In Randolph’s hospital room.
The ckwood staff carefully arranged the expensive gifts, nutritional supplements, and fruit before quietly withdrawing from the room.
The space around Randolph’s bed was crowded with visitors.
Every member of the ckwood family was present, except for the elderly Lady ckwood who was confined to bed with a winter cold.
Lord ckwood Sr. spoke first: “Randolph, when I heard of your injury, I immediately requested leave from Westminster toe to London personally. I do hope you make a swift recovery.”
Lord ckwood Sr. held considerable influence in political circles; even London’s highest officials would treat him with profound respect.
Though a man of great authority and senior standing, he addressed Randolph with remarkable courtesy, showing none of the condescension one might expect. Randolph was visibly moved by this deference.
He pushed himself up against the headboard, his expression somewhat anxious. “You’re too kind, sir. My injuries are rtively minor–you needn’t have troubled yourself.”
Andrew ckwood spoke up: “Randolph<b>, </b>please ept this small token of our concern.”
He stepped forward, presenting a bank card.
With Lord ckwood Sr. having set such a conciliatory tone, Randolph could hardly express any grievances he might harbor. He epted the card with a smile. “I appreciate this. Thank you.”
“Not at all,” Andrew replied courteously.
“Randolph,” Lord ckwood Sr. continued, having noted Randolph’s eptance of theirpensation, “there’s another matter that brought me to London.”
Randolph had already anticipated this discussion. Heposed himself, listening attentively.
“Your injury was no ident, as I’m sure you’re aware. Has Asher mentioned to you about Andrew’s…”
Lord ckwood Sr. hesitated, having nearly said “illegitimate son,” but stopped himself–the term seemed excessively harsh.
After a brief pause, he continued: “Has he mentioned Andrew’s other son, Tom Malfoy?”
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Randolph’s expression darkened slightly as he nodded.
“Malfoy’s target is the ckwood family. You’ve been caught in the crossfire because of Thalia’s engagement to Asher. After careful consideration, we believe it best to dissolve the engagement.”
Victoria, Randolph’s second wife, standing nearby, looked somewhat surprised by this direct statement.
Randolph had discussed the possibility of ending the engagement with her the previous evening, but had been reluctant to broach the subject first, given Lord ckwood Sr.’s considerable influence.
It was fortuitous that the ckwood patriarch himself had raised the matter.
From the moment the ckwood family had entered the room, Randolph had been mentally prepared for this conversation. He wasn’t particrly surprised by Lord ckwood Sr.’s deration.
He nodded slightly. “Very well. Since you’ve raised the matter so directly, I’ll be equally forthright. I had been considering this myself. You must understand<b>, </b>our family has paid a tremendously high price for this engagement
thus far.”
The patriarch’s expression reflected genuine regret. “I understandpletely.”
Andrew added: “Randolph, the ckwood family deeply regrets the harm that hase to your family. We suggest that the public announcemente from the Winters family–we’ll prepare the press statement and assume all responsibility for the dissolution.”
Andrew’s wife handed Randolph a document. “We’ve drafted this statement regarding the broken engagement. Please review it and suggest any additions you feel necessary.”
“Of course.” Randolph epted the document and began reading through it.
After a moment, he closed the file. “This seemsprehensive. It will suffice.”
Lady ckwood nodded. “Excellent. I rmend issuing it as soon as possible. Each day’s dy ces your family
at continued risk.”
Randolph agreed with a nod, then turned his gaze meaningfully toward Asher. “Asher, have you discussed this with
Thalia?<b>” </b>
“Yes,” Asher replied, his Adam’s apple shifting visibly as he swallowed. “Sir<b>, </b>to ensure Thalia doesn’t harbor any false hopes, I told her I’d had a change of heart. I would appreciate your discretion in maintaining this narrative
rather than revealing the true circumstances.”
Randolph solemnly agreed.
“Well, Randolph, we’ll leave you to rest now,” Lord ckwood Sr. said.
“Thank you foring. Victoria, would you see our guests out?”
Victoria nodded. “Of course.”
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Having slept poorly the night before, Thalia had fallen intox fitful afternoon tap.
She had barely drifted off when her phone began ringing insistently
Thalia reluctantly opened her eyes and answered with a weary, “Hello?”
Victoria’s voice came through in a rush of excitement. “Bloody hell, Liat Have you checked Twitter? Asher’s heen caught with some actress and it’s trending everywhere!”
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