Chapter 430
Nicolas’s wounds still hadn’t healed. Even with a soft cushion on his chair, the pain was sharp enough to make cold sweat bead on his forehead. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Nicolas said solemnly, “Father, I fear this matter runs much deeper than it appears. ”
Only when the Duke of Suffield heard Nicolas speak in such grave tones did he realize something was terribly wrong.
The Duke of Suffield turned to Eloise, seeing the sheer panic in her eyes. His heart clenched as he pressed, “Tell me the truth. Could it be that you’re involved in Daniel’s death p>
The Duke of Suffield’s question was like a trigger. Eloise crumpled to the floor in terror. “My lord,” she cried, her voice trembling, “I’m innocent! That wretched Daniel tried to assault me, so Matthew only killed him to protect my honor!” Her words dissolved into broken whimpers.
“What?!” Nicolas and the Duke of Suffield exclaimed in unison. Both men sprang to their feet, their eyes wide with disbelief and utter shock.
As if Eloise’s involvement wasn’t shocking enough, they discovered that Matthew was also implicated. This news hit them like a bombshell, leaving both their minds buzzing.
The Duke of Suffield, always so stoic, began to look flustered and panicked. He stammered, “How dare you act so recklessly? Murder demands a life for a life!
“Even if that despicable wretch committed a crime, the law would have dealt with him. Why did you have to take matters into your own hands, huh p>
Seeing the truth exposed, Matthew remained unfazed.
He slowly leaned back in his chair and let out a disdainful scoff. “It’s just killing a lowborn commoner. Why are you all so scared? Our duke’s estate has Fermin’s backing. Can’t we even handle something so trivial p>
Nicolas gritted his teeth, barely restraining the urge to punch some sense into Matthew. “Don’t you dare forget,” he snapped. “Athena’s already gone to seek justice for that lowborn commoner. The matter has escalated to the Federal Bureau. Even Father will have a hard time covering it up now p>
If it were just an ordinary citizen reporting the case, the authorities could easily dismiss it as an accident. But Athena’s involvement changed everything. She utterly despises everyone in the duke’s estate. Hence, she wouldn’t go easy on them.
Matthew let out a cold scoff, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. “Are we just going to let her trample all over us and lord it over this family? Father, you can’t be so lenient anymore. If this continues, she’ll bring about our utter ruin p>
“Matthew, what on earth are you planning to do?” Eloise’s heart skipped a beat as she caught the chilling glint in her son’s eyes.
In her eyes, Matthew had always been ruthless and impulsive. Panic rising in her chest. She feared Matthew might do something reckless in a fit of rage. She feared there would be no turning back if Matthew’s plan failed.
Matthew had completely lost control of his temper. Seeing Eloise still defending Athena only fueled his rage. “Stay out of this, Mother!” he snapped.
Eloise was about to speak further when the Duke of Suffield cleared his throat authoritatively. He turned to Nicolas and asked, “Nicolas, what’s your take on this? ”
The Duke of Suffield had always taken immense pride in Nicolas, grooming him as his heir. He also entrusted Nicolas to make major family decisions.
Nicolas’s brow furrowed in deep conflict. Though he was bitterly disappointed in Athena, the thought of actually taking action against his sister still tore at his heart.
“Nicolas, do you want to see me get destroyed by Athena?” Matthew demanded, his voice tense.
Seeing Nicolas hesitate, Matthew continued to yell, “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have lost my official post, Joseph wouldn’t be enduring military service, and now she’s even targeting Willow! Is there anything that woman wouldn’t do p>
Nicolas wavered. After a long, heavy silence, he finally spoke up, “After all, we’re still family. I don’t want to take extreme measures. If only we could get her to drop this matter, that would be enough p>
“Did you come up with something, Nicolas?” Matthew asked, his eyes lighting up with hope.
Nicolas gave a reluctant nod. “I do have an idea, but p>
He couldn’t bring himself to say more. The weight of his words made it impossible to continue.
“What’s the ‘but‘? Spit it out already!” Matthew urged impatiently.
Chapter 431
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.