I hope you don’t make wrong choices anymore,” Alekis said and Roderick understood what his grandfather was referring to.

“Ivy doesn’t like me, Grandpa,” Roderick truthfully said.

“She also knows what kind of jerk I am,” he muttered.

“Still, she followed you in this trip,” Lucius interjected.

“You need to change for better.

Don’t dwell in the things, which can’t be yours.

You better learn to be honest and truthful,” he advised.