Chapter 1871: Chapter 2085

“My strictness was born of high hopes, not harshness.

” Norton’s voice softened, his eyes moistening.

“Over the last twenty years, you’ve not only succeeded me at the helm of Payne Group, but you’ve also risen to be a leading figure in Stastle.

”

Nathan exhaled slowly, his tone steady.

“What are you trying to tell me? Is this a walk down memory lane?”

Norton exhaled deeply.

“You’ve grown strong, making decisions on your own, no longer heeding my words.

I sent Kern to fetch you, yet you did not return.

Without feigning illness, how else could I have brought you back?”

Feeling unfairly accused, Nathan responded, “My respect for you is immense, yet I have my limits.

You know me well; I will not stand by while those I cherish are harmed.

I’ll confront anyone who poses a risk, regardless of who they are.

Ronan has been imprisoned for just two days, suffering minimally, yet you’re so troubled.

You used the truth about my parents’ car accident to manipulate me into releasing Ronan, even feigning illness to have me return.

It’s clear that you deeply care for him.

”

Norton, confronted with this accusation, found himself at a loss for words.

Then he attempted to persuade Nathan through the bond of family love.

“Nathan, I’m aging.

I have just two grandsons, you and Ronan, and one granddaughter, Uma.

My other grandchildren met tragic fates early in life.

It pains me to think of you and Ronan clashing over the family’s wealth and power.

”

As he spoke, Norton reached out to Nathan, his most promising descendant.

However, Nathan recoiled, avoiding his touch.

Norton, taken aback, withdrew his hand and shifted the conversation to a more serious tone.

“I summoned you here tonight to reveal the truth about your parents accident, but only if you agree to release Mylo and Ronan from custody.

”

‘s BunnyBookery

Nathan’s expression grew stern; he paused momentarily before conceding, “Alright, I will release them.

”

Norton was momentarily surprised.

He had prepared numerous justifications, yet Nathan’s swift agreement caught him off guard.

A wave of relief washed over Norton, though a flicker of guilt crossed his eyes as he delved into the past.

“Back then, your father was my favored heir… The man responsible for the accident was a comrade from the army who once saved my life.

In his debt, I assisted him in evading repercussions by hiding the truth about my son and daughter-in-law’s car accident.

”

Nathan’s skepticism deepened, distrusting the narrative Norton presented.

“Which friend was that? Do I know him? You dislike being in debt of favors.

Why haven’t I heard of anyone who saved your life?”

The weight of a life-saving gesture was immense.

How could there have been silence for such a long time?

Nathan was convinced that Norton’s explanation was riddled with inconsistencies.

Norton averted his eyes, breaking the gaze.

“You’re bombarding me with questions.

Which should I address first?”

Nathan remained firm.

“Do I need to repeat them?”

After a moment of silence, Norton replied with impatience, “You clearly doubt my words.

That friend passed away from cancer several years ago.

He departed the army when I did, which is why you never met him.

The reason you are unaware of what he did for me is that I am no longer in debt to him after assisting him in avoiding the consequences of that accident, prompting me to keep it a secret all these years.

Though it pains me and I carry great guilt, nothing can bring your parents back.

I couldn’t let their deaths impact the Payne Group’s standing in the stock market, so it was dismissed as just a traffic accident.

”

Nathan stood up and stepped back, eyeing Norton with a newfound wariness.

“Grandpa, how could you fabricate such a story just to make me release Mylo and Ronan, huh?”