Chapter 35

As the meeting adjourned, Williams found himself approached by a familiar face - Adeola, the woman whose life he had saved from a speeding car.

"Mr. Thornton," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude and admiration. "I just wanted to thank you again for what you did for me. You risked your own life to save mine, and I'll never forget that."

Williams offered her a warm smile, appreciating her kind words. "It was the least I could do," he replied humbly. "I'm just glad you're safe."

Adeola nodded, her expression turning serious. "I've been meaning to talk to you about something," she said, glancing around to ensure they were alone. "I know things have been difficult for you lately, especially with everything that's been going on with the family."

Williams' brow furrowed with curiosity. "What do you mean?" he asked, intrigued by the sudden shift in conversation.

"I mean... I've noticed the way you've been treated, the way you've been pushed aside and mistreated by your own family," Adeola explained, her gaze unwavering. "And I think it's wrong. You deserve better."

Williams was taken aback by her candidness, touched by her empathy. "Thank you, Adeola," he said sincerely. "That means a lot to me."

She smiled warmly, a glint of determination in her eyes. "I know I may just be a friend from the sidelines, but if there's ever anything I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to ask."

Her offer caught Williams off guard, but he couldn't deny the warmth that spread through his chest at the thought of having an ally in this tumultuous sea of family politics. "I appreciate that more than you know," he said, grateful for her support.

As they parted ways, Williams couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps, despite all the challenges he faced, he wasn't as alone as he had once believed. With Adeola by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope for the future, a beacon of light in the darkness that surrounded him. And with that newfound strength, he knew he could face whatever trials lay ahead.

As Williams cradled his mother in his arms, a seething anger burned within him, a raging tempest of frustration and helplessness. He longed to confront Lady G, to demand an end to her tyranny, but he knew that such actions would only invite further retribution against his family.

"Are you alright, Mama?" Williams asked, his voice trembling with suppressed fury as he gently wiped away his mother's tears.

His mother nodded weakly, her eyes filled with pain and resignation. "I'll be fine, my son," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not the first time she's lashed out at us, and it won't be the last. But we must endure."

Williams felt a surge of guilt wash over him. He should have been able to protect his mother, to shield her from harm. Yet in the face of Lady G's unchecked power, he felt utterly powerless.

"We can't keep living like this, Mama," Williams said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I won't allow her to continue treating us like this. I promise, I'll find a way to put an end to her cruelty."

His mother placed a trembling hand on his cheek, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and sadness. "Be careful, my son," she whispered. "Lady G is a dangerous adversary, and she will stop at nothing to maintain her hold over this family."

Williams nodded solemnly, his jaw set in determination. He knew the risks, but he also knew that he could no longer stand idly by while Lady G tore their family apart. He would find a way to bring her reign of terror to an end, no matter the cost.

As he held his mother close, Williams made a silent vow to himself. He would not rest until justice was served, until Lady G was held accountable for her actions. And with that resolve burning brightly within him, he began to plan his next move, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty. But he would not falter. Not this time.

The tension in the air was palpable as the family gathered in the opulent sitting room of the Peterson estate. Lady G sat at the head of the room, her regal demeanor belying the turmoil that simmered beneath the surface. Williams and his mother occupied seats across from her, their expressions guarded yet resolute.

"Enough is enough, G," Williams declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "You can't continue to treat us like this. We demand respect and dignity, just like any other member of this family."

Lady G's lips curled into a disdainful sneer. "Respect is earned, Williams, and you have done nothing to earn it," she retorted, her tone dripping with disdain. "You are nothing but a disgrace to this family, a weak and ineffectual fool who cannot even control his own wife."

Williams felt a surge of anger rise within him, but he forced himself to remain composed. He would not stoop to her level, not when the stakes were this high.

"My wife's actions are her own, G," he replied evenly. "But that does not give you the right to abuse her or my mother. We are your family, and we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect."

Lady G's eyes flashed with barely concealed fury, but before she could respond, Williams' mother spoke up, her voice trembling yet determined.

"We have tolerated your cruelty for far too long, G," she said, her gaze unwavering as she met Lady G's cold stare. "But no more. We will not allow you to continue to abuse us, to tear this family apart."

Lady G's jaw clenched, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the arms of her chair. For a moment, the room hung in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken animosity.

Then, with a suddenness that took everyone by surprise, Lady G rose to her feet, her eyes blazing with fury.

"You dare to defy me?" she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "You will regret this, all of you. Mark my words."

With that ominous warning, Lady G swept out of the room, leaving Williams and his mother staring after her in stunned silence. But despite the lingering sense of unease, there was also a glimmer of hope in their eyes. They had stood up to Lady G, and they would continue to fight for their dignity and their place within the family, no matter the consequences.

The next day, Williams found himself strolling through the lush gardens of the estate, seeking solace amidst the tranquil beauty of nature. As he walked, his mind churned with thoughts of the confrontation with Lady G and the uncertain future that lay ahead for him and his mother.

Lost in contemplation, Williams rounded a bend in the path and stumbled upon a secluded alcove hidden beneath a canopy of flowering vines. It was a peaceful spot, far removed from the prying eyes and ears of the main house-a perfect refuge for private reflection.

As he settled onto a weathered bench, the sound of rustling leaves caught his attention. Glancing up, he saw Simbi, the loyal friend who had stood by his side through thick and thin, approaching with a warm smile.

"Williams," she greeted, her voice soft and reassuring. "I heard about what happened with Lady G. Are you alright?"

Williams managed a faint smile in return, touched by her concern. "I'll be fine, Simbi," he replied, his voice tinged with weariness. "It's just been...a lot to deal with lately."

Simbi nodded understandingly, taking a seat beside him on the bench. "I can only imagine," she said sympathetically. "But you're not alone in this. You have people who care about you, who want to see you stand up for yourself and fight back."

Williams felt a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support, a glimmer of hope flickering to life within him. "Thank you, Simbi," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Simbi smiled warmly, reaching out to squeeze his hand comfortingly. "We're in this together, Williams," she said firmly. "Whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them head-on, as a team."

With Simbi by his side, Williams felt a renewed sense of determination coursing through his veins. Whatever obstacles lay ahead, he knew that with her support, he would find the strength to overcome them. And as they sat together in the peaceful embrace of the garden, surrounded by the beauty of nature, Williams felt a glimmer of hope begin to blossom within his heart.