Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1128

Claire clutched at the hem of Cecil's jeans, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Cecil, let's just leave Ms. Thorne and her family alone, okay? Emmett has already given us a whole lot of cash. We should stop pestering them, please..."

Cecil scoffed, a coldness in his voice. Gone were the days when a million dollars seemed like a fortune to him. Ever since he found out about Tarquin and Elysia's real status, that money felt like mere pocket change.

"That kid has my blood running through his veins. His miserable life is only possible because of me. You think this little amount of money is gonna cut it? No way! I'm gonna be on his case for life. He owes me big time!"

What he wanted wasn't just a million dollars. He was after a lifetime of luxury and prestige.

"Cecil, Emmett is still so young, he..."

Cecil's face darkened, silencing her with a glare.

Then, his gaze landed on a set of design sketches by Maria's bedside, sparking his curiosity.

"Who drew these?"

Claire, fearing he might destroy them, quickly intervened.

"Emmett did. It's a gift for his sister."

Emmett had received a teddy bear from Maria and wanted to give something back. So, he designed two outfits for her. Before leaving the hospital, he handed over the sketches as a present, hoping to turn them into real dresses if she liked them.

Cecil, a man far from refined tastes or any understanding of art, failed to recognize the sketches' value. Squinting, he took a closer look, then snapped photos and uploaded them online alongside a picture of Maria with tears in her eyes.

The elder peered at Emmett's photo, nodding in acknowledgment.

"He does remind me of my younger self."

Revisiting the sketches, he mused, "A rare talent indeed. Let's make a trip to Silver City."

The assistant was taken aback. "You're going personally?"

"Yes, this child deserves my personal attention. Arrange the private jet. We leave today. Avoid the media, we'll go discreetly."

"Understood."