Chapter 196: Chapter 196

As Ian stepped through the hallways of the Thornston mansion, only one image remained in his mind. Of course, it was that of his beautiful wife. He was very satisfied with himself for what he had done but with one teeny tiny regret: ’James Wendover should have been made to suffer more. I was too hasty in granting him a quick death.’

However, as this went on in his head, he was very happy with himself. The thought to do that had only taken deep root after that visit to the Wendover mansion and also in the prison when he could sense no remorse from James at all.

Ian also had the mind to subject Clara to a similar fate for the obvious emotional neglect of his wife, but then, the only thing that helped him back was that Shelby was Clara’s blood. That single curtesy and also the fact that Cara had not taken any active stance or action against her daughter. It did not mean that Clara had a free pass.... She was just on a tight watch then.

"I miss my Elfin already," Ian whispered to himself as the elegant figure of his beloved wife replaced the unsightly thoughts yet again. In his mind’s eye, he gazed at her posture so graceful despite all she had been through.

It was like she was a true born queen in and out. Her dress and the way she held herself, her gentle aura, all then so familiar with him that the mere thought of it made his heart throb. He quickened his pace and opened his door, only to freeze. His heart constricted and he screamed, "Elfin!"

Alex flipped the newspaper, reading the details of the headlines that had triggered his attention. He pushed his glasses back and continued intently on the details of what had happened. Alex, like his wife, had left every single task relating to the family and business for Ian to handle.

"I’m surprised that they were able to put James behind bars." He said suddenly without looking up. At that time, it was late morning, just a little while after Ian and Shelby had left for the Wendover mansion.

Geneva scoffed, her eyes still on the two remaining children who were finishing off their meal. She could sense that the two younger children, Ingrid and Gabriel were not so reserved around them after Shelby had settled into their estate. Geneva did not blame them though. She had not especially been welcoming to them when they had been brought to the Thornstons’ estates after their parents passing.

She raised her head slightly and replied, "Have you forgotten that your son had a hand in it?"

Alex smirked and continued reading.

’I thought that Ian would have lost his touch and influence with the time he had been in seclusion....’ Alex thought, however, from an outsider’s perspective, it did not seem so as Alex had turned over the business the very day that Ian had come out. If Alex had any such doubts, that would have never happened.

After Geneva had said that, she sighed at the empty space beside Ingrid. Samantha had left the table the very moment that Ian had left.

"That girl is too problematic...."

Without Geneva mentioning a name, everyone there knew who was being referred to.

"Don’t worry, grandma, Sam will come to like Mama Shelby soon enough. Ingrid told me that!" Geneva smiled at the boy. Gabriel seemed more and more adorable to her as time passed. Geneva could not find it in her to dislike the boy anymore.

’If Shelby had it in her to accept these three who have no relation to her, then I could also do so. Besides, it was their mother that I did not like. The children have committed no wrong. I can’t believe I was so petty as an adult!’ Geneva berated herself as her sights lingered on the two. Gabriel, who was staring brightly at her, his face smeared with oil and food remnants, as well as Ingrid, who looked like she wanted to disappear into her bowl.

Alex looked over his newspaper at Gabriel, after he heard his voice. Like his wife, he was feeling the exact way, but he had a better reign on his emotions and went back to his reading after that casual glance.

"Come here," Geneva beckoned. She stretched out her hand and a wet napkin was placed there. Geneva was always in sync with her personal maid and head of the house. With no hesitation, Gabriel hopped off his chair and came to Geneva.

"You should pay attention when you eat." Geneva said as she wiped his face thoroughly. Gabriel nodded with a smile. Ingrid also raised her head slightly to look at the scene, but as she lowered her head, she felt a shadow hover over her.

"Little girl, are you done eating? Let’s go!" It was none other than Brad. Ingrid lowered her head again in fright and Brad sighed.

"Mum, how am I supposed to teach her anything when she is like a frightened rabbit?" He said exasperatedly.

"I remember you being the person who agreed to this. Unless you do not want Shelby to see your sincerity...."

