Reborn Young Miss: Phoenix Burning Red-Chapter 177: Counteroffer (1)

To stop the Jiang family from harming their mother further, Hunter and Adrienne arranged for Rosemary to be returned home to the Zhao family estate immediately. Their Uncle Reese was expected to return from his long mission in a few weeks, which meant the Jiang family wouldn’t have any chance to get close to Rosemary without dealing with her younger brother first.

The Zhao family estate was busy for the first time in a long while. Old Madam Zhao had been ecstatic to see her grandchildren and daughter finally home after so many years of separation. Meanwhile, Old Master Zhao could only look at them with a bittersweet smile.

It was obvious to him that his grandchildren held resentment toward him. After all, he had forsaken their mother after Rosemary married the Jiang family. Would the Jiang family dare bully the three if he’d shown support and protection over the years?

As he watched his grandchildren interact with his wife, Old Master Zhao couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret for his choices. He wondered if things would have been different if he had been there for them, offering protection throughout the years. The weight of his past actions now bore heavily on his heart as he realized the consequences they had on his family.

One night, Old Master Zhao found himself unable to sleep. He tossed and turned in his bed, his thoughts consumed with guilt and regret. The moon outside was full, casting a soft glow over his room, but it did nothing to ease the turmoil in his heart.

He decided to step out to get some fresh air to ease his mood. The entire manor was dimly lit, as most residents were already in slumber. Suddenly, a feminine voice reached his ears. He knew it was not his wife, as she had long since retired for the night.

When he reached the living area, Old Master Zhao was surprised to see Hunter and Adrienne discussing something with the three lady bodyguards they brought. They immediately stopped conversing when they noticed his presence.

"Addie? Hunter?" he said, surprised. "What are you two doing here?"

"I couldn’t sleep," Adrienne answered, her voice as soft as his. "I saw my brother’s light still on and thought I would come and keep him company here. We have something to talk about anyway."

"I’m having a hard time sleeping in a new place." Her brother admitted it to their grandfather.

Old Master Zhao felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at his grandchildren. They are so grown up now. Adrienne was so beautiful, and Hunter grew up as a fine young man, yet Old Master Zhao barely knew them. He wondered what he could say to them and, how he could make up for lost time.

"I’m sorry," he blurted out before he could stop himself. "I’m sorry for everything. For not being there for your mother, for not being there for you."

Hunter said nothing but glanced at his younger sister. He had no ill feelings towards their grandfather; he just wished he hadn’t let his judgment cloud his mind, leading to their mother’s misery.

However, he knew it would be different for Adrienne. Adrienne had been alone since their mother’s accident, and the entire Jiang family had been bullying her. Hunter knew they could not change the past, but he was glad he had a chance to live and know his sister in this lifetime.

"You’re here now, Grandpa," Adrienne said after a long silence. "That’s what matters."

Adrienne previously felt indignation towards her grandfather in her past life and at the time of her rebirth; however, now, she could see that the old man regretted forsaking her mother in the past.

Old Master Zhao wanted to say more, but it was enough that his grandchildren were here now. Adrienne was right. He could only make amends with Rosemary and his grandchildren.

He nodded, tears stinging his eyes, and walked towards them, enveloping them tightly. He had missed so many years of their lives and could now make things right. As he held them in his arms, Old Master Zhao felt a mix of joy and regret. He wished he could turn back time and be there for them from the beginning, but he knew he had to cherish the present moment. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"I promise to make it up to you both," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I’ll be here for you from now on. I’ll make it happen, whatever you need or want."

Hunter and Adrienne hugged him back, feeling his sincerity. However, both knew they could not allow their grandfather to get involved too much. They had grown up without him and were used to dealing with things independently.

While they appreciated his love and support, they also valued their own independence and wanted to make their own choices in life. They gently explained that while they cherished his presence, they needed to maintain their independence and pursue their own paths.

They had come a long way, and it was a relief to know that their grandfather was finally on their side. They knew that they could count on him from now on. Adrienne would be able to focus on taking revenge on the Jiang family.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, Old Master Zhao knew much work was still to be done. The Jiang family was still a threat, and they needed to be careful. But for now, he was content to be here with his family, to make up for lost time, and to be the grandfather they deserved.

He made a silent promise to himself that he would do whatever it took to ensure their safety and bring justice to those who had wronged them. Old Master Zhao knew the battle against the Jiang family was far from over, but he was ready to face it head-on alongside his grandchildren. Adrienne and Hunter need him now more than ever, and he cannot fail them this time.