Chapter 776
776 Chapter 775
Ryan had no intention of playing any tricks. After all, what was the point doing anything to a person on the brink of death? But it was a shame about Gavin. Though he was a distant cousin, Gavin had been taken in by the family at a young age due to his remarkable talent and the loss of his parents. Ryan genuinely felt a brotherly bond with him. If Selena had repaired her relationships with the Horton and Olsen families before her death, it would have been one thing. But if those ties remained broken when she passed, Gavin would likely be unsettled. Maintaining a close relationship with the Olsons and Hortons wouldn't be suitable anymore, lest he feel neglected. As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Ryan felt a twinge of regret. It was almost quite enjoyable to go to that bar with "Keera" and Lewis to find Darien Britt! That chaotic night had been a rare experience for someone like him, who had a unique position in life and wasn't suited to have too many friends. Ryan lowered his gaze, gripping the beads on his wrist, and began to rotate them slowly. The chill of self-restraint was palpable. A man who had never craved much since childhood found himself oddly eager for the visit the next day. Meanwhile, Selena walked ahead, clearly in a foul mood. Gavin noticed and couldn't help but chuckle as he took her hand. "Are you mad? Ellie doesn't mean any harm. She's wanted a sister to play with since she was little, and I bet that Ms. Olsen fits her personality perfectly. Don't overthink it." Selena yanked her hand away. "I'm her sister-in-law; I shouldn't be treated like an outsider!" Gavin couldn't help but chuckle softly. "You're overreacting. That's not what she meant." "How is it not? If your brother marries, does she really have the nerve to say those things to his wife in front of the family? Does she dare to disregard her feelings?" Gavin fell silent, realizing she had a point. Ellie wouldn't dare. Ryan wasn't just the eldest son in the family; he was also the heir of the next generation. His wife would undoubtedly come from a prestigious background, and anyone entering the family would have to be on their best behavior… Truthfully, Gavin understood all of this. He was, after all, just a distant relative. Even if Ellie affectionately called him "big brother," he was always aware of his place. Ellie was the genuine heir of the family, while he was merely a playmate to her. He certainly appreciated her warmth and knew Ellie held a genuine fondness for him as a brother, but he couldn't forget his position in the grand scheme of things. Thus, Gavin remained unfazed about Ellie not sending Selena a pearl necklace. After hearing Selena's concerns and noticing his lack of reaction, he spoke up, "We're a family. If she looks down on you, she's looking down on me, too. I don't want anyone in this house to think less of you, Gavin. I don't want you to be disrespected." Gavin laughed. "You're overthinking it. That's not happening." "How can you say that?" Selena turned her head away, a bit frustrated. "They know perfectly well that I don't get along with the Olsens and Hortons, yet they still insist on collaborating… Now they want us to go pay a visit? It's like they're trying to make me back down and smooth things over between you and the Hortons." Selena's eyes reddened slightly. "But why should I? This is all because of Lewis's schemes! My mom is in prison, my dad is dead, and now the Hortons are just following his orders. He's treating our family this way, and I have to show up smiling… Have you thought about how I feel?" Gavin quickly comforted her, "Don't cry, don't cry. My brother isn't trying to hurt you. He just wants you to mend things with your family. Besides, you still have a younger brother, right?" Selena retorted immediately, "My brother has been fooled by them. He doesn't even acknowledge Dad anymore. How could he possibly acknowledge me as his sister?" Gavin sighed. "But they are still family." "They aren't my family; they're my enemies!" Selena couldn't help but shout. Gavin paused in surprise, then hesitantly suggested, "What if we don't go tomorrow? Ms. Olsen saved my brother and Ellie's lives; it's only right for them to express their gratitude. If you don't want to go home, we can skip it..." "That's out of the question." Selena interjected sharply, "We have to go!" If they didn't go, how could she slip the poison into Gavin's drink and accelerate his colon cancer? How could she ruin the relationship between the Cobbs and the Hortons? A flash of resentment crossed Selena's gaze! She truly hated Lewis and "Keera". If it weren't for them, she and her mother would have long been part of the Horton family, enjoying the status of true heirs instead of being labeled as the illegitimate child! If her father were still alive, he would have definitely given her Horton shares as part of her dowry… She wouldn't be looked down upon in the Cobb family! The more Selena thought about it, the angrier she became. The more intense her expression grew, but she quickly turned her gaze to Gavin. "If we don't go, how will you explain it to your brother? It's fine if I take the hit; at least you'll all be happy, right?" After saying this, Selena entered her room, glancing back at Gavin. Sure enough, she saw a hint of guilt on his face. That was enough for her. As long as he felt guilty, when he succumbed to cancer tomorrow, he would help her say a few good words… Even if he was dead, Ryan would still treat her kindly!