The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 373

Wayne seethed with anger, gripping his chest tightly in a fit of fury. A soft sigh escaped from Nolan's lips. He didn't want to keep going against his father's wishes like this.

Looking at Tyler, who had a smug expression plastered on his face, Nolan gritted his teeth and said, "I'm sorry, Tyler."

Tyler nodded nonchalantly and replied, "It's okay. I couldn't stay mad at you anyway. You've been gone for years, and I've been holding down the fort. But ever since your stint in jail, everyone in town won't stop whispering about our parents.

"You know how boring Niall can be. It's like I've been running the show all on my own. Luckily, as the security department manager for the Village Enterprise, I have some influence. This means our parents are safe from any mistreatment in the village.

"Nolan, I don't mean to brag, but I want you to know that your actions have caused our family a lot of hardship over the years."

Upon hearing this, Nolan fell silent. He couldn't argue with Tyler on this.

Growing up in a small town, Nolan was all too familiar with the gossip and drama within families and neighborhoods. The news of his imprisonment spread like wildfire, as expected. It would have been odd if it hadn't.

"I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. I have not been a good son and caused you pain. But don't worry. I promise to protect you from any future harm and earn the respect of others for you."

These were Nolan's genuine words, straight from his heart and a fact he had already achieved.

Wayne turned to Nolan with a heavy sigh, saying, "It would be better if you could worry us less. We owe a lot to Tyler for these past few years. Just remember to be grateful, okay?"

Gazing at his aging parents, Nolan felt a rush of emotions well up inside him. To bring them joy, he could only give a simple nod for now.