Chapter 327

"Kid's freaking out, but the old man's cool as a cucumber."

Tarquin glanced back at Elijah, "So, you're telling me I'll regret not being nice to her?"

Elijah shot back, "You bet you will!"

"Why's that?"

"Because... if your son likes her, there's gotta be a reason, right? It proves she's worth the affection! Imagine if you end up falling for her and you've been a jerk to her now, you're gonna kick yourself later!"

Tarquin was adamant, "I won't fall for her!"

Elijah, frustrated, "But what if you do?!"

"That's not gonna happen!"

"I'm just saying, what if! What if!!!" Elijah was on the verge of losing it.

Tarquin remained aloof, a smirk on his face, "There are no 'what ifs'. I'll never fall for her in this lifetime."

Elijah was speechless. Stubborn old man! Stubborn old man! Stubborn old man!

Hopeless case!

And he's still smirking. Well, we'll see how long that lasts!

Elijah couldn't stand talking to Tarquin any longer, turning away with a scowl.

He couldn't bear to look at his foolish father another second!

Elliot knew Elijah was anxious, especially since Tarquin was emotionally clueless!

Elijah was so disappointed, he was sulking!

This wasn't the time for open-hearted reassurances for Elijah, all Elliot could do was give him a discreet nudge as a sign of comfort.

Then, he turned to Tarquin, asking seriously, "Do you think my plan's solid?"

"It is," Tarquin admitted.

"Then don't forget our deal. Adults shouldn't lie to kids. You've got to win my mom over! And if you fail, don't come crying to us later wanting to see her or Elijah, because it won't happen!"

Elliot was bluffing to scare his own dad!

Tarquin frowned but conceded, "...I get it."

Elliot breathed a sigh of relief internally, feeling like they'd dodged a bullet for the night.

He looked at Tarquin, adding meaningfully, "Elijah's battling his demons, and mom really feels for him, cares about him. She's genuinely nice to Elijah, not trying to use him to get to you or wreck the bond you two have. She's not your enemy; she's been your blessing!

Even if you don't like her, you should at least treat her with respect, be grateful. You shouldn't upset her, misjudge her!

Did you ever consider, without my mom, Elijah might totally lose it?"

Tarquin was silent.

Elliot decided he'd said enough, leaving the rest unsaid, having made his point clear.

"Think it over. We're gonna check on Elijah."

With that, he grabbed Elijah and Emmett, heading off to meet up with Evan.

No sooner had the trio left than Tarquin's phone rang. It was Lowell, "Tarquin, it's bad! Ms. Thorne's in trouble!"