So that was the devastating reality.
The entire journey back to Olisvale Bay passed in oppressive silence.
The vehicle came to a halt directly in front of the imposing south wing.
Eric emerged first from the car, with Phillips trailing closely in his wake.
Within the house, warm lights continued to glow invitingly. Through the expansive floor-to-ceiling glass wall, both Ferris and Megan remained positioned on the plush sofa in the elegantly appointed living room.
Eric moved forward with heavy steps.
The moment he crossed the threshold into the spacious foyer, both Ferris and Megan rose to greet him in unison.
“Eric.”
“You’re back?”
Ferris studied his son with penetrating intensity, requiring no confirmation before stating, “You went to see Hadley. What conclusion have you reached? Was I telling the truth?”
“That doesn’t excuse you from concealing part of the truth from me!” Eric lifted his chin defiantly, his eyes narrowing with cold disdain as he radiated an aura of untouchable superiority.
“If I hadn’t discovered the truth, my daughter would have been completely obliterated by your web of deception!”
“What exactly do you intend to do about it?” The exhausting night had worn thin Ferris’s already fraying patience. He struck his cane sharply against the marble floor.
“Yes, I concealed it from you. So what are you going to do about it?”
Eric found himself completely powerless; his breathing became increasingly labored.
Indeed, what action could he possibly take against Ferris?
This was his father, after all.
“Eric.” Ferris released a weary sigh, his voice shifting to a gentler register.
“Yes, I was wrong to conceal Joy’s existence. I offer my sincere apologies. You love her, and you should compensate for the lost time. The Scott family will never allow any harm to come to her.”
“You don’t need to lecture me! I’ll handle it myself!” Eric’s gaze turned dangerously dark, his voice dripping with bitter impatience.
“Is that everything? If so, you can leave now!”
With a sharp wave of his hand, he effectively dismissed them like unwanted servants.
“Eric…” Megan’s voice trembled with visible anxiety. From the moment Eric had walked through the door, he hadn’t so much as glanced in her direction.
“Megan…” Ferris shook his head meaningfully at her.
“It’s grown quite late, and now that Eric has returned safely, you can put your mind at ease. I’ll arrange for someone to escort you home so your family won’t be concerned.”
Megan parted her lips as if to speak, wanting to voice her thoughts, but ultimately simply nodded in resignation.
“Okay.”
“Good.” Ferris gestured for her departure while signaling to Cordell.
“Make the necessary arrangements.”
.
.
.