Chapter 217

Broderick wasn't even sure when he started standing at the staircase landing, let alone how long he'd been there. Every time he thought he had a decent grasp on who Leslie really was, she'd throw him another curveball. Surprise? Sometimes. Shock? Often. But this time... it was actually a good one. Matilda had always favored Broderick more than Miles or Sienna. He was the first grandson, the oldest, born with the weight of everyone's expectations on his shoulders. Seven years ago, the Ackerley family went through massive upheaval, and it caught everyone off-guard. Broderick became so buried in everything that he'd grown distant from them. Matilda couldn't even remember the last time he laughed like he truly meant it. So naturally, she carried a lot of heartache and guilt for this grandson of hers. Which is also why she objected to his marriage with Leslie. In her eyes, Broderick needed a partner who could either stand shoulder to shoulder with him or one who could soften his rough edges