Chapter 370
Boniel did not bother to appease him but instead turned to Jefferson. “What did you want to say before, Calbert? Is there anything you would like to tell me?”
“I want to claim my right to the Terblanc family inheritance,” Jefferson declared.
Boniel was mystified. “Haven’t you already gotten it? Like your brother, I have already proclaimed in Fossell Church before my friends that you are my heir.”
Arnaud suddenly stood up and slid a document over to Boniel. “You’re a busy man, Dad, and may not know that Calbert had given up his right to be the heir of the Terblanc family. The Philet family, amongst others, are already aware of it.”
Boniel took the documents and, after glancing through them, turned fiercely to Jefferson. “You little sh*t! Despite everything I’ve done for you, you threw everything away?”
Jefferson remained silent.
In response to Arnaud’s terms, he had decided to give up his inheritance rights as he missed his mother. He had also expected Arnaud to produce that document at that opportune moment.
Rayna spoke up, “Calm yourself, Mr. Boniel. In his youthful exuberance, it would have been inevitable for Calbert to have had a lapse in judgment. Everybody makes mistakes.”
“He’s not a ten–year–old boy anymore. Besides, even ten–year–olds would think twice before putting their signatures on anything. He signed the documents himself, Arnaud chimed in at once, aware that Rayna was trying to invoke Boniel’s compassion.
Then, he turned to Boniel to reiterate, “We have rules, Dad. Anything, including inheritance rights, given up voluntarily cannot be reclaimed. I know you love Calbert, but Great–Grandpa’s rules are set in stone. You would also be hurting me if you returned those rights to him. I, too, am your son, after all.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Mr. Cyrus,” Rayna said with her lips curled, taking advantage of the situation. “No man is without fault. Besides, rules are fixed, but people are not. Your ancestors laid down those rules because the Terblanc family had many heirs back then and was susceptible to an abuse of power. Now, however, you and Calbert are the only heirs to the Terblanc family. You should not deny him the opportunity for one mistake he’d made.”
Arnaud glared at Rayna sharply. “This pertains to our family, Ms. Garland.”
Rayna smiled. “I am Calbert’s girlfriend, and we will share the burden of any problems that may arise. I am worried that Calbert might lose his right to inheritance. What if you, Mr. Cyrus, one day make a mistake and lose yours? Wouldn’t the Terblanc family fall into his hands? That is why I think the old–fashioned rules need to be changed.”
“The rules of the Terblanc family have never changed through the centuries,” Arnaud said coolly. “What would my forefathers say if you insist that the rules be changed for Calbert? I wouldn’t ask for my rights if I made a mistake because I am a Terblanc.”
Rayna met his gaze without fear. “I am merely providing a suggestion, Mr. Cyrus, and not asking Mr. Boniel to defy your ancestors. Don’t twist my words.”
Arnaud’s lips curled “I think that’s exactly what you mean, Ms. Garland,” he said sharply.
“Enough! Must we quarrel during our meal?” Already incensed by Jefferson giving up his inheritance, Boniel slammed the table with his fist to quell the verbal confrontation.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” Jefferson said in a low voice. “I was immature not to realize the importance of the inheritance. Let me bear the consequences of my mistakes. You will hear no more of the matter.”
Chapter 370
Boniel’s anger subsided at the meekness of his younger son.
Jefferson’s eyes look so much like hers, which causes me much sorrow and anger. However, I cannot openly act in favor of him when it pertains to the ancient rules of the Terblanc family’s inheritance. Arnaud’s hostility made it plain that he did not wish for Jefferson to regain his rights to the inheritance; I am familiar with my eldest son’s propensity for scheming.
Boniel threw the documents back at Arnaud with a scowl upon his chiseled features. “Deal with the consequences of your own mistakes. We’ll have our meal quietly. Those with another opinion will leave right
now!”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: His Precious Love