The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1779

Alyssa cast a doubtful glance at them, "What's up with you two? Strangers now?"

Robin snapped back to reality, forcing an awkward smile, "Mother, what brings you here?"

"What? I can't see my own son now?"

Robin pursed his lips, "I’m happy to see you, mother."

Alyssa sighed inwardly. Her son could sometimes be too serious, not the type to handle jokes well. "I've finally managed to divorce. Came over to celebrate with a meal."

Robin took a moment, glancing at the expressionless Royce, then back at his mother's demeanor from start to finish. She seemed oblivious to the recent happenings. He relaxed a little upon realizing this, quickly saying, "I'll have the cooks prepare something right away."d2

"No need. I'll cook today and prepare the dishes you used to love."

Robin looked surprised, unable to believe what his mother just said. "No...no need..."

"Don't worry. I won't make it too spicy. I guess with age, tastes change the most."

"But your health..."

"I know my limits." Hannah gave him a reassuring nod and guided Alyssa inside.

Robin stood there, looking at Royce, lips moving but no words forming.

Royce merely held Elizabeth close, giving him an indifferent look before entering the house.

Robin stood outside for a moment longer before following them in. His wife had grown accustomed to life in Hong Kong and had returned there after just a few days here. He had been busy with work and had been living alone. The villa was large but simply furnished. Most of his time was spent at Harper's Mansion. Sometimes he even stayed overnight at the office, so the house rarely felt lively.

Alyssa looked around, feeling a pang of sympathy. Elizabeth was also surprised by his living conditions.

Though Robin always kept his concerns to himself, his intentions were not hard to figure out. Since he had the intention to fight for the Harper family, it was surprising to see him leading such a simple life.

"What are you thinking? You are a Harper after all. Why live so frugally?" Alyssa was displeased with his current state, "We work hard to earn money so we can enjoy life. You're at an age where you should be enjoying life. We spend the first half of our lives working for ourselves, the second half for our kids. Your kids are doing great; your life should be fulfilled. You need to let go of whatever's troubling you."

Alyssa was blunt, but her words were somewhat subtle. He was a man after all, and she worried that being too harsh might hurt his pride.

Robin merely nodded, "You're right, Mother. As long as the kids are happy, I should be content."

"Glad you understand. It's not too late."

The living room fell silent for a moment. Not just Alyssa, even Elizabeth sensed the unusual atmosphere. "What's wrong? Why the long face now? Is something bothering you?"

Robin shook his head, "No."

Alyssa was a bit upset, "Even if there was, you probably wouldn't tell me. I'll head to the kitchen. You two brothers should catch up."

Robin tightened his lips, "Take care, Mother."

Elizabeth was still puzzled, but she followed Alyssa to the kitchen to help.

Royce sat on the sofa. Robin sat in a chair beside him, brewed the coffee and pushed the cup in front of Royce. Royce's expression was indifferent as he picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"I'm sorry, for everything." It was a while before Robin spoke.

Royce didn't respond. The atmosphere in the room was frosty.

After a few minutes, Royce finished his tea. He stood up and said, "Let's go for a walk."

Robin put down his cup and followed silently.

They walked along the covered walkway towards a garden, surrounded by several small buildings.

"Have you sorted everything out?" Royce asked.

"There's nothing to sort out. I don't want to make a scene."

"You're not going to handle it, then? Have you thought about what you're going to tell our mother? And your wife, your son, how will you explain to them? Do you really think disappearing without a trace is a good solution? Or do you think that since you're going to jail, it doesn't matter what happens to them?"

"Of course not." Robin was silent for a moment before he finally said, "I'll tell them I'm going on a business trip, expanding the Harper family's market. A few years should suffice. When...when Mother passes, I'll tell my wife."

"After Mother passes." Royce muttered.

They reached the park, surrounded by neatly arranged pines and cypresses. Even in the harsh winter, they were lush and green.

Robin nodded, "From now on, please take care of Father and Mother. You and Elizabeth should settle down. And I hope you and Damon can keep this from Travis. He's at a crucial stage of his life. I don't want to ruin his life's efforts."

Royce stopped abruptly, turning to look at him with icy gazes. "You realize what you've done could ruin your son's life?"

Robin kept silent. Suddenly, he felt a punch to his face, causing him to stumble and finally fall to the ground.

He looked up at Royce. He had never seen his brother, who always kept his emotions in check, so angry.

His anger was palpable; it was more than just being irate. The cold emanating from him was almost lethal.

"I'm sorry..."

Royce stepped towards him, grabbing his collar and pulling him up before landing another punch in his stomach. "Tell me, what exactly have you done? And think about whether your apology deserves a response!"

A punch to Robin's gut had him crumpling in pain, his face contorted in a grimace with a thin trail of blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His eyes were rimmed red, the pained expression on his face unmistakable.

"I'm sorry..."

"Smack!"