Chapter 2020

Kristian never anticipated that after years of maneuvering through the cutthroat business world, he would be outsmarted and undone by someone he considered a junior.

As Kristian’s tirade concluded, his laughter turned manic, tears pooling in the corners of his eyes-an unsettling blend of hysteria and despair.

Once the laughter subsided and a semblance of calm returned to Kristian, Matthew spoke with calculated calmness.

“I didn’t need to do much.

You concealed your identity well.

Despite my efforts, I found nothing.

But you grew too impatient,” he stated flatly.

Locking eyes with Kristian, whose gaze burned with undiluted hatred, Matthew delivered the final blow.

“Your mistake was using your private plane.

That hastened your downfall.

”

By the time Matthew finished, the police were already wheeling a handcuffed Kristian away.

He made no attempt to resist; resignation had set in, knowing any struggle was futile.

As they moved past Matthew and Stella, Kristian, summoning his last reserves of strength, reached out and grabbed Stella’s hand.

Matthew reacted instantly, yanking Kristian’s hand away from Stella’s and stepping protectively in front of her.

Kristian’s voice was low an

d ominous as he clung to his delusions of victory.

“I didn’t lose.

The people who should die are dead, and I’ve had my moments with Bella.

I wouldn’t call that a loss…”

His laugh echoed down the hallway, a distorted sound that drew disapproving frowns from the officers.

Even after Kristian had been taken away, Stella felt a residual disgust for the man whose manic laughter seemed to echo in the corridors.

Shaken, she whispered, “He’s lost it completely.

”

Matthew clasped her hand, his voice gentle but firm.

“Let’s put him out of our minds.

”

They were just leaving the ward when Matthew’s phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID-Waldo.

Lifting the phone to his ear, he said with evident worry, “Grandpa? What’s going on?”

Waldo’s reply was quiet and heavy.

“Your grandmother has collapsed.

”

Waldo’s somber voice issued a simple command over the phone.

“Come home immediately!”

Matthew hung up, his face etched with worry.

Stella, noticing his distress, pressed for answers.

“What’s wrong? Who was on the Line?”

“It was Grandpa,” Matthew replied, his tone heavy.

“He said Grandma fainted.

”

Stella, momentarily taken aback, quickly followed up with concern.

“Is she in the hospital? Do they know what caused it?”

Shaking his head, Matthew’s voice was tinged with concern and a hint of guilt.

“Grandpa hasn’t mentioned a hospital… I suspect it’s because Grandma heard about your accident.

It’s not her health-it’s the shock.

”

His explanation hinted at deeper, unspoken fears about the fragility of his grandmother’s state.

Stella’s survival was still a tightly held secret, known only to a select few who had been present that day.