CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102: SHANNON SAVED HIM

Simon Rhodes pondered for a moment and said: "Grandfather, isn’t it all just rumors outside about Vincent? Besides, you’ve endured all the gossip about Vincent before, so why not treat these as mere trifles?"

"How is this the same? I could endure Vincent’s matters because there was no choice, but I cannot endure this! It’s been over two years since they got married without any signs, and now suddenly they’re claiming she’s pregnant. Who would believe this child is from the Rhodes Family?" Shane Royale waved his hand and said, "Anyway, I disagree with having this child now. They’re still young, and Vincent will be able to live a normal life in a couple of years. It’s not too late to have a child then."

"But grandfather, to put it bluntly," Simon Rhodes paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "although these words are ominous, deep down, you know it too. With Vincent’s missions, at any moment there’s the risk of life-threatening danger. Whether he can return alive is unknown, and in case something were to happen to him, at least there would be a legacy."

Shane Royale took a deep breath and thought carefully, realizing that Simon Rhodes’ words were reasonable. If the child in Shannon Quinn’s belly was indeed Vincent’s, he wouldn’t be so heartless as to demand Shannon abort the child.

It’s just that there’s no perfect solution now. It’s unfortunate that his grandson was too hasty.

"If that’s the case, then let them temporarily divorce, they can remarry later."

"Grandfather, let’s not discuss whether Vincent agrees to divorce or not. Shannon isn’t aware of these matters. How do we explain to her if we force her to divorce?"

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

Simon Rhodes sat on the sofa, looking ready for a long talk: "Shannon married into our family and suffered quite a bit. She’s been married for so long and hasn’t properly met Vincent. You say the gossip outside affects our family’s reputation, but what about Shannon’s? Shannon married in and has heard a lot of nonsense. As a weak woman, she’s endured these well. Shouldn’t we expand our tolerance a bit?"

"Let others say what they want. We endure until Vincent returns, and when he does, there’ll be joy for all. These gossips will naturally be answered best, and we don’t need to pay heed."

Shane Royale’s expression was tense, still apprehensive, as Simon Rhodes added, "Shannon is a good girl. In two years of marriage, she’s never done anything to betray Vincent. This pregnancy is only because Vincent was unruly. We know Landon Sutton and Vincent are the same person, but Shannon doesn’t know. She even feels guilty and thinks she’s wronged Vincent. Such a good granddaughter-in-law, if you force them to divorce, who knows if she’ll come back?"

"There are many good girls out there. If they divorce, we can take the child back to the Rhodes Family after it’s born. As for that woman, she can go or stay."

"There are many good girls, but those who make it into your precious grandson’s eyes are few. Previously he insisted against your opposition to marry that woman, showing she’s not ordinary to him."

Shane Royale sighed deeply, puzzled: "Who knows what spell that woman cast on him? Why is he so stubborn! All his outrageous actions stem from her!"

"Grandfather, Vincent isn’t young anymore. It’s rare for him to settle down and have a child. Though he can’t be by Shannon’s side, we should do our utmost to protect the mother and son. It’s one of the few things we can do for Vincent."

"A femme fatale, a femme fatale! Despite him seldom having contact with the outside world, how did he meet that woman?"

"Do you remember seven years ago, when his identity was exposed, and he nearly lost his life at the Hall?"

Shane Royale questioned in confusion: "What does that have to do with that woman?"

"It was Shannon who saved him."

"That’s so many years ago! They only interacted for a few days, and he’s head over heels?"

Simon Rhodes merely smiled, unable to fully grasp what was in his brother’s mind, yet determined to aid him in getting what he wants.

"Forget it, I’m just an old bag of bones. I probably won’t live to see you marry and have children. Now Vincent’s given me this great-grandchild, who knows if it’s a blessing or a curse. Do as you wish."

"Thank you, grandfather. Actually, if you think about it, when someone as strict as you accepts this granddaughter-in-law, outsiders naturally find those rumors implausible."

Shane Royale sipped his tea and glanced at Simon Rhodes, asking, "Am I strict?"

Simon Rhodes chuckled, shaking his head: "You’re the most open-minded grandfather."

"When are you planning to find a partner?"

"I’m not in a rush. I’ll consider it after Quinn comes back."

"Ah, no need to blame yourself for Quinn. Both are Rhodes Family’s children. You’ve not fared much better than him all these years. If you meet a girl you like, bring her for my approval, and if suitable, marry her. You’re not young anymore."

"If there’s someone suitable, I’ll definitely bring her home."

"And June Yardley? Do you still keep in touch with her?"

"I’ve always refused to be with her, haven’t I? Weren’t you, back then, keen to bring her into the family?"

Shane Royale quickly denied: "I never said that! If you can avoid contact, then do so. We lack nothing in the Rhodes Family and aren’t looking for a wealthy marriage alliance. Just find a simple, well-mannered girl. As for June Yardley, I’ve seen her; she has too many tricks, not suitable for you."

"You didn’t say that before, grandfather."

"Enough, go busy yourself. I’m going to find Old Man Ward for a chess game shortly."

Shannon Quinn returned home worried, sat on the sofa, her eyes vacant and unfocused. Her mind was troubled yet blank.

Should she insist on having this child? Would the child be happy after birth?

She thought optimistically now; even if she divorced, she’d give all her love to her child, allowing them to grow happily.

But reality comes with countless frustrations. Leaving aside the outside world’s vulgarities affecting the child’s upbringing, even just Landon Sutton poses enough threat to her and the child’s future.

If after the child’s birth, Landon Sutton discovers this child, and considering he has his own family, he might view this as unnecessary and wish the child away.

But if he sees the child’s blood as his own and insists on reclaiming the child...

She knows well, with her abilities, she can’t withstand him.

If the child is taken away and treated badly, she’d regret bringing the child into the world.

Shannon Quinn thought quite a lot, but all the scenarios are possible.