"Ah! How can the two be linked? They are different!"

Brad was not sure how to turn over and try make his peace and teach Ingrid. For him, the mother, Aliya’s shadow was still on him. He saw Aliya through the children and that was a constant reminder of what had transpired in the past.

"Remember, whatever is going through that head of yours, these are now Ian’s children. Adopted or not, they’re still related. If Shelby has accepted them, then you should have no qualms against them. I know what your worries are, but the dead do not talk! Besides, this is what you owe Shelby so try to look past that!"

A glint passed through Ingrid’s eye as she heard this. She was very used to the Thornston’s talking about her biological mother. However, Ingrid’s attachment to Shelby had grown to the extent that she did not feel that familiar prickling of tears whenever her mother’s name came up. Shelby had somehow managed to occupy that gap in the little girl’s heart.

At the thought of Shelby, Ingrid remembered her words just before Shelby had left.

"I know you like those instruments. Brad is your uncle anyway and he will take good care of you...."

What Ingrid liked most was that Shelby had not pushed the task to her but had solicited her opinion.

"Would you like to learn from him?" Even though Ingrid had been excited at that prospect, she was still apprehensive of Brad. Ingrid’s last few days in school had been very exciting for her because of the change in some of her classes. Upon Ian’s request, she had been placed in some music-related classes and she loved every bit of it.

In those classes, she could be herself and not worry about being judged by others. Maybe it was that experience, or the fact that Shelby was looking out for her. No one knows, but Ingrid found herself agreeing to it. Despite her apprehension, she also had a layer of hidden excitement.

"Don’t worry Ingrid, I will be there with you!" Gabriel puffed up his chest and stated. This got Geneva and a few others laughing.

"What do you mean by that? Am I a threat to your sister?" Brad snapped, just as Geneva intervened.

"Why are you picking a fight with a child!"

"Mum!?????" Brad stomped his feet.

"You should be on my side!" Geneva scoffed and stood up.

Gabriel bowed respectively, "Thank you grandma!" Geneva ruffled his hair and walked out of the place. It did not take long before the two children followed Brad out of the place towards the West Wing.

For Shelby, the day had been a breeze of events as usual. She never thought that she deserved anything at all. So, despite the fact that her stepfather had been jailed that day was not necessarily upsetting for her. Not one bit. Secretly, Shelby was glad to be rid of seeing that man even one more day.

It was funny how the world worked. The one man that she had to tolerate growing up, finally met his match. As for Clara, Shelby just decided to go with the flow of things. She was happy that Rocky’s issue had been solved though. However, at the back of her mind, she could not help but feel useless.

’I am not doing anything and people around me just do everything for me! I- have to try to become more independent now that James’ restrictions are no more!’ She thought.

"Thank you, Albert," She thanked her driver and Albert bowed back.

Murray stood to the side respectively and also bowed when Shelby thanked him as well. Shelby had a lot to ask him, but she felt that she had to talk to Ian first.

’Ian had said that he had something to take care of. Let me use this time to surprise him. He has done so much for me, but I have yet to do a single thing for him.’ Shelby thought to herself as she walked through the hallways absentmindedly.

"Miss, are you back?" Suzie appeared soundlessly behind her and started her chatter, briefing Shelby of what had transpired in her absence. Shelby nodded at the information, glancing sideways at Suzie with a smile. After spending all these times together, Shelby knew that Suzie just had excess energy in everything. The maid walked with a light skip and talked animatedly.

"Where are the kids?"

"I don’t know about Samantha but the two are with master Brad."

Shelby nodded and then told Suzie,

"I’ll be in Ian’s room for a while, so you don’t need to wait on me."

"It’s already late, would you like to take a bath or have something to eat?"

"Not now, Suzie, maybe later?"

Shelby entered the now very familiar room and closed the door behind her.

It took just a little over an hour from this time till when Ian returned. He twisted the door handle open only to be met with thick smoke coming out of this room.

"Elfin! ELFIN!" Ian shouted in panic and rushed through the bellowing smoke.

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