The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 543

The usually stoic man opened his eyes again, unable to hide the profound irritation in his gaze. "You should go back." He knew the old man was only here to get under his skin.

"Oh, are we angry now?" Arthur Shepherd was in an excellent mood. Resting both hands on the dragon-head grip of his cane, he leaned forward with a chuckle. "It's such a trivial matter, yet it's got you all worked up. I haven't even brought up that boy from the Green family yet. With him keeping Petty company and taking care of her, what on earth are you worrying your head over?"

Franco finally sat up. He leveled a sharp, predatory gaze at Arthur, radiating a dangerous, untamed aura. If it weren't for the fact that they were blood relatives, Arthur had no doubt this kid would tear him to pieces.

Jay listened in silence. It seemed the old man wasn't going to rest today until he annoyed his boss to death. The frustration of watching Franco fail to cherish Petty still hadn't faded for Arthur, so naturally, he seized every opportunity to reprimand him.

"Hmph," Arthur scoffed. "Go ahead and lose your temper with me. We both know you're nothing but a coward when you're standing in front of Petty."

He really thought he was something. If Arthur hadn't accidentally overheard Franco making a call years ago, ordering someone to keep Hans away from Petty, he never would have known the Green family heir harbored feelings for her. Hans had hidden it well, but Franco had hidden it even better. Now, separated by a vast ocean, not even the sea could dilute his jealousy. The kicker was that he never dared to show that jealousy to Petty, terrified she might realize Hans liked her. Knowing her rebellious streak, she just might turn around and fall for Hans instead. Not to mention how fiercely Hans spoiled her—he would probably give her anything she wanted.

But teasing had its limits, and pushing too hard would backfire. The kid had a notorious temper; if Arthur actually angered him to death, he'd be short a grandson. So, Arthur conceded first. "Alright, alright. Petty's just ignoring you, it doesn't mean she's fallen in love with Hans. Stop sulking."

Franco pinched the bridge of his nose. "Jay, see him out," he said, his voice heavy.

"Galen took him out to play," Jay replied.

Franco remained silent. Galen had most likely taken Manley to see Livia Carter. The little guy was undeniably adorable and well-behaved, effortlessly stealing hearts. Mr. and Mrs. Carter had recently returned from a trip abroad, leaving Galen and Livia's already fragile relationship strained even further. He was clearly using the toddler as a prop to coax Livia.

"Whatever. Nothing will go wrong as long as he's with him."

Franco toyed with a small ceramic piece in his hands. He had instructed Jay to fetch it from Misty Vale. When Petty left, she took the little fox figurine he had made for her. What he held now was the little dog figurine she had sculpted. She had intended to mold a fierce, majestic wolf, but it had turned out looking like a docile, rather goofy dog.