Chapter 2011

If Elizabeth exhibited any further erratic behavior in his presence, he would promptly have her committed to a mental institution.

Rodney laid out the documents before Kristian.

“Bella’s death hasn’t been confirmed,” he said hesitantly.

“Shouldn’t we wait until we have more certainty before settling her assets?”

Kristian’s brow furrowed deeply, his voice tinged with barely contained irritation.

“We’ve searched for days and found nothing.

How could she possibly still be alive? I’ve already lost my family.

My only desire now is to resolve these affairs and find solitude in my grief.

”

Rodney’s eyes locked onto Kristian’s, recognizing the profound torment etched into his expression, as though he longed to follow Bella into the afterlife.

Without uttering another word, Rodney extended the documents to Kristian.

Kristian’s gaze settled on the papers, adrenaline surging through his veins.

One swift stroke of the pen would bring years of careful plotting to culmination, granting him untold riches.

At last, he would ascend above all who had ever doubted him.

As Kristian’s hand inched toward the pen, a thunderous crash shattered the silence as the door burst open.

He recoiled instinctively, his eyes darting up to see Elizabeth sprawled on the floor, her hair wild and disheveled.

“Remember this,” she snarled.

“You will pay for your mistreatment!”

Elizabeth’s behavior grew increasingly erratic, bordering on insanity.

Behind her, Matthew stood, his face a cold mask of anger.

Alarm shot through Kristian as he sprang to his feet.

What were Elizabeth and Matthew doing together, and why was Elizabeth so distraught? A torrent of questions flooded his mind.

Attempting to conceal his anxiety, Kristian forced a nervous chuckle.

“Matthew, what’s happening? Why is Elizabeth with you?” he inquired, his voice betraying his discomfort.

Suppressing his internal turmoil, he furrowed his brow and assumed a commanding presence.

“Is she causing trouble again? Don’t worry, I’ll have her sent back to Dorburn immediately.

She’ll be under strict supervision.

”

In the depths of his mind, Kristian had silently cursed Elizabeth innumerable times for her incompetence and irksome behavior.

Despite the turmoil raging within, he had to project an image of calm.

Through their previous interactions, Matthew had already recognized Kristian’s deceitful nature.

As he walked resolutely toward Kristian, Matthew’s eyes landed on a document haphazardly placed on the desk.

Kristian’s heart sank as his instincts urged him to seize it, but Matthew was faster.

He grabbed it before Kristian could touch it.

“Property transfer…” Matthew read aloud, each word heavy with intention.

Matthew’s tone was cold, his sharp gaze cutting into Kristian like knives.

Caught between the urge to stand his ground and the impulse to squirm, Kristian struggled.

He yearned to snatch the document and flee, yet something restrained him.

Mustering every ounce of bravery, Kristian confronted Matthew, clarifying, “You’re mistaken, Matthew.

Bella and I had some wonderful times in Dorburn.

It pains me to lose her just like that.

I just want to handle her assets in Dorburn fast so that Bella and Stella would rest in peace.

”

As a tear rolled down his cheek, he continued, “I’m doing this for the good of everyone.

”

Kristian’s earnestness was tangible, reminiscent of a loyal husband mourning his deceased wife.

His acting prowess was truly beginning to shine.