“Yes, my dear,” Augustus smiled at his daughter-in-law, hugging her tight. “You are right. Forgive this cranky old man.”
“Of course,” Rose tenderly smiled.
“Happy Birthday, granddad,” Jude said, joining them to help ease the tension.
“Jude! My boy!” Augustus welcomed his grandson with a hearty hug, completely forgetting the woman who constantly irritated him.
Katherine’s forced smile faded. For two years, she tried to earn the DaLair patriarch’s favor and never once received so much as a grin from him. He was ruthless in his rejection. Without Julius to contradict him or support her, no one else dared stand against Augustus.
Augustus was a man of intense loyalty and filial love. He cherished his family and was ready to defend them to the death. It was well-known he alway
