The Frenchman's Revenge Read Online Free PDF Page B

lift ing her little defiant chin , a sked, “Are you D eshi’s grandfather ? ” When he nodded, she demanded , “What about me? And what about Alex? Are you our grandfather , too? ”
    Wan had looked at the two little white children and said, “Y es , I am. Why do you have to ask? ” He reached out and pulled Elena to him . H is voice was rough with emotion .
    “You are my first granddaughter , Elena. ” Alex had been cowering shyly behind Elena, but Wan reached out and hugged him. With a solemn look that Alex never forgot, he added, “And, you , Alex, are my first grandson.”
    Wan never looked at the two of them any less adoringly than he did at D eshi and then at the twins , when Gabriel and Jacob were born. H e play ed with the little dark haired mixed Chinese children who were more obviously related to him , but he never treated them with more love than he showered on the red haired hoyden and her serious blond haired b rother . He and Elena returned his love un questioningly . Only when he was much older and knew the complexity of his grandfather’s violent life in a hostile unwelcoming country , did Alex understand the leap that Wan Chang had taken loving all of them , m ost especially Elena and himself.
    ~~~
    Alex saw Wan coming toward him and s eeing the love and joy on the old man’s face as he strode toward him , his arms outstretched, Alex’s mood lightened . Squashing his anger, he gave himself over to the strength and love he felt in his grandfather’s embrace.
    Wan led Wyatt and Alex to one of several cobblestone patio s that surrounded the hacienda. It had a p rivate seating ar e a bordered on all sides by the color and smells of a thousand flowers. Wan motioned to the maid poised to serve refreshments . He personally poured Alex’s tea and bowed to him as he passed him the cup. Alex was embarrassed by the attention and returned the respectful , loving bow. Wan peppered hi m with questions about his experiences in China. His grandfather had arranged the trip for Alex , calling on his friends , associates , and distant family to show Alex the hospitality and reverence due to Wan Chang’s grandson.
    Wan held Alex’s arm a s they walked t hrough the gardens , pointing out the intricacies of the various arrangements . P articularly the elaborate herb garden that Bai created for Elena. Even though he hated to show his jealousy and his anger to his grandfather, Alex couldn’t quell the fury that bubbled up when he heard the admiration in Wan’s voice as he described Bai’s knowledge and the gracious gifts for Elena.
    Unable to contain his rising anger, Alex‘s fury overcame his restraint.
    “Looks like Bai took a big chunk of what you own, G randfather, to buy this place. I guess he w ill stop at nothing – even taking advantage of you – to win over my sister.”
    Wan stepped back in surprise. He frowned and looked to Wyatt , who shrugged , quirked an eyebrow , and gave a slight knowing nod at Alex.
    Wan took his time lighting a cigarette . Alex’s face heated w ith a mix of embarrassment at his outburst and anger that he couldn’t hide. Wan smiled at him . His voice was gentle, without judgment.
    “No, Alex, you are wrong about that. Everything that you see here is what Bai built off of the acquisitions he made through wise management of money . As well as his uncanny ability to see opportunities that no one else saw , e x cept perhaps your father . Over the last several years , Bai has introduced me to financial opportunities that I never would have known . R ather than siphoning off my wealth , he has built it exponentially.”
    Alex felt his cheeks heat. He shook his head to stop the angry tears that threatened to fall .
    “I’ m happy for you , Grandfather . I hope that Bai continues to show you the respect you deserve.” He hesitated , then unleashing his anger , he glared at both his father and grandfather .
    “I don’t care who Bai is, G randfather . I f he takes advantage of