Ernest's eyes suddenly narrowed, and I instinctively tightened my grip on him.

"Really?

",

"Why would you think that?

" he countered., I was about to tell him it was something Jacqueline mentioned when, from a distance, Susie's voice called out to me,

"Hey Licia, your phone's been ringing off the hook.

", She was hurrying over, even though she shouldn't be running with her weak heart.,

"Got it, I'm on it,

" I said, sliding off Ernest's lap and rushing over to Susie., The caller was Jacqueline, and she'd tried several times. It seemed she had something urgent to discuss.,

"Jacqueline,

" I answered the phone.,

"Felicia, why haven't you been answering? Is everything okay?

" Jacqueline asked, her voice laced with anxiety.,

"No, I just didn't have my phone on me.

", She let out a sigh of relief.

"I got so worried, imagining all sorts of things.

",

"I'll keep it with me next time,

" I promised, then asked,

"Jacqueline, did you need something?

",

"I'm so furious,

" came Jacqueline's indignant reply., I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Who's got you riled up this time? Herschel?

",

"If he upset me, I'd have his head,

" Jacqueline's fierce side was showing.

"It's that jerk Conrad.

", Fanny Willis was right; even if Conrad and I were done, there was still the Wagner family. As long as I had ties with the Wagners, Conrad's name would inevitably weave into my life.

"What did he do this time?

" I asked, playing along.,

"He's cut ties with us because of that woman, and now he's just vanished,

" Jacqueline said, her voice trembling with anger., But I had heard from Dustin it was Herschel who wanted to sever ties with Conrad., I understood the situation without needing to pry further.

"Jacqueline, he's probably just blowing off steam, taking some time away.

",

"No, he made it clear to Al, he's done with the Wagner family for good,

" Jacqueline's words made me frown slightly.,

"What did he say to Dustin?

",

"He told him to take care of us, that he can't fulfill his duties as a son anymore, even left the company in his hands, and made him promise to look out for you,

" Jacqueline bit out.,

"Listen to him, talking like he's writing a will. It's clear, he wants nothing to do with us anymore,

" Jacqueline's venom was palpable., I was at a loss for words, knowing these were their family matters, yet recalling the conversation I had with Ernest on the plane, I ventured,

"Jacqueline, maybe he just spoke in anger, or maybe... he has his reasons.

", My probing seemed lost on her as she retorted sharply,

"What reasons could he possibly have other than wanting to marry that widow with someone else's child?

", I was speechless at her words.,

"Conrad's just trying to force our hand, but I won't play his game. If he wants to leave, let him. I'll pretend he was never my son,

" Jacqueline's rage was almost tangible through the phone., But I sensed her harsh words were more bluster than belief, otherwise, she wouldn't have called me.,

"Jacqueline, try to calm down. He's always been headstrong; he might come around,

" I attempted to soothe her., But it was exhausting, and I found myself growing irritated.,

"I swear, he'll be the death of me,

" Jacqueline continued to vent., I stayed silent, now fully understanding how draining negativity could be., It reminded me that venting might provide a momentary release but often at the expense of others' comfort.,

"Felicia, where are you? I've missed seeing you,

" Jacqueline inquired after a moment., Gazing at the shimmering lake under the starlight, watching the siblings chat nearby, I smiled softly,

"Jacqueline, I've come with Ernest to visit his hometown.

", Jacqueline went silent for a beat before asking,

"He proposed, didn't he?

", I was about to confirm when she added,

"I saw your social media update.

"

"Yes, I said yes,

" I responded truthfully., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.