The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 1296

His spine was still straight, his gaze sharp, showing no signs of senility.

On the fine paper before him, four bold words, 'Serenity and Strength,' were written in powerful calligraphy. The ink was still wet, giving off a faint, earthy scent.

"Grandfather," Alexander said, walking over and standing respectfully by his side.

The patriarch didn't look up, his focus entirely on his calligraphy as the brush whispered across the paper.

After a long moment, he finally set the brush down, picked up the paper to examine it, and spoke slowly.

His voice, though weathered by age, was still strong. "I hear there's quite a commotion outside."

Alexander's heart sank; he knew what his grandfather was asking about.

He stepped forward, took the paper from the patriarch's hands, and forced a smile.

"It's all just rumors and speculation, Grandfather. Don't listen to that nonsense. The Davidson family is fine, and Ninesky is doing well. You don't need to worry."

"I'm not senile yet," the patriarch said, setting down his pen and looking up, his gaze piercing straight through Alexander.

"If there wasn't a shred of truth to those words, do you think they would spread so wildly? I may be retired in the countryside, but that doesn't mean I'm completely ignorant of what's happening out there."

He rose and walked to the window, his voice turning heavy with sorrow as he looked out at the garden.

"Before, when you and Danielle were going through your divorce, I didn't interfere with your petty squabbles. I figured young people should be left to manage their own affairs. Lovers' quarrels never last; I assumed you'd make up eventually."

"But now?" the patriarch turned, his eyes fixed on Alexander's face.

"You nearly died in Antarctica, your father has been imprisoned, the Davidson family's businesses are in turmoil, and people are saying our family has produced a traitor and a disgrace. Alexander, you tell me. What in the world is going on?"

Alexander looked at the wrinkles etched on his grandfather's face.

"It's a wonderful thing that your mentor has been exonerated. But you? For the sake of a woman, for that Chapman woman's vile offspring, where have you left the Davidson family? The slander from outsiders is about to drown us!"

Alexander stared back at his grandfather.

"If you're so worried about the family's reputation, you can come out of retirement and publicly disown me."

"Do you think the family can't survive without you?" Terrence Davidson shot back.

"Or do you think there's no one left in the Davidson family?"

Alexander replied coolly, "I didn't think my own grandfather would say something so heartless."

The patriarch slowly set down his calligraphy brush, the handle making a soft click on the desk.

"You're older now, and your children are growing up. Why are you still so thin-skinned, unable to handle a few harsh words?"