Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 545

Elijah's mannerisms, including the way he threatened others with that chilling tone and piercing gaze, were a carbon copy of his father, Tarquin! It was like looking at a mini Tarquin! Whenever he spoke, it felt as if Tarquin himself was addressing the crowd, instilling a level of respect that was hard to ignore.

Add to that the fact that the Bradford family tradition had always been to pass everything to the sole heir, and Elijah, being the only heir to the Bradford legacy, had an aura that allowed him to walk with confidence through the family's vast estate. Despite his young age, his presence commanded attention!

The Bradfords were initially shocked but then quickly fell into a buzz of worried whispers.

"What in the world is going on? Is Elijah really cured? How did he recover so swiftly?!"

"As soon as he opens his mouth, he's talking about disowning us or worse, blinding us. Such a young age and already so ruthless and malicious..."

A woman halted her tirade mid-sentence, suddenly aware of her surroundings, then quickly changed her tune, "Elijah was such a good kid; he must've fallen in with the wrong crowd, picking up bad habits!"

They dared not criticize Elijah openly, fearing that their words might reach Tarquin's ears through the grapevine. So, they turned their ire towards Elysia and her brothers, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett.

"Bad company corrupts good character. Elijah's been led astray following them!"

"Tarquin's lost his senses, falling for that Elysia. What's she got besides her looks? Just look at how she's raising those kids!"

"Elysia comes from nowhere, no family, no background, just a pretty face trying to snag a rich husband. If she really marries into the Bradfords, there'll be no peace. Mark my words, she's trouble."

Allegra, fuming, turned to her father Gideon and said,

"Dad, when Tarquin comes to you wanting Elysia and her kids to officially join the Bradford family and be added to the family tree, you have to say no! Tell him we all disapprove. Elysia, with her humble background, has no place in the Bradford family!"

Aunt Verity, always one to stir the pot, added, "Tarquin should remember his father. Marriages not blessed by the family never last or bring happiness."

The room went silent, eyes narrowing, as if they'd struck a nerve with Tarquin, gaining the upper hand. Their mood visibly brightened.

Gideon, with a furrowed brow and a stormy expression, looked towards where Tarquin and Elysia were standing, then glanced at Elijah with an inscrutable look, and without a word, limped towards the main house. The others, sensing the shift in atmosphere, followed suit.