NOVEL NEXT Chapter 85 - A Taylor or a Larson?
Chapter 85: A Taylor or a Larson?
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
In Linda James’s eyes, her son-in-law was nothing more than a piece of trash.
To be honest, part of the reason he was famous for being a piece of trash was that Linda James had continuously complained about him outside the family.
She felt annoyed after seeing Finn Taylor giggling and couldn’t help but lecture him. However, her lashing out didn’t evoke any gratitude from her daughter.
On the contrary, Yvette Larson felt sorry for her husband. There had been many times Yvette Larson had nearly blurted out what her significant other had done for her. But what confused her was that he had never allowed her to do so.
“Mom, can you stop saying such things? We’re a family, so why do you have to say such hurtful things?” Left with no other choice, Yvette Larson could only speak up for her husband.
But it seemed like it was never effective.
This time was no different.
“What, I’m his mother-in-law. Can’t I criticize him? Not only will I criticize him, but I’ll even make more rules for him. Finn Taylor, Yvette is about to take over the Larson family’s reins. Have you thought about how you’re going to address us in the future?”
Yvette Larson really couldn’t stand her mother’s behavior. “Mom, we’re doing just fine. What do you want now?”
“Shut up.” Linda James continued, “In the future, you’ll address Yvette as ‘Young Lady,’ me as ‘Ma’am,’ and Francis as ‘Old Master.'”
Yvette Larson sneered and turned to her husband. “Ignore her. Let her say whatever she wants to.”
Linda James continued making a fuss for a long while, but everything she said was rebutted by her daughter.
In the end, she hadn’t gotten her way.
…
Time flew by, and three days had passed.
On this day, the entire Larson family was gathered at the Old Master’s residence. They were all here to find out what was going to happen.
Finn Taylor glanced at Quince Larson. The latter didn’t look anywhere as devastated as he had expected of him. In fact, the latter looked rather pleased with himself.
Finn Taylor was confused. ‘What’s he up to?’
“Come in, all of you.”
The moment Joseph Larson spoke, the dozens of family members gathered outside the house strutted in.
At that moment, the Old Master was seated at the head of the table, expressionless.
Nobody could tell what the Old Master was thinking about from his expression.
The Old Master took a look around before his gaze landed on Yvette Larson. “Where’s Finn Taylor?”
‘Huh!?’ Everyone was bewildered by the Old Master’s question. ‘He has never given Finn Taylor any thought in the past. His presence has never mattered at family conferences in the past. Anyway, it didn’t make a difference whether he was there or not since he can’t make any decisions in the family. But this time, Grandpa brought up Finn Taylor on his own accord. What does that mean?’
“Grandpa, he’s outside,” replied Yvette Larson before running out.
Before long, she returned with her husband in tow.
“Finn Taylor, have a seat.” Joseph Larson pointed at a seat next to him.
This caused a slight hubbub amongst the Larson family. ‘Everyone in the family knows that only the ones in the highest positions are allowed to sit next to Grandpa. But now, Grandpa has invited Finn Taylor to sit right next to him! What does that entail?’
Of course, even Finn Taylor himself didn’t have an answer to that. Nonetheless, he obediently took his seat next to Joseph Larson.
“Alright. Now that you’re seated, I’ll ask you a question.”
“Go ahead, Grandpa. I’m all ears.”
“Ok, let me ask you. If you and Yvette have children in the future, what will their surname be?”
‘Just as expected!’ Quince Larson had already guessed that his grandpa would pose this question to the couple.
But Finn Taylor remained silent, and he looked at Yvette Larson.
She stood up. “Grandpa, it’s obvious that our children will be Taylors.”
Joseph Larson shook his head. “No, no, no, no. Yvette, I won’t blame you for not knowing the rules, but Finn Taylor, how could you be so ignorant as well?”
“Rules?” Finn Taylor replied.
“Yes, rules. You should be clear of your identity—you’re just a matrilocal son-in-law. Your children should be Larsons.”
Finn Taylor sneered. “Grandpa, the children will be my children and Yvette’s. I think the two of us should have the final say on their surname.”
It seemed like Finn Taylor wasn’t going to compromise on this matter.
But strangely, Yvette Larson chose to stand on her husband’s side too. “Grandpa, thank you for thinking about our marriage contract. However, I think you should leave the decision to us.”
Thud!
Joseph Larson threw his teacup onto the ground. “What, do all of you want to rebel against me? I just said one simple thing, but you’re asking me to shut up! I’m not even dead yet! Finn Taylor, I thought you looked quite honest and managed the house pretty well, but it seems like you’re nowhere as sensible as I made you out to be. Why shouldn’t a Larson have the surname ‘Larson?’ What other surname could they possibly have? You have no right to speak in the Larson family. I only gave you a chance to say it yourself because I respect you.”
“But look at you now—you’re so arrogant. Forget it then; I have nothing to say to you. Yvette Larson, don’t you want to take control of the Larson family? If we can come to an agreement on giving your children the surname ‘Larson,’ this position is yours. But you can continue dreaming about having it if you want to give your children the surname ‘Taylor.'”
Whoosh!
In an instant, all eyes were focused on Yvette Larson alone. Everyone wondered what she would do.
Linda James tried to use her gaze to hint to Yvette Larson to agree with her grandpa and to name her children Larsons.
But Yvette Larson acted as though she hadn’t seen it.
Francis Larson sighed, not knowing what to say.
The other Larson family members couldn’t hold in their laughter. ‘Is Yvette Larson stupid? All she needs to do is to say yes. As long as she says yes, the whole family and company will be hers. Yet, she’s not answering!’
Quince Larson had already thought it through. ‘I was prepared to look for that person, but from the way things are progressing, that seems unnecessary for now. Yvette Larson is much more foolish than I had expected.’
“Grandpa, I can tell you right now that our children will definitely be Taylors.” Yvette Larson knew deep in her heart that everything she had now was all thanks to her husband.
She wasn’t an ingrate. It was obvious that her children with Finn Taylor would be Taylors.
She would never let anyone interfere in this matter.
Silence!
As Yvette Larson gave her reply, the entire room fell into silence—pin-drop silence.