Chapter 4 The Farley Brothers

• "He shouldn't be held responsible for this. He is unable to walk or speak, relying completely on Andrew and Julian for his care. It's a challenge for him to return. Brothers, let's not be too harsh on him. We have the ability to walk, talk, and look after ourselves. We cannot fully grasp what Marcie is experiencing."
• "Hahaha!"
• "Caden, you are right!"
• Julian's expression turned sour. In contrast to the other three healthy sons, it was evident that Marcus faced discrimination within the Farleys. The way they referred to each other also highlighted this disparity. They called one another by their names, but Marcus was labeled as Marcie.
• Nonetheless, Marcus stayed unaffected.
• As the wheelchair rolled through the doorway, Marcus came into view of the three brothers in the middle of the living room. Julian gave a slight bow, saying, "Mr. Patrick, Mr. Caden, Mr. Steven!"
• The three men sitting on the sofa had not yet responded, but their focus was already captured by the old man stepping out of the side elevator, and they all shouted at the same time, "Dad!"
• A slender figure in orange moved forward gradually, partially leaning on and partly assisting Lany Farley, the head of the Farleys.
• She was Alina Quinn, Lany's fourth wife.
• The eldest and the second son of the Farleys were born from Lany's first marriage.
• Later on, he brought a second wife into the family, and his first wife sadly passed away at only forty years old.
• His second wife entered the family without a title or official status until, after giving birth to the third son, Lany acknowledged her, registered their marriage, and held a lavish wedding celebration.
• Marcus' mother was an extraordinary beauty whom Lany encountered in Pinecrest.
• He kept his marriage a secret, persistently staying in Pinecrest to pursue Marcus' mother for two years. Only after she became pregnant did he bring her back to the country.
• When Marcus' mother learned of the deceit, she was determined to leave, and Lany made up his mind to divorce his second wife.
• The tangled emotions of the past generation and the rivalries among the women created tension among his sons, all stemming from Lany's flirtatious and fickle nature.
• Now, with age quieting his life and his three ex-wives having all passed away, Lany has married a youthful and lovely wife, Alina Quinn, who is now his daily companion.
• Ask these four sons—do any of them hold no resentment toward Lany in their hearts?
• Growing up in a prominent family, they learned early that understanding the dynamics and assessing advantages and disadvantages were essential survival skills.
• "Marcie, you're back?" Lany smiled faintly, signaling for Alina to assist him in sitting on the sofa.
• The eldest son, Patrick Farley, promptly served Earl Grey tea that Lany favored. The second son, Caden Farley, placed a comfortable cushion behind him. Meanwhile, the third son, Steven Farley, carefully lit a cigar for him.
• Marcus remained seated in his wheelchair, his face expressionless.
• Julian handed him a pen and a small notebook, then moved quietly out of the way.
• Lany's eyes lingered on Marcus' aloof expression for a few moments before he asked, "How has your health been lately?"
• Marcus picked up the pen and wrote a single word: "Same."
• In other words, nothing had changed. Everything was as it had always been.
• Lany appeared deeply displeased with Marcus' detached and stubborn demeanor.
• Through the years, regardless of their conversation, Marcus would always respond with a single word.
• He understood that his son still held bitterness about what had happened with his third wife so long ago.
• Yet, it was precisely this uncommon integrity in Marcus that distinguished him from his other sons, who only knew how to flatter and follow.
• Unfortunately, such a strong-willed son turned out to be disabled.
• Lany turned his gaze away from him, scanning his other sons before stating, "The Summers from Gleam Textile have an eighteen-year-old daughter. Which one of you will marry her?"
• A brief silence fell as everyone contemplated the question.
• Finally, the third son, Steven, broke the quiet, saying, "Patrick's children are already in middle school, and their family life is stable, so he's obviously not a suitable match. Caden has just gone through a divorce and is ten years older than the Summers' daughter, so he's not a good fit either. I'm in my thirties and still unmarried, so, Dad, I think I should take on this challenge! As long as this marriage benefits the family, I'm fine with whoever I marry. I've been blessed and supported by the family since childhood, so it's time for me to give back."
• Patrick shot a scornful glance at Steven.
• Caden laughed and remarked, "Dad summoned Marcie this time, so it's clear that he's also part of Dad's considerations."
• Steven frowned and replied, "Is that even possible? The Summers' only daughter is like a treasured gem to them. How could they ever agree to marry her off to someone disabled?"
• "That's absurd!"
• Lany tossed the lid of his teacup at Steven, who skillfully dodged it. The lid broke apart upon hitting the ground, with only a small corner intact.
• Patrick and Caden stifled their laughter. They were well aware that regardless of Marcus' disability, he remained the favored child of Lany's most beloved wife. As a result, Marcus' disability had long been a sensitive topic in their family, and no one dared to mention it.