SWNOVELS Chapter 224: The Family Card
Terrence Sterling's consideration for Meredith in all aspects made Justin realize that Terrence's love for Meredith was deeper than he had imagined. Justin promptly assured him, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Fiona. I never expected her to take such photos; I thought she had really changed. But now I see the deep resentment in her heart, still longing for a life of luxury."
"Fiona's tactics are harmless but can upset everyone. Meredith is soft-hearted, and after more than twenty years of friendship with Fiona, it naturally hurts her," Terrence said gravely. "I don't want Fiona disturbing Meredith anymore." "Understood, you can count on me," Justin replied. "I used to worry that Meredith might suffer or be heartbroken with you, considering your social status and the temptations that come with it. But now I see that you truly love her." Terrence didn't say much in response; his feelings for Meredith were not something he felt the need to explain or prove to others.
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After the meal, Justin didn't linger long at the newly opened cheese fondue restaurant. They were surely busy, and he didn't want to intrude. After saying his goodbyes, he mustered the courage to head home.
It was two in the afternoon when Justin arrived home to find only Tristan there; Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher were out, and Gemma was at school. Justin had been evasive with his family lately, avoiding calls whenever possible. Upon seeing Tristan in the living room, Justin greeted him awkwardly, "Tristan."
"Ainsley, you're back," Tristan replied, positioning himself upright on the sofa despite his paralysis from the waist down, his arms fully functional.
"Yeah," Justin responded coolly, not as warmly as before, nor did he inquire about their parents' whereabouts.
"Ainsley," Tristan began, cutting to the chase, "are you still angry with mom and dad? You're educated; so you think their marriage was a crime?"
Tristan's direct approach today was to soften Justin's heart to convince him to sell the apartment. Mr. Thatcher played the stern role, while Tristan played the sympathetic one.
Justin avoided Tristan's gaze and did not reply.
"In those days, in that backward village, just surviving was tough. Dad's temper might be odd, but that's just him being poor at expressing himself. They actually love you," Tristan continued, trying to leverage moral suasion. "You're out early and back late; mom and dad are really worried about you. They've worked hard all their lives; you can't just watch them worry about you."
Tristan played the family card excellently, touching Justin's heartstrings. Seeing its effect, Tristan fabricated emotional stories, "After you went missing, they never stopped looking for you. One time, Dad heard a tip about you during a blizzard and walked over seventy miles to check it out. When he returned, he was carried back, nearly buried alive in the snow. Mom cried every day, which is when her eyesight worsened..."
These made-up stories, inspired by television dramas, were Tristan's attempt to sway Justin.
Hearing this, Justin felt a surge of sorrow and shock, "Mom and dad..."
"They never gave up on finding you. We've come here genuinely to be with you, but what have you done? You've kept us in the dark, claiming to have bought this apartment. Put yourself in their shoes; how can you be so insincere?" Tristan continued, his voice breaking as if he might start crying, portraying Justin as nearly villainous.
Justin tried to explain again, "I really didn't buy this apartment. We're just staying here temporarily; it has to be returned."
"Ainsley, you..." Tristan expressed disappointment, "Dad has this one wish. How can you not empathize and fulfill it? You know how Dad is treated back in the village, mocked by everyone because we're poor. I'm paralyzed; no one stands up for our parents. You're his son; you should fight for him," he pressed, effectively playing the family card to influence Justin's decisions.