Chapter 8 Setting Boundaries

• The dynamic within the Lavette Family had shifted. Previously, it was Kevin who held sway, but now that he had aged, Robert took the reins.
• Earlier, a heated discussion unfolded in the inner hall. Apart from Henry's family, everyone else was against Timothy's return, fueling the fiery debate.
• Robert had remained silent, simply observing his children's quarrel.
• Under the current circumstances, it seemed Robert was not inclined to show any favor to Timothy. The prospects of maintaining dignity seemed bleak.
• Hector and Hubert exchanged knowing looks, readying themselves for the inevitable confrontation with Timothy.
• Meanwhile, some younger members of the family had already positioned a high-backed chair for Robert, who took his seat with an air of authority.
• The family arranged themselves on either side of him.
• "Kneel!" Before anyone could anticipate Robert's next move, he issued the command in a chilling tone.
• The stark directive left everyone, including Hector and the other family members across three generations, slightly bewildered.
• But Timothy remained unfazed, staring back at Robert with a stoic expression.
• "What? Do my words hold no sway? Or do you feel unjustly treated by being asked to kneel?" Robert demanded, his voice icy.
• "Why should I kneel?" Timothy challenged.
• "Are they not all your elders? By our family's traditions and the rules of seniority, what is so wrong about asking you to kneel while speaking?" Robert retorted sharply.
• "Timothy…" Henry began, attempting to intervene.
• "Shut up, or leave!" Robert cut him off abruptly.
• Henry's face clouded over, and he fell silent.
• "Do you not recognize me as your grandfather anymore?" Robert's expression darkened further.
• "Can you give me a valid reason?" Timothy asked.
• "A reason?" Robert scoffed. "Isn't the disgrace you brought upon us four years ago reason enough for you to kneel and repent?"
• This left Timothy momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, his shoulders sagged slightly.
• Then, unexpectedly, he burst into laughter. "Hahaha!" It was a deep, resonant laugh that bordered on self-mockery and carried a hint of desolation.
• The room fell silent, the family watching Timothy in disbelief, his laughter sending a shiver through the gathering.
• As confusion swirled about why Timothy was laughing, he spoke, "Very well, then. I'll kneel."
• Without further ado, Timothy sank to his knees.
• The impact of his knees hitting the floor echoed softly, but he disregarded the discomfort, his smile unwavering as he locked eyes with Robert and enunciated slowly, "Grandpa, you are right. I am of the younger generation, and you are the elder. It's only fitting that you would ask me to kneel and speak."
• "Hmph, you know it well. Asking you to kneel is for you to repent. Do you want me to spell out the reason you're kneeling, or would you rather confess it yourself?" Robert challenged.
• "In your eyes, Grandpa, I've tainted the Lavette Family's honor. I get it. Why obscure the obvious?" Timothy replied.
• "What do you mean 'in your grandpa's eyes'? Don't you believe your actions have smeared our name and jeopardized our interests?"
• Before Robert could respond, Hector intervened with a stern rebuke.
• "That's right, Timothy. What sort of attitude is that? You've wronged us, yet you show no remorse. Must we spell it out before you grasp the gravity?" Hubert piled on, his voice tinged with accusation.
• "Timothy, you need to show some respect. Apologize to your grandpa…" Viola, Timothy's aunt, chimed in, her voice coaxing.
• Timothy remained stoic, undeterred by the barrage. "I'm sorry that I am unfilial and inadequate. I couldn't match my siblings in attending a prestigious university, enhancing my education, or boosting our family's fortunes. Instead, I've caused turmoil at a pivotal time for us!"
• "You're finally making sense. Going forward, remember you're a Lavette. Your conduct should reflect our family's best interests. Don't bring us shame..." Robert said.
• Just when it appeared Timothy had capitulated, his tone took a sharp turn. "You're right. I am deeply sorry. I regret the strain my family's mishaps have caused you, and the unwanted entanglement with the Dempsey Family. I regret not doing more to curry your favor. I'm sorry for any disgust I've caused you!"
• The room went cold. Timothy's apology, dripping with sarcasm, hit like a slap—his words painted the Lavette Family not just as embarrassed but as outright unprincipled.
• "You unfilial—"
• "Shut up!" Timothy's outburst cut Robert off mid-sentence, stunning the patriarch into silence.
• Timothy, raising his voice against Robert? The audacity was palpable.
• Without giving Robert a chance to recover, Timothy bowed deeply. "I formally thank you for bestowing upon my father his lineage."
• He bowed again. "Thank you for raising my father."
• "And this is to acknowledge the Lavette Family's support over the years."
• Though Timothy's words seemed out of place, they resonated with an air of finality. It was clear to all: Timothy was not just expressing gratitude; he was also severing his ties with the Lavette Family.
• "Timothy..." Henry's heart sank, wanting to go over and help Timothy to his feet.