Chapter 3 The Farleys' Taboo

• Stella looked at him in confusion and asked innocently, "Are you telling me why he's still single?"
• It was common knowledge that the youngest son of the Farleys was paralyzed in his legs and unable to speak.
• Despite this, the Farleys hold significant power in the entire Glenbrook, and Old Mr. Farley is particularly overprotective. Individuals of a certain status who wish to remain safe in Glenbrook tread carefully when discussing the youngest son's disability condition.
• After all, careless talk can lead to trouble, and people can be deceitful. Even a casual remark could be manipulated and spread by those with hidden agendas, provoking the Farleys' wrath and causing unpredictable consequences.
• However, the man standing before her, who seemed to know she was from the Summers, openly discussed the Farleys' sensitive topic, leaving Stella somewhat taken aback.
• Marcus looked at her for a moment and added, "He can't speak either."
• Stella replied, "You really have some nerve!"
• Marcus shrugged and said, "Well, you're not lacking in courage either."
• She retorted, "I never brought up anything about the Farleys' taboo!"
• "Hehe."
• He laughed. Although she didn't bring it up, as a young girl, she had the nerve to flee from her marriage, dash alone onto a busy road in heavy rain, hop into a stranger's car without a second thought, and confront him about his real identity!
• What bravery!
• The car left the highway, and Andrew pulled over to the side.
• Julian handed Stella a large black umbrella, while Marcus also passed her a sticky note with his phone number on it. "You, a girl escaping from marriage, have impressive guts. You can pay me back for the ride later when you get settled."
• Stella had initially counted out 300 dollars and set it on the back seat. After hearing his comment, she hesitated before grabbing the umbrella. Her bright eyes flickered between Marcus' face and the sticky note.
• Ultimately, she took the note from his fingertips and retrieved the money, stepping out of the car and walking away.
• As the car sped past her, it splashed water onto her already-soaked skirt.
• Marcus remained in his seat, one hand resting against his forehead as he casually wrote something down on the note before handing it to the front.
• Investigate?
• Julian was taken aback when he read the note. "Mr. Marcus, do you think Ms. Summer had hidden intentions for approaching you today?"
• Andrew chimed in, "Is it possible that she was already a bait in the incident in Hawthorn six months ago?"
• Marcus didn't respond.
• He wasn't someone who believed in fate, nor did he trust in too many coincidences.
• As for whether that girl had hidden motives, he would find out soon enough by waiting to see if she would reach out to him.
• He instructed Julian to look into it, eager to find out if she truly had any issues and who might be pulling the strings behind her.
• The Farley Mansion sat atop a mountain in the eastern suburbs of Merryvale.
• During the summer, the car ascended its way up the twisting mountain road, enveloped by vibrant greenery. After the heavy rain, the air felt particularly refreshing, and with the window cracked open, the clear sound of cicadas could already be heard.
• Marcus was the only one of the four Farley brothers who lived outside.
• His three siblings still resided in The Farley Mansion with their elders.
• Old Mr. Farley, feeling sorry for his youngest son's disability, couldn't stand the thought of him constantly traveling between the city and the countryside. So, he purchased a beautiful house for Marcus in the city, presenting it as a place for him to find peace, but in truth, it signified that he had already relinquished hopes of Marcus becoming the heir to the Farleys.
• Marcus was fully aware of this situation but chose not to reveal it. In fact, he was more than happy to distance himself from the fierce competition in that house.
• Since moving out of the Farley Mansion at the age of 17, his life has become considerably more tranquil.
• As he swiped the thin card, the elegant electronic door swung open, allowing the car to slowly enter the Farley Mansion.
• It had been nearly a year since he last returned, yet the house remained unchanged, perched on the mountaintop, appearing to bask in the sunlight while emanating a weighty and oppressive atmosphere that clashed with the lovely scenery and fresh air outside the courtyard.
• The car drove through the garden's parking area and came to a halt right in front of the mansion—a privilege reserved solely for Marcus.
• Julian retrieved the wheelchair from the trunk and positioned it by the back seat door.
• The butler approached and took the car keys from Andrew's hand. Andrew then walked over and gently assisted Marcus out of the car, settling him comfortably into the wheelchair.
• After the downpour, a stunning rainbow arched across the sky at the mountain's summit.
• Julian slowly pushed Marcus toward the mansion entrance, the scene illuminated by the sunlight. Under Marcus, the silver wheelchair sparkled brilliantly.
• However, as the wheelchair passed the entrance, it revealed a tall aquarium that resembled a wall. Marcus hadn't even caught a glimpse of the sea turtle inside when a few lively and cheerful voices floated over from the entrance.
• "Marcie! You're finally back!"
• "Hehe, it must be our dad's charm. Just a few phone calls and Marcie returned!"