CHAPTER 486: CHAPTER 486: HEART DEAD, FETAL MOVEMENT (1)_1

After descending the stairs, everyone had finished dinner. Seeing the couple come down, no one said much, except for the elderly lady, who quickly instructed Aunt Mai to reheat the meal so the young couple could eat.

Pheobe Rogers had already left with a heavy heart, carrying her emotional scars.

After making such a scene for so long, the thing she had longed for for decades remained unachieved today, and even her own biological son didn’t support her. She felt she had been a complete failure as a mother. Other families’ sons were close to their mothers, but her son was only close to his eldest brother, who wasn’t even born of the same mother. She knew she couldn’t blame her son; it was all her own doing, her own fault. She should never have sent James Horne back to the Horne Family. He had been old enough then to have developed feelings for her, yet she had sent him away, severing their mother-son bond and casting a shadow over the child’s heart.

James Horne’s mood was still very heavy. He felt sorrow for his mother and for himself, but these were not things he could choose. If he could choose, he wouldn’t have wanted his mother to be the other woman.

Gian Horne wanted to say something several times but stopped short, ultimately choosing silence upon seeing Mila Anderson. After Mila Anderson returned from the courtyard, she too remained silent, frequently staring at Adele Horne’s abdomen, which made Adele Horne think she was contemplating harming the baby inside her. After finishing her meal, Adele Horne hurried upstairs.

Therefore, when Glades Horne and Julia Bluen came downstairs, not many people were left sitting in the hall. The members of the second and third branches of the family had mostly left after dinner. Only Marcel Horne’s family remained, though Marcel himself had been pushed back to his room by Ruby Bluen. Sovia Morris and her husband were still seated. Viola Hanley’s family of four had also departed.

"Uncle Ying."

Glades Horne wasn’t in a hurry to eat; instead, he called for the housekeeper, Uncle Ying.

At his call, the few people still sitting in the hall couldn’t help but look his way, each with different expressions and thoughts. Gian Horne, the so-called head of the family, wore a tense look, as if he guessed what Glades Horne was about to instruct Uncle Ying. A shadow of agony passed through James Horne’s eyes, as if he too had a notion of what Glades Horne was about to say.

"Young Master Glades."

Uncle Ying quickly approached Glades Horne, addressing him with utmost respect.

"From now on, Pheobe Rogers is not allowed to set foot inside the Horne Family’s door, not even half a step. If she tries to force her way in, throw her out!" Glades Horne commanded sternly. He didn’t even glance at James Horne or his father as he gave this order.

Julia Bluen intertwined her fingers tightly with his, palm to palm, conveying her support and understanding.

His directive was overdue; he should have taken this step much earlier, she thought, or perhaps it was a general narrator sentiment. Given the focus on Julia’s action, it’s plausible it’s her thought. Let’s make it hers for stronger POV.

Julia Bluen intertwined her fingers tightly with his, palm to palm, conveying her support and understanding. His directive was overdue; he should have taken this step much earlier, she thought.

"Glades."

Gian Horne called out awkwardly, his voice low. Originally the head of the household, his authority had been utterly eclipsed by his far more capable eldest son. All the servants were sharp-eyed and showed complete obedience only to the eldest son.

"Pheobe is James’s mother. By not allowing her in, aren’t you preventing them from seeing each other? Pheobe’s words might have been hurtful, but..."

"Dad, for your sake, for James’s sake, and because Mom still loves you dearly, I’ve been accommodating for so many years, yet she has only become more presumptuous. Some people can no longer be indulged. James, do you have any objections to this?" Glades Horne spoke coldly, his piercing gaze sweeping towards James Horne. The implicit challenge in his eyes made James Horne unable to meet it.

"Big brother, I... I have no objections."

James Horne’s heart ached, but he still clenched his teeth and accepted his brother’s command.

Glades Horne gave him a profound look before turning to Gian Horne and speaking in an aloof, cold tone, "If my life hadn’t been granted by you, if Mom didn’t foolishly and unwaveringly still love you, do you think you would still be living so comfortably, flanked by a wife on one side and a mistress on the other?"

Gian Horne’s face darkened instantly. He was so furious he pointed at Glades Horne, wanting to scold him, but upon meeting the rare, hateful glare in Glades Horne’s dark eyes, he suddenly felt weak all over. He slumped down, unable to utter a single curse.

For the first time, he realized that his most beloved and proudest eldest son actually harbored such intense hatred for him. He had thought his son, being a man, would understand his extramarital affairs, but he had overlooked the fact that a son is still a son, and his heart naturally sides with his mother. Besides, every man has a different view on love. Gian Horne believed his marriage was tied to benefits. He felt no need to love his wife; he felt wronged and believed he had the right to find another woman he liked to accompany him and bear his children. He thought he was merely compensating himself. Besides, there were plenty of men like him around. In this era, keeping a mistress wasn’t such a shocking or earth-shattering affair anyway.

But Glades Horne thought differently. He was a man with a strong sense of responsibility; he wouldn’t marry someone he didn’t love, and once married, he would ensure his wife never suffered any harm. In matters of love and marriage, he was his own master and wouldn’t allow his life to be manipulated by others. He would never betray Julia Bluen, ever, because of his absolute loyalty to marriage. Thus, he resented his father’s infidelity. This infidelity had caused his mother to suppress her agony and frustration, leading her to distract herself with card games daily. This, in turn, meant she neglected Adele Horne’s care. Consequently, Adele Horne developed an unpleasant disposition, was easily manipulated by others, and ultimately ended up in her current predicament of being pregnant before marriage.

"Young Master Glades, the meal is ready," Aunt Mai announced as she emerged.

Glades Horne, holding Julia Bluen’s hand, said to the elderly lady, "Grandma, Julia and I will eat now. Julia is hungry." Then he led Julia toward the dining room next to the hall.

The elderly lady smiled faintly and waved her hand, signaling them to eat quickly. Regarding his command, she sighed deeply. So, this grandson of mine has finally decided to take action, she thought. Alas, it was her own failure in raising her children. She hadn’t managed to raise a son as good as Glades Horne. If she had guided her children properly, none of this would have happened today.

An array of delicious dishes was set upon the long dining table. As it had been a family gathering, many courses had been prepared. Portions of almost every dish had been saved for the couple, completely filling the table.