Chapter 231
The phone suddenly rang, a call from Lowell.
Tarquin picked up and walked back to his room. Stepping out onto the balcony, he lit a cigarette.
Lowell sounded like he was trying to keep a lid on his anger, “Tarquin, got news from the old family estate. Next month, on the fifth, there’s a memorial service for our ancestors. They’ve even roped Elijah into it, saying now that he’s turned five, it’s time he followed the Bradford family tradition. The poor kid’s supposed to light candle, bow his head in respect to our forefathers, all on his own. And they want Elijah to prepare a speech, officially marking him as the next heir to the Bradford family, addressing the entire family.”
Tarquin’s brows furrowed deeply as he took a harsh drag from his cigarette.
Lowell was seething, “Gideon’s doing this on purpose! He knows damn well that Elijah’s struggling with his mental health, and yet he’s pushing for this whole ceremony, not to mention having Elijah speak in front of the whole Bradford family. It’s like he wants to make a mockery out of Elijah!”
Elijah, with his autism, finds it hard enough interfacing with strangers, let alone climbing up to some memorial service or delivering a speech!
Last year’s service was a nightmare. They dragged Elijah up there, and everyone was giving him these sideways glances, whispering behind his back.
Elijah couldn’t stand it. He got so upset he tried to leave, but ended up tumbling down the hillside.
It was a close call!
Aside from Tarquin and Lowell, no one else seemed to care. If anything, there was mockery.
And when they learned Elijah had only passed out, not perished, you could sense their disappointment.
Lowell could still picture their sneering faces! It made him grind his teeth in fury!
“Tarquin! We can’t gamble with Elijah’s life. As for the Bradford ancestors, we can skip paying respect this year. Let’s just refuse to attend. Let them deal with it!”
After another drag, Tarquin’s expression was dark and stormy. “Tell them Elijah will attend the memorial service but won’t perform the rites. No speech!”
Gideon caught wind of this soon after and scoffed.
His confidant remarked, “I thought Mr. Tarquin would refuse to let Elijah participate this year, given his worsening condition. Surprising they’ve agreed.”
Gideon responded icily, “Elijah is the sole heir to the Bradford family. He must attend the service! If he skips this, he might as well be disowned. Besides, Tarquin has always respected his father. It’s not just about honoring our ancestors; it’s about his father too. He wouldn’t miss it for the world!”
“So, shall I pass this along?”
“No, tell Tarquin that rules are rules. I was five when I recognized my ancestors, so was his father, his grandfather, and all our forebears. It can’t stop with Elijah. If he struggles, he can be given guidance, but even if it’s just a few words, he must speak. It’s part of our tradition!”
stop
10.55
Chapter 231
Tarquin and Gideon were like gods at war, with a host of spectators eager for drama.
However, this time, the spectacle wasn’t Gideon’s to enjoy but Tarquin’s.
The entire Bradford family, distant relatives included, anyone with even a drop of Bradford blood, was itching to see Tarquin and Elijah falter.
Elijah’s condition was well known. But to openly revel in Tarquin and Elijah’s misfortune? That opportunity only came once a year! After all, it was the only time they got to see Elijah.
As Gideon said, no matter how formidable Tarquin might be, his son remained his Achilles‘ heel.
Incapable of even delivering a few words of speech was utterly humiliating!
The Bradfords were all eagerly awaiting the fifth of next month, ready for the show.
