novelraw Chapter 407: Bessie Leclair’s Wedding, Tears Open an Old Wound of the Cloud Family
Chapter 407: Bessie Leclair’s Wedding, Tears Open an Old Wound of the Cloud Family
"The matters of your Cloud Family are best settled within your own household. Right now, I only need clarity on one thing: Sylvester, you and Delphine are father and daughter—what on earth is going on here? This child has been an orphan, fostered in our Leclair Family for several years. As the Family Head, I need to know the full story." The Leclair patriarch, impatient with the quarrel among the Cloud Family members, tapped his dragon-headed sandalwood cane sharply and directed his question at Sylvester.
At the mention of Delphine, and recalling that Rosy Wood had passed away from illness years ago, Sylvester was overcome with bittersweet emotions. He began recounting the events of that era in full detail.
It turned out that back then, when the Cloud Family’s previous Family Head—Sylvester’s father—was still alive, he had originally intended for Sylvester to inherit the vast family estate. Compared to his eldest son, Cloud, the second son Sylvester possessed a broader mindset, a wide circle of acquaintances, and a natural talent for oratory unparalleled with charm and affinity. Yet, Sylvester cared little for wealth and status, instead seeking a life of personal fulfillment—until he encountered the runaway Rosy Wood on an ocean liner.
Rosy had a reserved yet gentle personality, but was also incredibly brave and resilient. She yearned for a life of freedom and independence, unbound by constraints. The two fell deeply in love at first sight.
Marriage among children of prominent families was never free, let alone when inheritance was at stake.
The couple faced unprecedented obstacles. Sylvester resolved to abandon everything, taking Rosy with him to leave the South Seas, assemble an expedition team, and travel the world together.
That year, Sylvester had already recruited five expedition team members from various nations. When he returned from spending time with them, he discovered Rosy had left.
His father and elder brother claimed that Rosy’s childhood sweetheart had found her and taken her back home to marry. Sylvester waited in the South Seas for a year, searching for her, only to ultimately discover that even the name "Rosy Wood" was an alias. Stricken by heartbreak, he left everything behind, embracing a nomadic life that spanned two decades among the Four Seas.
Experiencing both immense sorrow and joy in less than a day, combined with injuries from a car accident, Sylvester’s relationships with his elder brother and sister-in-law fractured anew. Having finished recounting the past, Sylvester could no longer hold himself together.
"Delphine, take your second uncle to the hospital to have his injuries treated and, while you’re there, conduct a paternity test to clear up any misunderstandings." Sylvester gave his instructions. Ignatius Leclair, coldly and with detachment, began delegating the necessary tasks: "I’ll go to the hospital to check on Lady Gu. Butler, call my father and let him know that Lady Gu is in critical condition."
"As for the matters of the Cloud Family, you can settle them among yourselves." Ignatius stated methodically. "Other issues will be addressed later."
"I’ll go with Delphine." Leah, having followed the events closely and witnessed the shocking turn of events, now saw how Delphine, as though struck by fortune, had not only found her biological father but also how this second uncle of hers had mustered the audacity to defy the Cloud Family for his wife and child. This display of courage and resolve immediately won Leah’s admiration, and she couldn’t help but feel happy for Delphine.
If Sylvester couldn’t stand up to the Cloud Family couple, there was still her Squire Family to rely on. However, judging from Leah’s observations, Sylvester was clearly not one to shrink back easily, capable of surprising feats once he chose to act.
Ignatius cast a cold glance toward Leah, his face darkening.
Leah sneered in response. "Ignatius, you scoundrel, still trying to rely on the hospital visit as an excuse to monopolize Delphine? You can keep dreaming!"
"All of you, just go to the hospital already! It’s first thing in the morning, and you’re all making a racket!" The Leclair patriarch had been awakened from his bed by the commotion. Seeing the Cloud Family’s unresolved feud burst into the open, he spoke gruffly, ordering them out. He cast a regretful glance at Sylvester, a good child caught in the middle between his parents, uncle, and cousin—it was the most painful position to be in.
The patriarch turned and walked away, intent on enjoying an early cup of tea.
The Cloud Family couple departed in anger, their faces grim.
No one had expected that Bessie Leclair’s wedding would expose an old wound of the Cloud Family, a wound that, if handled poorly, could unleash a massive storm that would engulf the entire South Seas region.