Savannah immediately called Charles after she hung up. “Charles, I was right. It’s Richard! That b*stard is now alive and kicking.”
Charles heaved a sigh of relief, “We’re lucky it’s Richard. Anyways, how is Raymond doing now?”
“He said he’s alright. I offered to see him, but he refused. It’s better this way. I’m already tired from acting for all these years,” Savannah replied annoyedly.
“Hold up, aren’t you supposed to be a caring mother? You should at least pay him a visit to show your concern rather than just a call. Don’t let them suspect you.”
“I wasn’t thinking so much just now. I’ll give him another call later,” Savannah only then realized she indeed didn’t sound like how a mother would react in that situation.
“Go see him now. I just got the news that Archer is in B City.”
“What?” Savannah was shocked. “When was it?”
“I don’t know. But he went to see Dad, and the maid told me. I don’t feel quite right about this,” Charles replied, feeling uneasy.
He continued, “Since Archer is here, he will definitely visit Sir Gavin. You must go to Raymond now and pay Sir Gavin a visit together. And find out why Archer came here.”
Meanwhile, Archer arrived at the Howards’ estate. His driver and bodyguards were behind him, carrying his gifts for Hayden. Lucas hurried out when he heard them, “Mr. Saunders, please, come in!”
“Is Dad home?” Archer asked.
“Yes, Sir Hayden is in the garden. Please come in. I’ll inform him.”
Leading Archer into the living room, Lucas asked the maid to make Archer tea before leaving for the garden.
Hayden was sitting by the pond, listening to the opera as he occasionally threw fish feeds into the pond.
Lucas hurried over to his side, “Sir Hayden, Mr. Saunders is here.”
“What is he here for?” Hayden asked.
“He didn’t say anything, but he brought some gifts. Sir, you should go and see him.”
“Archer hasn’t come here for many years. He must be here for something,” Hayden frowned as he stood up. “Looks like I can never have a peaceful retirement life.”
“Maybe he’s purely here to visit you. You shouldn’t overthink about it,” Lucas tried to cheer him up.
Hayden sneered, “How can I not? First, it was Savannah and Raymond, then Mont. Now, even Archer is here. Almost the entire Saunders family came here. Something is brewing.”
Archer stood up from the sofa when he saw Hayden return to the living room. “Dad,” he called out.
“Sit. Now, what brings you here?” Hayden asked bluntly.
“I came here for business. Since we’re planning to invest in a new company here in B city, I’m here to see how we can cooperate.”
“Investment?” Hayden narrowed his eyes.
“Yes,” Archer replied naturally. “So we might spend more time living here in the future.”
“Is that so? Speaking of company, I just recalled something. Raymond is not young anymore. When are you taking him into your company?”
“I’m not planning to. Company management is not for him,” Archer answered.
“What?” Hayden raised his voice. “You’re going to give up on such a talented person? Who else do you think can manage Saunders Enterprises in the future?”
“We’ll see what happens in the future. For now, I’m planning to establish a foundation and hire an agent to manage it,” Archer replied calmly.
“What about Raymond? What are you going to do for him?”
“He’s already all grown up now. I’m sure he can figure it out. I won’t allow him to rely on his family. Besides, I’m going to send him abroad soon. Since he has been living abroad for all this time, he might do better overseas.”
“Again? Didn’t he just come back?” Hayden’s face dropped.
He always knew that Archer didn’t like Savannah, which made him detest Raymond as well.
But Hayden didn’t expect Archer to hate Raymond to the point that he not only denied Raymond’s rights of inheritance but wanted to send Raymond overseas as well. After all, Raymond was his flesh and blood. There was no reason for Archer to hate Raymond to this extent.
Archer was still indifferent, “Yes, but he’s not doing anything back here anyway. I don’t like people lazing around. Instead of being irritated by him every day, why not send him off my sight?”
Hayden fumed, “So that’s what you’re really thinking! He’s your son! How can you think he’s an eyesore!?”
Archer didn’t waver, “Why can’t I? You used to feel the same towards William.”
Hayden was rendered speechless, “That… That’s a different story.”
“How is it different? You hate William because his birth killed the woman you love. I hate Raymond because his birth made the woman I love leave me. It’s not that different after all.”
That was the first time Archer talked back to Hayden in his face. Hayden trembled, keeping his anger at bay. He had to remind himself that Archer was only his son-in-law, one who didn’t like his daughter.
There was nothing Hayden could do. He sighed, “You have made your point. Get out. Now.”
Archer stood up and straightened his suit, respectfully voicing his opinion, “Dad, I hope you can talk to Raymond. It’ll be better if he leaves by himself than being kicked out by me.” Then, he left.
Hayden remained seated on the sofa, his fists clenched and his face livid.
Was Archer trying to get revenge?
But he must be crazy to use his son to get back on Savannah.
Although Hayden wasn’t very fond of Savannah, she was his daughter. He couldn’t stand Archer treating her and Raymond poorly like this.
Savannah might deserve it, but Raymond was innocent. He didn’t choose the life he was born into, so he shouldn’t suffer from all these.
After Hayden calmed himself down, he called Savannah, “Archer was here. He’s sending Raymond abroad.”
“But Raymond just came back. Why is he sending him away again?” Savannah asked surprisedly. She was on her way to pick up Raymond and visit Gavin.
“Don’t you know that Archer doesn’t like Raymond because of you? He said he’s not going to pass the company to Raymond and that he’s going to establish a foundation. I hope you know what it means.”
Savannah, of course, was aware of what it meant to start a foundation. It seemed like Archer was planning to donate his assets. How did things turn this way?
She didn’t think Archer would really do that. So, she asked, “Dad, are you sure that’s what he meant?”
“Yes, I’m sure. He’s not going to leave a single penny for Raymond.” Hayden laughed coldly, “I told you not to marry someone who doesn’t love you. You’re bringing this to yourself, and you deserve it for not listening to me. However, Raymond shouldn’t be treated like this because of you. Think about it.”