Mr. Thompson Sr. was old-fashioned and held a strong dislike for businessmen.


    So when his younger son, Frank, had wanted to go into business, he had opposed it so fiercely that he nearly disowned him.


    Frank had be the wealthiest man in Istra without relying on a single resource or connection from the Thompson family. His journey had not been easy.


    Mr. Thompson Sr. ignored Frank and Noah, his gaze falling directly on his youngest grandson, Bet.


    "Yourmander visited me before the Christmas. He spoke highly of you; you did well on thatst mission. After the Christmas, your entire regiment is being retired, and you''ll be moved again. This is a sign of the organization''s trust and a test for you. Work hard, and don''t bring shame to the Thompson name..."


    Though his words were a stern admonition, a rare hint of satisfaction showed in his severe eyes.


    Not yet thirty, Bet was already a full regimentalmander. He was the youngest of his rank in the entire army-a truly promising young talent with a boundless future.


    When Mr. Thompson Sr.''s old subordinates visited, it was his youngest grandson they praised the most.


    Outwardly, Mr. Thompson Sr. was modest, but inwardly, he was undoubtedly pleased.


    The Thompson family had a military tradition spanning generations. Both of his brothers had died on the battlefield as heroes and martyrs. The Thompson military spirit could not be allowed to die out.


    Now that he had this grandson to carry on the family legacy, Mr. Thompson Sr. felt he could finally rest in peace when his time came.


    When Bet spoke with Mr. Thompson Sr., he showed none of Tobias''s anxiety.


    He wasposed and articte, even contradicting the old man when he felt he was wrong.


    Instead of getting angry at being contradicted, Mr. Thompson Sr. would actually consider his grandson''s point and try to understand it.


    After their conversation, Mr. Thompson Sr. was clearly very satisfied, and in a rare gesture, he served Bet a piece of fish.


    But Bet didn''t indulge him, leaving the fish untouched.


    "Why isn''t Bet eating the fish?" Mrs. Dana Thompson asked, confused.


    "My girlfriend is allergic to seafood, so I haven''t been eating much of ittely," Bet said casually, helping himself to a pork rib.


    Most of the younger Thompsons knew about Bet and Ynda''s breakup, but the older generation was not yet aware of his new rtionship with Yvonne.


    "You have a new girlfriend?" Mr. Thompson Sr. asked, his tone as stern as ever. "Yes," Bet nodded.


    Mr. Thompson Sr. nodded. He never interfered much in the younger generation''s love lives. He only advised, The Walker family has been aimbing too fast in recent years. Ambition that strong camonly spell trouble. You were right to break up with their daughter. The Thompsons have no need for strategic alliances. As long as the girles from a clean background and has good character, that''s enough."


    "Yes, Grandpa. I understand," Bet replied with a gentle smile.


    After speaking with his eldest son and youngest grandson, Mr. Thompson Sr. fell silent and focused on his meal. Tobias and Frank asionally toasted their father, and he graciously drank with them each time.


    Mrs. Dana Thompson had always gotten along well with Emma.


    Pet


    Emma was easygoing and generous, never one to split hairs. In all their years as inws, they had. never had a single argument. This time, when Emma was hospitalized, Mrs. Dana Thompson had made point to visit her early in the morning before rushing back to the old man''s house.


    In previous years, Mrs. Dana Thompson would always sit and chat with Emma. With


    her sister-inw absent, she could only talk with her own daughter-inw and granddaughter.