80. Scandalous Enough To Last for Generations
“What is going on here!?” Grandpa Winston’s hard voice boomed. “Tell me, what nonsense is going on!?”
He matched into the hall with the Butler following behind.
A hushed silence fell on the crowd. All eyes turned and everyone looked shocked and confused. Stella and Blake left their respective friends and walked close to each other, looking wary and confused.
“Grandpa, weren’t you sick? When did you wake up?” Lucas was confused as well.
Grandpa Winston glared at him. “Were you wishing for me to get ill so you could do as you wish? Lucas Harrison, since when did you become so willful!?”
Grandpa Winston’s rage hit the ceiling, looking as if he would faint from anger.
“What is happening?”
“Does Old Master Winston not approve of this engagement?”
“I heard Lucas Harrison only listens to his grandfather, but it seems as if he’s going against the old man.”
“Why doesn’t the Old Master seem happy with the engagement?”
As the crowd whispered, Grandpa Winston strode towards Lucas. “You should at least give me the respect I deserve. Why didn’t you consult me first, Grandson? This engagement is canceled, everyone, go home!”
But the crowd didn’t move. Nobody wanted to miss the drama which was about to unfold.
“What do you mean, Grandpa?” Lucas couldn’t wrap his fingers around what was going on. “Didn’t you order this engagement?”
Lucas wanted to hold him, and Grandpa Winston pushed his hand away.
“Why would I do that? Have you ever heard me go back on my words? I have told you I will never approve of this girl!” He pointed a shaking finger at Tracy and hollered.
All eyes turned to Tracy who looked as pale as a blank sheet.
Feeling everyone’s gaze on her, Tracy’s knees weakened. From the moment Grandpa Winston stepped in, her whole body had been trembling nonstop.
“Wait, the Old Master didn’t approve of her?”
“How interesting. Then why this engagement?”
“Everyone respects the Old Master Winston. Not even his family dare to go against his orders, especially his grandson.”
“Does Lucas Harrison love Tracy so much to go against his grandfather for her?”
“Don’t you all think this is part of a scheme? It is clear that Lucas Harrison is confused as well.”
Bouts of sweat poured down Tracy’s forehead. Her eyes darted across the room and they located Stella and Blake.
She stared at them pleadingly, asking for help.
Blake looked away in anger and shame, while Stella gave her a look that spelled ‘We are dead meat!’
Outside The Hall.
Two ladies were on the way to the elevator when they heard the loud voice coming from inside.
“How strange. That person sounds exactly like Grandpa Winston.” Heidi stopped walking. “I thought Butler Luke said Grandpa is ill.”
“Ms. Olsen, isn’t the engagement happening at the Harrisons Mansion? Why should he be here?”
Isla’s words confirmed Heidi’s thoughts.
Her frown deepened and her mind told her to peek inside the hall.
“Lucas Harrison! If you disrespect me one more time, I, myself, will disown you!”
“Calm down, Grandpa. Your words confuse me.”
“Which part of my words isn’t clear enough for you to understand?”
Heidi became alert, also hearing Lucas’s voice. It seemed he and Grandpa Winston were arguing.
Carefully, she opened the door and sneaked into the hall with Isla.
“Tracy, didn’t you tell me that Grandpa ordered our engagement?” Lucas faced Tracy on getting no clear response from Grandpa Winston.
Tracy chewed on her fingernails, her nervous eyes avoiding his gaze.
“Wait. She told you I ordered the engagement!?” Grandpa Winston shouted. “You – You!”
Tracy felt like a trapped rat. Looking towards Blake and Stella for help one more time, she was welcomed with indifference.
“I-I…” She stammered then held her forehead.
Pretending to lose her footing, her eyes rolled in their sockets and she fell into Lucas’s arms and fainted.
Watching the drama unfold, Heidi and Isla couldn’t close their mouths.
The moment Tracy fainted, an uproar broke out. Everyone began speaking at the same time.
Lucas carried Tracy and hurried out of the hall with her, sending a furtive glance in Heidi’s direction who didn’t do well to hide in the crowd.
“Well, Ms. Carlson has fainted. No more drama!” One of the guests sounded disappointed.
“How could you say that?” Another person laughed. “This scandal is enough to last for generations.”
“I have never witnessed something as shocking as this before. Aren’t young girls dreaming too high nowadays?”
Very soon, everyone dispersed, including Blake and Stella who were among the first to leave.
Grandpa Winston’s stern expression disappeared. He coughed for some time while holding his chest, and the Butler helped him sit down on a chair.
“My poor heart. How I wish I was in that coma forever.”
“Master, please calm down.”
Heidi exchanged glances with Isla. Shaking her head in pity, she approached Grandpa Winston and squatted in front of him.
“Grandpa-”
“Heidi, you silly girl. Have you been here all this time?” Grandpa Winston squinted his eyes. “Luke told me he asked you to keep me company, but you declined.”
“Grandpa, I’m sorry. I didn’t know the Butler wasn’t bluffing.” Heidi held his knees. “Would you forgive me, Grandpa?”
“As long as you go home with me and cook me great food.” Grandpa Winston patted her head. “You see, I’m in a very bad mood.”
