And The Daddy Is… The Infertile Guy?!

Chapter 17

The Chadwick Manor perched on the affluent hillsides of Bayridge City, its sprawling gardens a nod to the old European estates of yesteryear. Its grandeur was understated yet opulent, with intricate carvings adorning the eaves and deep red roof tiles that seemed to whisper of a storied past.

The Chadwick family was divided into two branches. The senior branch resided in the Chadwick Manor, while the junior branch had set up residence in the city center. Howard, the family’s black sheep, had moved into a modest townhouse, though a recent injury had brought his parents to his side for care.

At six in the evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and twilight began to settle, Gwendolyn wheeled Howard through the lengthy corridor to the dining hall.

The room was ablaze with light and bustling with silhouettes. Maids hustled about, laying out a feast on the long table while a commanding female voice urged them on.

“That’s your aunt Farrah,” Roselind whispered to Gwendolyn, “a woman of keen wit and sharp tongue. The man lounging on the settee is your uncle, ruthless and a master of pretense.”

It seemed the Chadwick family was a nest of vipers, and Gwendolyn took note.

Farrah, spotting Howard, greeted him and his family with a sardonic smile. “You finally arrived. Poor Howard in his wheelchair, it just breaks my heart.”

Her eyes were narrow and fox–like, her chin pointed, which was a clear sign not to be trifled

with.

as acerbic as ever,”

sly glance at Gwendolyn. “So, this is your country bride. A true match with a country lass and

like daggers to the junior

Jeannie retorted, “Aunt Farrah, did you forget to do some mouth washing this morning? Your words stink more than your

her face darkening. “How dare you speak to

honesty,” Jeannie retorted, hands on hips, ready

Farrah swung a slap at her niece, but Jeannie was no pushover. She caught Farrah’s hand mid–strike, twisting it

this

venerable voice echoed from the stairwell. There stood the patriarch, Warren,

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Chapter 17

blue smoking jacket, leaning on a cane with an ornate dragon head. His eyes were sharp, his presence commanding. Beside

their

and everyone gathered