The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1360

Darren crumpled the soda can in his hand, his momentary soft-heartedness completely extinguished.

All that remained was a bitter chill and burning rage.

For years he had poured his heart and soul into being the benevolent patriarch, and yet, in their eyes, he was worth less than the almighty dollar and shares in the company.

His life, and the lives of his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, didn't seem to weigh as much as those assets!

No wonder his father had gripped his hand tightly on his deathbed, urgently cautioning Darren never to let his brothers into the family business.

Even then, his father had seen their true colors, knowing their insatiable greed would one day lead to disaster.

"It's all my fault, I was too soft then, too trusting." Darren rambled to Arabella, "When I first took over the company, I was swamped, working all hours. They came begging me, time and again, wanting internships and vowing they wouldn’t take a penny, just wanted to ease my burden, saying they couldn’t bear to see me so overworked. I actually believed them!"

Looking back, he felt like a fool.

"Grandpa, you trusted them, and I think that's far more precious," Arabella said with a wisdom beyond her years, "but they just didn’t value it."

Darren looked at his granddaughter, feeling a stinging sensation in his nose, "They've lived half their lives and still aren't as clear-sighted as a child."

After a heavy silence, Darren added, "What was once a good home is falling apart. I wonder if my father is turning in his grave, blaming me for letting the wolves in."

"There was never a perfect home, Grandpa," Arabella comforted, "You thought we were united and loving, but that might have been true only in your eyes. To them, it wasn't about brotherly love or family warmth, it was all about the benefits in your and Uncle Bard's hands."

Darren realized she had a point.