When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel)

Wren's arms suddenly felt weightless, and he froze where he stood.

"Luke, Gabe, I'm Grandpa."

Reaching toward Gabriel, he found the boy darting away, unwilling to be held.

Elena's voice turned icy and mocking. "You barely spared them a glance all these years, and now you think you can just pick them up? To them, you're a stranger."

Crouching, Wren found himself unable to refute a single word.

He clenched his fists. "I'm a man. How was I supposed to look after two toddlers?"

"Oh, so a woman automatically should?" Elena's cold laugh cut the air. "You refused to care for the children, but did you ever fulfill a father's duty? Nathaniel and Nicholas—who raised them? And the Rainsworth Group-if I hadn't juggled the crises, it would have gone under long ago."

Seeing the quarrel spiraling, Wren hurried to change the subject.

"Enough. Let's stop." He heaved a long, weary sigh. "I'll call the children home myself. If you want to join us, fine."

With that, Wren turned and walked away.

Elena, no longer angry, decided to drop everything and let Wren handle the mess on his own.

quarters, Wren first phoned

visited the Rainsworth residence in ages and barely spoke to his father. Wren had no idea what he

call connected quickly. Nicholas

It's been ages since

handle over the holiday.

on New Year's Day?" Wren's brows knit. "What

home and leave work

tightened his grip

I'm busy. I'm not

his mouth to say more,

had no choice but to dial

we can come for one meal. But

mom isn't well;

of the

right, that's only

details with Nathaniel,

to prepare a

to let Elena know that Nathaniel will be home

sat alone in the living