Lucinda, sensing his emotional turmoil, reached out, offering silent comfort with a gentle squeeze of his fist.
Kern, filled with remorse, spoke softly.
âSir, your grandfather has grappled with guilt for years.
He feels responsible for failing your parents and you.
Thatâs why he brought you close, shielded you from family conflicts, and secured your position at the National Security Bureau.
He only retired when he felt you were ready.
He held onto the company to prevent Mylo, Jeff, or any other power-hungry relative from taking control.
It was all to ensure you would inherit the legacy.
â
A dark humor flickered in Nathanâs eyes.
âDonât paint him as a saint, Kern.
He merely wanted a controllable puppet.
Planting spies in the National Security Bureau, feigning illness to lure me back, and manipulating Ronanâs release are not signs of respect for me.
â
âSir, your grandfather shouldered the burden of leading the entire Payne family.
He strived for balance, but he genuinely cared for you.
You are not his puppetâ¦â
âEnough,â Nathan interrupted, his voice steely.
âKern, youâve been away too long.
Return before Grandpa wakes up.
â
It was a dismissal plain and simple.
Kern had no cause to Linger.
Despite a wellspring of words remaining to defend Norton, he knew Nathan wouldnât listen.
With a defeated sigh, Kern left Nathanâs office.
As he reached for the office door, he paused, turning back with a parting thought.
âI hope youâll find it in your heart to empathize with your grandfather.
Heâs endured much.
Itâs not easy to make the choices heâs had to face.
â
Nathan remained silent, his demeanor icy.
With a resigned sigh, Kern exited Nathanâs office.
As the door shut, Lucinda leaned against Nathan, her touch a soothing balm.
Her fingers untangled his clenched fist and intertwined with his own.
âI understand your hurt, Nathan.
Nortonâs actions may seem selfâserving, and you canât bring yourself to agree with what heâs done, but youâre not alone.
You have me, Colby, and Destinee.
Weâre your family.
â
Her voice was soft, calming the storm within him.
He turned to her, his gaze softening.
A tender ki*s landed on her forehead.
âDonât worry, Iâm not devastated.
But Kernâs revelation raises a question: who was truly responsible â Mylo or Jeff?â
His voice hardened with resolve.
âThe murderer who took my parents has lived a comfortable life for far too long.
Regardless of Grandpaâs wishes this time, Iâll ensure the true culprit faces justice.
â
Lucinda tenderly caressed his face, acknowledging his inner turmoil.
The revelation that a trusted family member had played a role in his parentsâ demise cut deep, a betrayal beyond measure.
For Nathan, it was a betrayal of the highest order.
Kernâs confession only fueled Nathanâs resolve.
At precisely three oâclock, Larry and his men ushered Jeff, back in Stastle, into the National Security Bureauâs interrogation chamber.
Nathan donned his military uniform, preparing to confront Jeff head-on.
Lucinda assisted him, her hands deftly fastening the buttons of his uniform.