"He should have left long ago. He's only going to bring us trouble if he stays here," Dustin said frostily.

"Before your father left, he asked me to talk you into returning to the Rhys family. I refused." Gregory sat down on a chair and poured himself a cup of tea.

"I told him that the Rhys household is a dangerous place to be in. I'd much rather see you do what you love and live your best life out here than be constantly caught in power struggles and deceitful manipulations back there. Surprisingly, he agreed. He told me that all he wants is for you to be happy, and that the Rhys family will always be there to back you up. His only wish is for you to make time to go back and visit your mother's grave to pay her respect."

Dustin stood there, frozen in place, when he heard that. He felt a prick on his chest, right above his heart. He reached up to find that it was the crystal necklace that his mother had left him.

Taking in a deep breath, he said, "I'll go back. But now's not the time