Chapter 2012

“Really?” Matthew’s sneer was cutting.

“That’s not the tale your daughter Elizabeth told.

”

Aware of Elizabeth’s unreliability, Kristian retorted sharply, “Why would you believe her word? Ever since we found out she drugged Bella, we only acknowledge Stella as our daughter.

”

Matthew’s face remained a mask, giving nothing away.

Kristian’s heart pounded with the urgency of his nearing goal.

He couldn’t afford to see his plans unravel.

He went on, “You may not be aware, but Elizabeth’s been acting irrational since she was confined in Dorburn.

She believes everyone’s out to get her and even turns violent toward Bella and me.

How can you trust someone who’s lost it?”

No sooner had Kristian finished his plea than Elizabeth’s voice filled the room, captured by Fernando’s recorder.

“Kristian and I orchestrated everything.

We had previously drugged Bella, aiming to seize control of her and her wealth.

Kristian was also the puppeteer behind it all.

And Haley? He sent her to keep Stella and Bella from reconnecting,” Elizabeth confessed, her voice laced with panic as she divulged their scheme.

“Kristian’s the architect of our plans, primarily coveting Bella’s wealth.

If you doubt my words, investigate on your own.

But I assure you, I’m telling the truth.

”

The recording abruptly ended, leaving Kristian visibly shaken.

He attempted a feeble smile and said, “That’s just nonsense! Matthew, you’re too perceptive to buy into her fabrications, right? Bella insisted on Elizabeth’s return to Dorburn, and Elizabeth is merely resentful because I didn’t support her.

She’s just trying to smear my name out of spite.

”

His expression turned mournfu

l as he continued, “Matthew, Stella and Bella are no Longer here.

It’s just us mow.

You have to trust me.

Otherwise, why am I even here?”

Matthew observed Kristian’s charade with cold indifference.

It seemed Kristian had perfected his role over the years, effortlessly weaving elaborate tales.

As Kristian concluded, Matthew inquired, “Have you always been such a skilled actor, Ethan Vance?”

Caught off guard by the use of “Ethan,” Kristian was utterly flustered.

Matthew locked eyes with Kristian, his voice steady.

“You know who Aarya Moore is, right?”

Kristian paled at the mention.

Trying to maintain his composure was harder when Ethan’s name came up, sending his thoughts racing.

Matthew continued, relentless, “The mastermind who got Haley to pretend to be Stella’s mother was also named Ethan Vance.

”

At this, Kristian’s panic surged.

This was the secret he had been guarding.

He knew if the conversation continued, he was doomed.

“Stop!” Kristian interrupted sharply.

“What’s your plan with all this? Ethan? Aarya? I don’t know what you’re talking about.

”

Matthew’s gaze was piercing and cold.

Feeling the intensity of Matthew’s stare cutting through him like ice, Kristian clenched his teeth and said, “Whatever you’re aiming for, just drop it.

I don’t want to fall out with you, especially not after losing Bella and Stella.

If we can’t trust each other, maybe it’s best we cut ties now.

”

Matthew remained composed, his expression unmoved.

He smirked slightly.

“If you don’t want to discuss the past, let’s consider whether the plane crash was really just an accident.

”

Kristian was adamant.

“It was an accident, I swear.

”