Chapter 73

Willian Thatcher had just received an unexpected visit at his office. His friend and one of the firm's lawyers, Mr. Jerson, was there in Hope Valley. Willian was intrigued by the visit; he hadn't expected to see Jerson so soon.

As they chatted, Willian discovered something disturbing. His wife, Grace, had sacked Jerson just as he was carrying out the procedures to give Elizabeth back her inheritance. This revelation left Willian perplexed, questioning the motives behind Grace's decision.

In addition, Jerson shared another alarming discovery. He had found evidence of several significant payments made to someone in Hope Valley in recent days. These transfers were made in the name of a certain Wade, and the frequency and value of the payments raised suspicions about the nature of these transactions.

Willian's expression was somber as he absorbed Jerson's disturbing revelations. He felt a whirlwind of emotions invading his mind and heart. Firstly, there was the denial of his own daughter Elizabeth's right to her inheritance, an affront that left him indignant and hurt.

Secondly, there was the feeling of being manipulated behind Grace's decisions, as if he were being dragged against his will down a path he didn't want to take. Every step taken without his consent made him more resentful and suspicious.

What's more, the news that Grace was firing trusted friends and employees, like Jerson, left Willian alarmed and disappointed. He valued loyalty and integrity, and to see these qualities being discarded without consideration bothered him deeply.

And then there were the mysterious and exorbitant payments made to someone called Wade. This revelation sparked the urgent need for an investigation. Willian couldn't ignore the signs that something shady was going on behind the scenes in his business and in his own family.

In the face of all this, Jerson's presence in Hope Valley for a few more days brought a ray of hope. Knowing that he was there to offer moral support in the midst of the crisis of his grandchildren's kidnapping brought some comfort to Willian. He knew he needed reliable allies by his side as he faced the challenges ahead.

Nathan arrived with Elizabeth unconscious and Carson was called in to assess.

Willian Thatcher felt helpless seeing his daughter so haggard and pale.

- Carson. How is she?

- Nathan! First take this gun, it was on her bound leg.

Nathan looked at the gun and smiled. She was good at hiding a gun, until that moment he hadn't seen it himself.

Willian and the lawyer, Jerson, were wide-eyed with surprise.

- Can she shoot? Willian asked;

-Yes... Jack taught her. It was a way of protecting herself, especially while he was away fighting in the Northern Territories.

- But they were only sweethearts at the time, after all, they got engaged the day before he left for the war...

- Fifteen days before. He found out he was going to be sent, so he gave her lessons. They were just boyfriend and girlfriend, Willian, but Jack loved Elizabeth more than life itself, and wouldn't let anything or anyone hurt her. Try to find out some of their stories, maybe your prejudices and your heart will soften a little.

- And you, aren't you jealous of talking or knowing about him? A man who loved his wife like that? Jerson asked

- He will always be the first love of her life. He will always have a reserved place in Elizabeth's heart. He is little Jack's father and always will be. But her heart is very big and has room for all of us.

Carson listened and smiled. Nathan's love for her was enormous...

- Nathan! Elizabeth has been injured. Her wrists and legs will have ... many bruises. Her belly will also have many bruises and ... Carson said.

- Belly? Nathan asked.

- Yes... from the marks, from the way she looks, she's been punched in that area, and the reason she hasn't woken up yet ranges from the punches, the pain, to the psychological feeling that the children were being burned alive in the hut. ...

- Will she be all right? Nathan worried.

- Yes, but ...

- But... But what, Carson?

- She's pregnant. She needs absolute rest, and a lot of peace, and we know that with this madman on the loose and the children missing, that won't be easy. What's more, the risk of miscarriage after this assault is very high.

The tears flowed freely down Nathan's face, his imagination overwhelmed by the sight of his baby. Each tear was an expression of his anguish and the unconditional love he felt for that little life to come.

Meanwhile, Willian Thatcher was in a state of shock. The news that he was about to gain a new grandchild hit him like an avalanche of overwhelming emotions. His heart seemed to overflow with joy and anticipation, unable to contain the intensity of what he was feeling. It was as if every beat of his heart was an echo of the immensity of the love he already felt for the child who hadn't even arrived in the world yet.

In the midst of his turbulent feelings, Willian made a silent promise to himself. He pledged to be there, to protect and to love this new member of his family with all the strength of his soul. It was a simple promise, but loaded with meaning and determination, a silent vow to be the best grandfather he could be.

Carson would remain there, by Elizabeth's side, until she regained consciousness. He pledged together with Willian Thatcher to hold Elizabeth in place until Nathan returned.

- If necessary, I'll tie her to that bed myself. Go in peace, Nathan," Carson assured him, his voice filled with determination and compassion.

Jerson watched the scene with admiration. He realized that this town was truly different. Everyone cared about Elizabeth, and that touched him deeply. Jerson had known Elizabeth since she was born, but now he recognized that the years when William had been away from her had been lost years for everyone. However, he was now witnessing his friend's determination to bring his daughter back close to her family, and Jerson shared this desire. He also missed Elizabeth's conversations and presence in his life. This situation made him realize how important it was for him to have Elizabeth back and to reconnect with his long-time friend.