The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart (Brittany and Isaac) novel Chapter 1216

The bottle of vintage wine was bought by Caleb Malone the year Kari was born, a token of love and hope for the future.

Sadly, Caleb passed away years ago.

Now, as Kari was getting married, Willa, her mother, couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart thinking about her late husband: "Kari, all these years, I know it's been tough on you. Now that you're starting a new life with Ronald, just be happy and don't worry me."

Tears welled up in Kari's eyes as she hugged Willa, "Mom."

Ronald watched the mother and daughter, his silence speaking volumes.

Willa, not one to hold her liquor well, got tipsy after a couple of glasses. Kari helped her back to her room, her eyes red when she returned.

"Is Mom okay?" Ronald asked, concerned.

"She's just had a bit too much to drink, she's asleep now."

Kari was worried, "Do you need me to come with you back to the Malone estate tonight?"

"No, it's fine."

Ronald served her a bowl of chicken soup, "Mom made it, it's been simmering for hours. Try to have some."

Kari struggled to eat under Ronald's gaze, but managed to finish a bowl. Ronald wanted her to eat more.

"I can't, really."

Reluctantly, Ronald let it go, "You've had some wine tonight, don't worry about cleaning up. I'll take care of it when I get back."

As Kari watched Ronald leave, she felt uneasy. She wanted to follow him, but the alcohol made her dizzy, forcing her to give up the idea.

Upon returning to the Malone estate, Ronald was greeted not by a welcoming door but by the sounds of uproar.

The family was in an uproar about his marriage.

Caleb, full of righteous anger, was the loudest, "Dad, I told you, Ronald's just a stray who can't be tamed. No matter how good you are to him, it doesn't change anything!"

"Yeah, he's not really one of us!"

"Grandpa, I'm sorry."

Though Ronald apologized, he didn't feel he was in the wrong, his aloof demeanor only fueling Caleb's anger.

"Ronald, you're part of this family. You can't just marry on a whim. How can I trust you with the Malone legacy if you act so rashly? Marrying Kari... what were you thinking?"

Caleb never really accepted Ronald; after all, he was a result of one of Caleb's youthful indiscretions, not his only secret child.

He couldn't control him, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

Ronald wasn't someone he could easily influence, yet the old man favored him, even considering him as his successor.

Caleb had long wanted to push Ronald out, leaving the path clear for his favored son to take over the Malone legacy.

Now, an opportunity had presented itself. How could he let it slip by?

"If you're so worried, Dad, then maybe it's best if I leave the Malone estate."