When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him

Chapter 1889 Treat Both Of You Fairly

Every time her other son was brought up, Elena's mood would instantly drop. She couldn't understand how such deep conflict could exist between her two children.

Nathaniel understood what his mother was going through. He cast a cold look at Nicholas and said, "This isn't something that can be settled with just an apology. Uncle Robert, don't think siding with Nicholas is going to get you off the hook."

His tone was calm—not too soft, not too harsh-but it carried a weight that sent chills down spines.

Robert's smile slowly vanished.

Miranda, his daughter-in-law, stepped forward. "Nathaniel, come on, we're all family. Your Uncle Robert made a mistake this time. Can't you find it in your heart to let it go?"

Adrian spoke up, too. "Nathaniel, we really do know we were wrong. My father's getting older, and sometimes he just doesn't think straight."

Robert knew it wasn't the time to argue. "Nathaniel, just tell me what you want. I'll give it to you as an apology," he offered.

Nathaniel had been waiting to hear that. "I want the piece of land you just got downtown."

That land had originally belonged to Niel. After his death, everything went to Robert. This particular plot was priceless—something even money couldn't easily buy. It had been a reward given to Nathaniel's great-grandfather years ago in recognition of his service.

When Robert got his hands on it, it was like acquiring an entire commercial hub. Whether he planned to build or invest, it was a gold mine.

"No way!" Robert rejected instantly. He'd been after that land for years, but Niel had held onto it tightly. Now that it was finally his, he had big plans for it.

"Then get ready to receive a lawyer's letter from my company," Nathaniel said, ending the conversation without another glance.

Robert opened his mouth to say more, but Nathaniel had already lost all interest. He turned to a housekeeper and said, "Please show our guest out."

The housekeeper politely asked the whole family to leave.

Robert was ushered away.

Once the others were gone, only Nathaniel's immediate family remained in the room. Wren and Elena stood there, facing their two sons, looking completely overwhelmed.

Elena turned to Nicholas. "Nicholas, Nathaniel is your brother. Why are you siding with outsiders?"

Nicholas' expression was steady. "No real reason. I'm just bitter."

"You're bitter?" Wren exploded. "What do you even have to be bitter about? The Rainsworth family has always treated you both fairly. Because of your poor health, we let Nathaniel run the company. And when Nathaniel had his issues, didn't you step in and manage it too?"

"Honestly, you should do some serious self-reflection!" Wren

continued, getting more worked up. "When you headed Orion

ovel.ne

Corporation, it was a disaster. But

Nathaniel didn't have those

problems..."

Wren didn't notice Nicholas' face growing darker and darker with every word.

Nicholas gave a bitter smile. “Yeah, I'm always second-best compared to Nathaniel." They looked exactly the same, but when they stood side by side, Nicholas always felt like the background character.

Wren kept going. "Since you were kids, I've always told you both to stick together.

Your brother's always followed that. He's never turned on you!"

“Dad, your idea of raising us was showing up now and then and having a few conversations?" Nicholas looked up at his father, that flash of contempt clear in his eyes.

To him, Wren had always been a distant, hands-off parent-not someone who'd really been there.noveldrama

Wren's face went rigid, clearly at a loss for words.

Elena picked up on the tension. She reached for Nicholas' hand. "Nicholas, don't talk like that."

But Nicholas pulled his hand away. Her hand froze in mid-air. Her heart ached in a way she couldn't put into words.