Chapter 743 - Seventy Hundred And Forty-three: Prove Yourself
The third point of view:
There was a tense silence the instant Neon revealed that crucial piece of information. Niklaus looked at Reina just as she looked back at him with Isabella doing the same with Anabelle. The kids had been young when it happened hence the older ones knew how intense the case with Jennifer had been.
"What did you just say?" Reina was the one who asked, looking shaken.
"I don't know but she chatted me up recently and said she wanted us to meet," Neon explained, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down nervously.
"And you didn't bother to inform us?" Allen asked this time, his voice stern.
"I'm sure he has his reasons," Ailee came to his defense.
"Reasons that would have gotten our mother killed!" Allen spat and went on, "And until when are you going to keep defending him?!"
"I would do so until you stop antagonizing him? For how long would you keep treating Neon this way? What did he do wrong?" Ailee retorted, her eyes blazing with anger.
"For being that woman's son, that's what he did so wrong? He shouldn't have come into this family and looked at what he finally caused," he accused him of being a bad omen.
"Allen!!" Both Reina and Niklaus shouted at the same time stunning him. He thought they would be on his side.
"Mom," He was disappointed in her the most, "His mother almost hurt you and it was all his fault because he hid about it," Allen pointed at Neon who did nothing but stand helplessly and take on the blame.
"Are you going to do nothing about it?" He kept pushing Reina to make a decision.
Niklaus was just about to interfere when Isabella beat him to it, "You're becoming quite a nuisance, Allen. It seems because you grew up in a favorable environment, you've been pampered," There was a hint of warning and threat as well in her tone.
Allen didn't say anything, his mouth just hung open helplessly. For some reason, Isabella even scares him more than his father, Niklaus. And right now, she was smiling which she hardly does.
"I've given you a lot of liberties as well and it's time I cut back on them. You need to grow up and recognize that the world doesn't revolve all around you," Niklaus finally spoke after Isabella was done.
"So what?" Allen shrugged, "You're going to ground me because all I did was care about my mother?"
"No, I'm not going to ground, that's the biggest mistake most parents make, causing the children to resent them for taking away their freedom. You would have your choice, moreover, you need your freedom to work hard to survive, how would you do that if you're grounded?" Niklaus smirked devilishly, a dark promise of what was to come in his gaze.
Allen frowned, he didn't like the sound of this. He didn't even do anything wrong if not to point out that Neon was bad luck to this family. Why were they so defensive of him? Why couldn't they let Neon go? Even his mental mother wanted him!
"All of your cards would be canceled for two months immediately. Every other expense aside from your feeding and school fees would be borne entirely by you. You don't get to borrow from family members or relatives - not even the bank. Every privilege you enjoy as a Spencer would be withdrawn for the time being," Niklaus gave his imperial verdict.
"Niklaus -" Reina tried to interfere but the man gave her a look that shut her up. It was at that moment that everyone realized that Niklaus was dead serious and no one could change his mind.
Niklaus strode over to his son till they were standing face to face, father and son facing off. Allen was a perfect copy of his father hence for Niklaus it was like staring down at the younger stubborn version of himself.
Niklaus was taller than his son by just a few inches, however, Allen was a growing kid and would be taller in a few months to come. Even at that, Allen could never challenge his father and he showed that submission by lowering his gaze.
"Since you claim to be the firstborn son of this family and deserve to be respected. Go prove yourself, then,"
"What?"
"For two months, you'd live outside my home. My secretary would move you to a modest property where you would spend the next two months -"
"Niklaus -!"
Yet Niklaus ignored his wife and went on, "Your security would be assured and you have all the freedom to go on with your hedonistic lifestyle. Survive for the time frame and Neon would leave here,"
"Dad!" Ailee didn't know who to be in support of. She loved her brother Allen but she can't let go of Neon as well. Why can't both of them just live in harmony?
"I don't think that's a good idea," Isabella pointed out, "With Jennifer on the loose, we have to stay united. What if she singles him out?"
"I'm starting a manhunt for Jennifer starting from now, plus the bodyguards are there. Allen would be safe," Niklaus informed her just as Reina left the room, clearly angry at his decision.
A tensed silence stretched amongst them until Allen smugly announced, intentionally facing Neon, "I guess no school for me since I have to go pack up and move to my new apartment,"
He then leaned closer to whisper into Neon's ears, "Be prepared to leave the rest of our lives in two months," He then added with emphasis, "My sister would miss you,"
Neon clenched his fist by his side, however, he sadly realized he had no right to be with Allen. He was the stranger in this place and Ailee was leaving because of this - Reina would probably be pissed by this.
Allen left for his room smugly.
"I'd see you all when I'm back," Neon announced, leaving for school with Ailee hurrying after him.
"Neon, wait up!"
As soon as the others left, only Anabelle, Isabella, and Niklaus remained at the table since the kids had been taken away by Amanda during the initial tension.
"So what now?"
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Hiya guys, a few more chapters and we're done with this book. I still want to appreciate those who started and would be ending with me. I truly love you all ????????.. Thank you so much.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