Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 617 Age Is Just a Number

Despite all the discussions, not even a single agenda was resolved. Everyone's attention was on the last item on the list. These elders, thinking that they had taken a step back for the first two agendas for the sake of Lachlan, refused to bow for the last one.

Philip said, "Naomi's return is… no small matter. It's not something that can be decided in a single session of a conference. We have much to think about."

One of the elders said, "He's right. This is a rule set in stone by our ancestors, and we shall not budge for a single person."

Another said, "Besides, Waylen's journey to Highside is a vastly different matter from her departure. She insisted on leaving with the man even if it meant her exclusion from the family tree. Not even we could stop her, but now she expects to return without any repercussions? Preposterous."

Philip let the elders go on arguing. Eventually, he held up his hand and looked at Naomi, who was still kneeling with her head hung low this whole time. "Do you remember what you said before you departed this family?"

"I shall be cut off from the family tree and never step foot in Jamesdon ever again."

"Good," said Philip. "So, what brings you back here?"

"I failed as a daughter. Now that my father has departed this world, I wish to stay with him for three years." Before anyone could say anything, she continued, "I do not dream of being reintroduced to the family tree. All I wish is to stay with my father in the halls of our ancestors."

Lachlan said, "That is Grandpa's dying wish and Aunt Naomi wants to fulfill it. I trust there is no objection?"

Everyone gulped down their words and turned to Philip. They knew Philip wouldn't go against Lachlan, not if he still wanted to marry Charlotte to him.

Philip said, "Very well. Three years. Not a day less. Come here every day and kneel before the ancestors. At the same time, you should repent and reflect upon your wrongdoings."

Aidan frowned. He took a step forward, but Leanna held his hand tightly. She had no idea what was going on, but Naomi wasn't even looking at Aidan. Lachlan and Philip weren't bringing him up either. They obviously didn't want the other elders to know who Aidan was.

"I understand," said Naomi.

to a close. The punished person will stay. Everyone

The other elders made their

to look at Aidan and Leanna.

Lachlan a look of displeasure,

something, but in the end, she swallowed her words. I'll find my answers soon. She looked away and saw Aidan looking

of relief. Man, that was intense. He plopped down on the ground

her shoulder. "Alright, you can stop kneeling

Charlotte shrugged and ignored

believe you'd argue with the old g—" He stopped mid-sentence, for Naomi was shooting him

you say," said

in gratitude. Naomi turned her attention back to the tablets in front of her and closed

mention of that filled Charlotte with anger. "He's ten years older than me. Ten. Years! And he's scary. If I marry

He's not a cannibal.

"Oh, wait. He's feral. He eats things raw. Ugh, imagining him lathering me with barbecue sauce is

is this idiot talking about? "What the hell are

no matter what. I have someone

is also

"I understand," said Naomi.

"That brings this meeting to a close. The punished person will stay.

is just a number,"

"Morality isn't. He's married."

I can