“Hah!” Hunter chuckled coldly, then sat down and said, “It seems Mr. Scott has misunderstood me. My cousin and I grew up together. Whenever anyone looked down on her or mocked her, I would always step in to protect her. If it weren’t for the changes in my family a few years ago, I would never have left her.”
Hunter wasn’t stupid. He could sense an undercurrent in Felicity’s words, as if this Kayden had feelings for her.
As a child, Felicity was often mocked, bullied, and looked down upon. But Hunter had always been the one person who never hurt her. Instead, he protected her and chased off those who tormented her.
Because of this, Felicity had a special fondness for Hunter. After all, aside from her father, he was the first man to ever stand up for her.
“So what if you’re her family?” Kayden said coldly, his voice sharp. “I’ve already told you, this has nothing to do with you! I saved Felicity because I wanted to, because I believe she’s worth saving.”
Felicity glanced awkwardly at Kayden, wondering to herself, Is he jealous? Could it be because my cousin is here? She wasn’t experienced in matters of love but had read plenty of those sweet, silly romance novels.
Kayden wasn’t jealous. He just felt that Hunter’s intentions weren’t pure.
Although he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was off, the strength Hunter had displayed earlier suggested he wasn’t an ordinary person. Kayden had a gut feeling that Hunter knew something about Felicity’s secret and had come here for a reason.
With that suspicion, Kayden directed a trace of hostility toward Hunter.
Even if it was mistaken for jealousy, he didn’t mind. His goal was still to ensure Felicity’s safety.
Hearing the hostility in Kayden’s words, Hunter chuckled again, his tone genuine. “Perhaps Mr. Scott doesn’t fully understand our relationship. We’re family. You helped my family, so naturally, I owe you my thanks. You may not need my gratitude now, but there will come a time when you’ll find it useful.”
After speaking, Hunter opened a black backpack and pulled out a thick stack of cash-about $200, 000.
He placed the money on the table and said to Felicity and her mother, “This is the money I’ve saved over the years. I originally intended to use it for Aunt Mona’s surgery. Now that her health has improved, the money isn’t needed for that anymore. I don’t have much use for it myself, so I’d like you to have it.”
Felicity and her mother exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with indescribable emotion. Felicity’s mother quickly waved her hands and said, “No, no, we can’t accept this, Hunter. This is your money; how could we possibly take it?”
Hunter sighed and said, “Aunt Mona, didn’t I just say that you’re my only family in this world? This money means little to me, but it could mean a lot more to you. Keep it. Besides, I’m planning to stay here and look after you. The money will still be here, whether it’s with you or me.”
Hearing this, Felicity’s mother was overjoyed. After all, Hunter was her late brother’s son and her only remaining blood relative. Having a family member by her side was something she’d longed for.
She hurriedly said, “Hunter, it warms my heart that you think of me as your only family. But I can’t take this money. You should keep it for yourself, perhaps to save for a wedding.”
“You’re not getting any younger. It’s time for you to find a wife and settle down. If you had a family of your own, your parents could rest in peace, and I’d feel at ease too.”
Hunter smiled shyly and said, “Aunt Mona, actually, there’s something even more important I wanted to tell you this time. I’ve made up my mind-I want to marry Felicity.”
He said it all in one breath, then turned his gaze to Felicity, his eyes filled with emotion.
Both Felicity and her mother froze for a moment, then turned to look at Kayden.
Kayden’s expression remained calm as he stared at Hunter, showing no hint of reaction.
Before either of them could speak, Hunter continued, “Aunt Mona, I’ve known since I was a child how much Felicity has suffered. Back then, I made a vow to always stay by her side and protect her. If my family hadn’t encountered those misfortunes, I wouldn’t have left. If I hadn’t left, you wouldn’t have endured so much hardship.”
“Felicity has been through so much. And so have you.”
“Of course, this isn’t about appearances. Even before I came here, I had already made my decision-I want to marry Felicity. No matter what she looks like, I will marry her.”
The two were cousins, sharing a blood relation. But in many places, such unions weren’t uncommon, especially in the past.
Felicity glanced cautiously at Kayden, hoping for some reaction, but he remained as composed as ever. This left her feeling a twinge of disappointment.
Taking a deep breath, Felicity said softly, “Cousin, you must be tired. How about you have something to eat and get some rest first?”
“Felicity!” Hunter suddenly grabbed her small hand, his expression serious. “I came back this time to protect you. Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one will ever dare to bully you again. I truly care for you. Since I was a child, I’ve been determined to protect you, to stop anyone from mocking or looking down on you.”
Felicity quickly pulled her hand away and lowered her head. “I’m sorry, cousin. I already have someone I like.”
Blushing, she turned and walked into the other room.
Hunter froze, about to ask her something, but then a thought struck him. His gaze shifted to Kayden.
Could it be him?
There was no doubt in his mind now. Felicity must have feelings for this man. Why else would he be here?
Staring at Kayden, Hunter felt a surge of anger ignite within him.
“Brother, can we talk?” Hunter’s eyes locked onto Kayden’s, his tone sharp.
Kayden glanced at Hunter, his expression calm. “There’s nothing for us to talk about. I don’t need your help.”
“That’s not what I meant. I want to talk about Felicity,” Hunter pressed.
Sensing the tension, Felicity’s mother quickly interjected, “Hunter, Kayden is a guest in our home and a great help to us. Don’t do anything rash! You’re too brash sometimes.”
In her heart, Felicity’s mother had a clear distinction. Kayden was their benefactor, while Hunter was family. The two roles were entirely different. At this moment, her respect for Kayden outweighed her familial affection for Hunter.