The Dark Side Of Fate by Karima Sa'ad Usman novel Chapter 330

~Tamia~

The news of the incident in Grizlo had profoundly unsettled us. My anxiety grew when Stephanie called, informing me that Liam hadn't returned home. I repeatedly dialled Harper's number, each time hearing that they were still searching for him, which only heightened my fear.

The situation worsened when I discovered that Liam had visited Mike's house, and the man had claimed not to have seen him, as relayed by Jake. Even though our world had been relatively peaceful, I knew all too well that trouble could arise at any moment. Nothing felt within our control. So I anxiously waited, contemplating whether or not to inform Sylvester.

My worry escalated upon learning about Mike's criminal activities. I feared that Liam might have witnessed something and been harmed as a result. It took great courage to keep this information from Sylvester. Finally, hearing his voice brought immense relief. I was grateful that Liam was unharmed and safe from Mike's grasp.

However, it didn't take long before I discovered that Sylvester had learned about the incident and was furious with Jake for not informing him earlier. I empathised with Jake and Stephanie for their silence. Though it was risky, since every second counted, I understood their intention to avoid exaggerating the situation.

Sylvester paced anxiously in the living room of our home, which made our youngest children, Joseph and Keith, slightly nervous.

"You can go and play in the backyard, boys," I assured them, and Keith swiftly gathered his belongings.

"I think I'll head to the mansion," Joseph said, and Keith asked if he could join him. They were due to start at Lucland Academy in a week, so it made sense for them to spend more time there with their siblings.

As Joseph and Keith departed, I turned my attention to Sylvester.

"You need to calm down and hold yourself together. It's not their fault that Liam didn't come home last night," I advised, and he gazed at me, seeking answers.

"You knew?" he questioned, and I affirmed with a nod.

"Stephanie called this morning to let me know that Liam hadn't returned, and they were searching for him," I explained, and he let out a sigh before finding a seat on one of the couches.

"That boy can be so careless at times. If something happened to him, how would we even trace his whereabouts?" he expressed, a mix of annoyance and worry evident in his voice.

"You need to loosen up a bit, my love. He's eighteen now, no longer a child, and we can't control every move he makes," I reassured him, hoping to ease his concerns. He nodded in response.

"Still, I want him to be safe. Everyone knows he's the heir. I don't want anything to happen to him," he admitted.

"And nothing will. Everyone is watching out for him, including his cousins. I highly doubt that Miles, Marvin, and Oliver had no idea where he was. Remember how it was with you, Marcel, and Theo? It's the same for them. You need to relax a little, and I believe an apology to Jake is in order," I suggested, sensing his resistance.

"They shouldn't have to deal with all this. Even though Liam requested to go to Grizlo, it wasn't their responsibility to house and take care of our children. They've been nothing but kind. You shouldn't hold any animosity towards Jake and your mother because of Liam's mistakes. If you feel the need to reprimand someone, it should be Liam himself. If his phone had been reachable, there wouldn't have been a reason to panic," I reasoned, and he eventually agreed. I moved to sit beside him, gently rubbing his back in a soothing manner.

"Our children are growing, Sylvester; you must loosen your grip. They are not troublesome children, and they can take care of themselves. I think it's important to give Liam some leniency. He has always been exemplary, and it's not his fault that Mike Maguire chose to ruin his own future and that of his family.

Sophia isn't to blame, either. We just need to help Liam navigate through this difficult time because he's not handling it well. Even if he hasn't explicitly said it, we know how much he cares for Sophia. Remember how devastated you were when Susan left the North? Liam is at that age, going through something similar now, and he needs our support," I gently explained, and he looked at me, sighing in acknowledgement.

"I was afraid," he confessed, revealing a complex mix of emotions. I nodded understandingly and embraced him.

"He's safe, and they're on their way back home. He will need all the support he can get to overcome this," I assured him, and he wrapped his arms around me, seeking comfort in my presence.

I knew how fiercely protective Sylvester was, and Liam's recent experience reinforced to him that some things were beyond his control. It was time for my husband to start accepting that our twins were growing up.

Sylvester retreated to his office, and I decided to join the ladies in the garden for some tea.

Avery, as usual, was the one organising the tea party, and under normal circumstances, we would have all been present. However, the news from Grizlo had cast a somber mood upon the gathering. As I arrived, I could sense the heaviness in the air, no need to inquire about the cause.