Chapter 420
“It’s fine. You guys continue practicing. Something has come up at home, so I need to go!” Sophie informed them.
“What happened? Did something happen to Old Mr. Tanner?” Mark asked urgently. “I’ll go with you.”
“There’s no need for that. It shouldn’t be anything serious. Continue your practice. If something does come up, I’ll give you a call.”
Regardless of what happened, I’ll handle it.
“All right. You can use my car.” Mark tossed his keys to her.
“Great!”
Calling for a taxi is inconvenient, so I might as well take Mark’s car.
Twenty minutes later, Sophie arrived at the Tanner residence.
Josiah sat alone in the living room, sulking.
It had been quite a while since he spoke. So much time has passed, yet none of them are back yet. That can only mean one thing—they don’t want to come back. I guess no one listens to me anymore. Does everyone become this pitiful after they turn old?
Sophie caught Josiah’s sad look even when she was still at the front door. Her heart sank.
What’s wrong? Why is he all alone in the house?
“Grandpa, I’m back.” Sophie took a seat by his side.
Josiah’s head jerked up at Sophie’s voice.
“Why are you back? Haven’t you been really busy lately with the upcoming concert? All while managing TS Entertainment and Tanner Group at the same time.”
“I missed you, so I came back. Is there anything more important than my grandpa in this world? Nothing,” Sophie answered with a grin.
Warmth spread across Josiah’s chest at Sophie’s sweet words.
Has my Sophie always been this good at talking? Every problem is no longer an issue with her here.
“What happened, Grandpa? You don’t look happy. Tell me, and I’ll analyze the situation for you!”
“Willow has gotten engaged to Clayton!” Josiah’s anger spiked the instant he brought up this topic.
Willow always makes me worry.
“Clayton?”
Sophie was surprised at the news. She had spent the entire day practicing, so she didn’t have the time to look at her phone and was unaware of the latest happenings.
“Yes, and I only found out through the news. With the media’s rampant reporting, Willow’s name will be tied to Clayton’s every action in the future!”
Naturally, Josiah knew about the conflict between Sophie and Clayton.
That was why he was infuriated when he saw news of Willow’s engagement with Clayton.
“Oh, it’s just an engagement. Don’t worry. They won’t last till the wedding.” Clayton will be incarcerated before he marries Willow.
“Soph, this Clayton is a ruthless man. Be careful, okay? I don’t think I can take it if anything happens to you.”
“Rest assured. What can happen to me? The person who should be worrying right now is Clayton.”
Just then, the sound of a car engine came from outside.
Yale, Willow, and Charmaine had brought Clayton back.
It was Clayton’s first time visiting the Tanner residence. Disdain filled him as he studied the house.
“Come on, Clayton! I’ll take you to meet my grandpa!” Willow said with excitement. It’ll be fantastic if Sophie is here since I’ll get to brag in front of her. Sophie has been with Mr. Tristan for so long, yet he doesn’t even consider acknowledging her as his wife, which means he’s just playing her. On the contrary, I’m already engaged to Clayton. Now the whole of Jipsdale knows I’m Clayton’s fiancée.
Willow felt that her life was perfect.
How can everything be so perfect?
When the group reached the living room, they saw Sophie sitting with Josiah. A wave of happiness surged through Willow at the sight of Sophie.
Life is going smoothly for me! Everything is right where I want them!
Willow intentionally tightened her grip on Clayton’s arm, her intention to flaunt blatantly obvious.
“I’m back, Grandpa! Sorry for not telling you beforehand about my engagement with Clayton. I—”
A glance from Josiah had Willow stopping mid-sentence, unable to continue.
“Hi, Grandpa. I’m Clayton Zales!” Clayton, on the other hand, was collected as he introduced himself.
Josiah merely let out a huff and ignored him.
One look at him, and I can already tell he’s not a nice man.
Yale couldn’t bear to keep silent anymore after seeing Josiah’s attitude.
“Don’t be like that, Dad! I know it’s our fault for not telling you about the engagement beforehand, but aren’t we here now to apologize to you? We’re all family in the future. There’s no need to make things awkward,” Yale said.
“I don’t have such luck. We have some family disputes to settle, so please leave, Mr. Zales.” Josiah didn’t bother to mince his words.
Clayton slid a glance at Sophie and didn’t say anything.
“I’ll head back first, Willow. Talk it out with Grandpa nicely, no matter what the issue is. Don’t make him mad,” Clayton advised.
Willow felt wronged.
It’s my freedom to marry whomever I want. How is it Grandpa doesn’t have any opinion about Sophie and Mr. Tristan’s vague relationship, but he suddenly has an issue when it’s my engagement with Clayton? He even made me look bad. He’s obviously biased against me!
“All right. I’ll come and pick you up at night.” Clayton patted Willow’s face gently.
His gentle coaxing brought a smile to Willow’s face.
“I’m sorry, Clayton. It’s my fault for not dealing with the issue properly and putting you in such a position,” Willow apologized.
It has always been like this. Clayton has a higher social status than me, so I have to be careful in everything I do.
“I’ll be heading back now, Grandpa. I’ll come and visit you another day.” Clayton turned on his heels and left.
Only members of the Tanner family remained in the living room.
“Willow, I don’t care what you’re thinking, but annul the engagement this instance!” Josiah was blunt in his request. With Willow’s character, he figured there was no point in talking it out.
Willow couldn’t control her temper any longer at Josiah’s request.
“I don’t want any of the assets under your name, Grandpa, so don’t intervene in my life. No matter what happens to me in the future, it’s my problem. It has nothing to do with the Tanner family.” That should be enough. Everything that happens in the future will be my cross to bear, and I won’t drag the Tanner family down with me. I can finally do whatever I like now.
“What are you doing, Willow? Don’t make your grandpa angry! Hurry up and apologize to him.” Charmaine tugged on Willow’s hand and dragged her closer to Josiah.
However, Willow didn’t appreciate her mother’s concern and flung her hand away.
“Leave this matter be, Mom. Grandpa has always been biased, and you know that. He’s fine with Sophie and Mr. Tristan’s ambiguous relationship but disagrees with my engagement with Clayton. What logic is this?” Willow couldn’t accept Josiah’s differential treatment. Even if I have a falling out with Grandpa, I won’t budge on my stance.
