Third Person's POV
When Richard saw that Blake didn't want to bring up the past, he was slightly surprised. He had expected Blake to revisit old grievances and hold him accountable.
Emerson, with a look of relief, praised Blake. "Blake, you have a generous heart. Let's not dwell on the past anymore. You are uncle and nephew, and you should support each other, not harbor resentment."
Blake, mindful of Emerson's feelings, nodded. "We are family, and we shouldn't treat each other like enemies."
Richard, however, felt uneasy. He realized that he was increasingly becoming an outsider in the Royal Pack. The affection and importance that Emerson and Patricia placed on Blake far surpassed what they had for him, their own son.
He suspected that even his own son, Nick, might feel that he had lost his place in his grandparents' hearts.
"Richard, you and Emerson haven't seen each other in so long. You must have a lot to talk about. I'll leave you to it," Blake said, not wanting to stay in the same room as Richard. The thought of Richard orchestrating his father's death by drugging his drink made Blake's blood boil. Although he had always advised Leo to stay calm, now that he was face-to-face with Richard, he wasn't sure he could control his own urge to punch him.
"Alright, go spend time with the children," Emerson said, noticing the tension between Blake and Richard. He didn't insist on Blake staying and gestured for him to leave.
As soon as Blake stepped out of the room, he heard Richard's voice from inside. "Blake's children are so adorable, especially Hedwig. Our family has always had more sons than daughters. She's such a lovely little princess."
Blake's steps faltered, and he turned his head sharply toward the door, his eyes filled with anger.
Then, he heard Emerson's cheerful voice. "Yes, precisely because we've never had a daughter, Hedwig has brought us so much joy and laughter."
Blake's brow furrowed. He could see how much his grandparents adored Hedwig. Her innocence and charm were irreplaceable.
Blake didn't want to listen any longer. He was afraid he might order his bodyguards to kill Richard. If anyone dared to harm his daughter, he would kill them without hesitation.
Blake walked heavily downstairs, bypassing the playroom and heading straight to the bedroom.
He lay down on the sofa, his mind buzzing, unable to calm down. It felt like a taut string was about to snap at any moment.
Just then, Catherine walked in, intending to grab a small jacket for Noah as the weather had turned chilly.
She was surprised to see Blake leaning back on the sofa, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as if he were exhausted.
Hearing the door open, Blake lowered his hand and looked up, his deep eyes meeting Catherine's concerned gaze.
"What's wrong? Are you tired?" Catherine walked over and crouched beside the sofa. Her slender fingers gently touched his smooth forehead. Though it was a small gesture, it was filled with affection. As she was about to pull her hand back, Blake suddenly grabbed it and pressed it to his lips.
Catherine felt the warmth of his palm, a heat that traveled through her skin straight to her heart, making it race.
The touch of his lips on the back of her hand was intoxicating.
"The kids must be keeping you busy. Thanks, honey," Blake murmured, kissing her hand.
Catherine shook her head softly. "I'm not tired. But you… it feels like your workload has been increasing lately. You need to take care of yourself. Don't get sick."
Blake chuckled softly. "Getting sick isn't so bad. At least then I'd know you're worried about me."
Catherine rolled her eyes. "Even if you're not sick, I still worry about you."
Blake's lips curved into a smile. "Really? Catherine, with your concern, I'm not afraid of anything, no matter how tired I am."
Catherine knew that Blake preferred to shoulder all the burdens alone, never sharing them with her or the children. He saw himself as the pillar of the family, the one who held up the sky for her and the kids.
How could she not love such a man? She loved him to pieces.
Catherine leaned down and, for the first time, actively kissed his cheek.
"No matter what, you need to take care of yourself. I'll handle things at home with the kids. Don't worry about us," Catherine said softly. After the kiss, she stood up and went to the closet to grab thicker jackets for the children. As she walked out, she remembered something she wanted to ask.
"Why is Richard's hair all white? He gives off the vibe of a sly old fox," Catherine whispered.
"He's overthought things so much that his hair turned white," Blake said with a cold sneer.
"Is he going to stay here?" Catherine wasn't particularly fond of running into Richard.
Blake shook his head. "I don't know. It's up to him. If he decides to stay, there's nothing I can do about it."
Catherine nodded. "Alright."
"For the next little while, don't take the kids out. Just stay home and play. Don't go anywhere," Blake suddenly sat up straight, his voice low and serious as he instructed her.
"Okay, we won't go anywhere," Catherine replied, understanding his concerns. She shared them too.