Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1045

Roger's eyes suddenly widened as he had an epiphany.

"Goodness, Clayton! You're protecting the Thorne family, mother and son alike. Don't tell me it's because that woman looks a bit like Irene, and you've started seeing her as your own daughter?!"

Roger burst into laughter, "Give it up, man! If she were your daughter, I'd be calling you grandpa! I'd take the Hawkins name!"

Clayton gritted his teeth, "The Hawkins family doesn't need a grandson like you!"

"Hmph! Just so you know, your daughter's long gone. Stop holding onto any fantasies!"

"I didn't ask for your opinion on my daughter!"

Clayton, refusing to discuss his daughter any further, shifted the topic.

"Larry, now there's a rare find. You better announce him as your son-in-law to the world, Roger, before someone else snatches him away!"

"I'll make the announcement today. Let everyone know that the child Clayton raised now calls me 'dad'!"

Bobby, irked, tapped his cane. "Will you just shut it!"

Bobby had never been fond of Larry.

Despite Larry's good looks, high education, and sharp wit, which allowed him to comfortably navigate around Clayton, he was still an orphan. He had no powerful family background, no significant social status, no wealth, and no power - hardly a match for his granddaughter!

His initial approval of their relationship was solely for Clayton's sake.

He had heard about the inheritance Clayton left for Larry, and given Clayton's affection for Larry, it was bound to be substantial.

But with things having soured to this extent, with Clayton detesting Larry, there was no chance of any more favors.

Without Clayton, Larry was nothing but an unwanted stray dog!

Only a fool like Roger would take an interest in him!

Announcing Larry as the prospective son-in-law of the Murphy family now would make them the laughingstock of the entire elite circle!

He would never allow his granddaughter to be with Larry!

Evan, curious, said, "These three men look so much like grandma. Are they great-uncles?"

Elliot, somewhat excited, asked, "Are they from the Patel family?"

The Patel family was shrouded in mystery, elusive even to him and Elijah.

Emmett, in a babyish voice, asked, "Did the great-uncles come to protect grandma and grandpa because they knew they were in danger?"

Elysia's heart rate picked up. Were these... their uncles?

Downstairs, upon seeing them, Clayton quickly greeted, "Big brother, second brother, third brother."

The three nodded, positioning themselves beside Clayton, ready to stand against the Murphy family.

"Where's Pamela?" Joshua Patel, the eldest brother, asked.

Clayton's face was filled with guilt. Pamela had suffered for years, and as her husband, he bore an undeniable responsibility.