Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 477

Terrence closed his eyes, remaining silent for a painfully long time.

The only sounds in the study were Cora's muffled sobs and the rhythmic ticking of the pendulum clock on the wall.

Finally, he opened his eyes, his voice so raspy it was barely a whisper. "You've all grown into your own power, and I've truly gotten old."

His gaze swept across their faces, carrying an immense, suffocating exhaustion and a profound sense of helplessness.

"Do whatever you want with this situation. I'm too old, and I don't have the energy to manage it anymore."

Julian's eyes flickered, while Xavier and Cora exchanged a look, both catching a fleeting glint of relief in the other's gaze.

"However—"

Terrence's cane struck the floor with a sudden sharpness, his withered hand shaking as it gripped the carved handle.

"I haven't done anything to compromise my conscience my entire life, yet in my final years, you all force my hand into this.

"What you are plotting is pure malice. Tearing apart a married couple, destroying an innocent woman's life... God is watching. Sooner or later, karma will collect its due."

His eyes were rimmed red, but he stubbornly refused to let a single tear fall.

"I will not participate in this in any capacity, nor will I help you.

"You bear the sins you commit. Do not bring this to my doorstep. And you are forbidden from using my name to pressure them."

With that, Terrence slowly pushed himself up.

He turned his back on them, facing the neat rows of vintage books on the shelves, refusing to look at anyone.

In the glow of the desk lamp, the old man's back looked terribly hunched, his shoulder blades jutting out like a crumbling mountain peak.

"Thank you, Dad," Cora whispered.

Terrence gave no response.

Xavier tugged at his wife's hand and exchanged a final look with Julian.

The three reached a silent consensus, turning and heading for the door.

Julian walked in the back. Just before opening the door, he glanced over his shoulder at his grandfather.

The old man remained perfectly still, his back turned, looking like an eroded stone statue.

The moment the study door opened, Julian froze.

Tristan stood in the hallway, his face livid, his eyes churning with disbelief, shock, and pure fury.

He had clearly been standing there listening for a long time—perhaps since Cora started speaking, or even earlier.