Chapter 729: I think now I understand

[PRESENT TIME]

Another deep exhale escaped Atlas as he tilted his head back, eyes closed. After a while, his body stabilized, and his tremors subsided. Snapping his eyes open, he focused on the bed, running his tongue along his inner cheek.

"He’s safe now," he murmured to himself, nodding. "For now... you’re safe."

A sense of relief swelled in his chest, knowing this would resolve many issues. It would clear Allen’s name and restore his reputation. However, Atlas was aware that this was far from over. Even if Sven was arrested, it would completely affect the already fragile dynamic of the entire Bennet family.

"It doesn’t matter," he whispered, pushing himself up as he regained the strength to stand. He approached the bed, standing beside it with his eyes fixed on Allen.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly in relief as he patted Allen’s shoulder gently. "Don’t worry anymore," he said. "I’ve always known you would never stab me in the back. I’ll make him pay for what he’s done."

The question of why Allen was back in the office that night still lingered in Atlas’s mind, but it didn’t matter anymore. Whatever had compelled him to return to the office was irrelevant now. What mattered was that Allen had gone back and likely encountered Sven that night.

This was the only conclusion Atlas could draw.

As Atlas withdrew his hand, he heard the door behind him open. Turning, he saw a young woman—about his age—with an expression of shock. By her mismatched slippers, it was clear she had rushed here after hearing what had happened.

"Sir Atlas!" she exclaimed, hurrying inside to check on Allen before looking up at Atlas. "Is he—is he okay?"

Atlas managed a faint smile and nodded. "He is fine."

"Ah, God..." The woman hunched over, clutching the side of the bed as she fought to keep herself from falling. Her eyes reddened and welled with tears as she gazed at her lover, still lying on the hospital bed.

Atlas watched her, noting that she had been by Allen’s side through it all. However, she couldn’t stay day and night because she had work. Tonight was the first time she had planned to rest at home after taking care of Allen. After Atlas reassured her that Allen was fine and secure, he understood how much she cared.

"Sir Atlas," the woman said, looking up at him after a moment, a bittersweet smile on her face. "Is it true that the person who did this to him was arrested?"

Atlas pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded. "He’s in the station. He won’t be able to harm him again."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

The woman whimpered as she clasped Allen’s hand. "I’m sorry," she cried through her tears. "I’m sorry, babe. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you."

Atlas remained silent, watching her as she cried her heart out, blaming herself for everything. While her feelings of guilt were understandable, it was painful to see her torment.

Watching this unfold, Atlas recalled how Allen used to brag about his girlfriend. Of course, he never did so in front of Atlas, but there were times Atlas had overheard Allen boasting about her to his colleagues.

It was the reason Atlas had recommended that restaurant for Allen and his long-time girlfriend.

Sadly, she didn’t know why Allen had returned to the office that night. All she had told Atlas initially was that Allen called and suggested they eat together. He was supposed to be going to her place that night. The melted ice creams in the car proved that her claims were genuine.

"I’ll leave you two for now," Atlas remarked quietly, stepping away to give them some privacy. But just as he reached the door, he paused when the woman spoke.

"Thank you, Sir Atlas," she said, tears in her eyes as she watched him glance back at her. "Thank you for believing in Allen. I know him, and I knew he wouldn’t do that. After all, he cherishes his work and always tells me how lucky he is to work with you."

Bitterness filled her eyes as she forced a smile. "We sometimes argue about it because there were times I felt like he was giving his work more importance and time than his girlfriend. I thought I would never understand, but now... I think I finally do understand why he’s so loyal to you."

"Thank you, Mr. Bennet." She faced him squarely and offered a deep bow. "Thank you."

Atlas gazed at her for a moment before looking back at Allen on the bed. "I only did what he would do for me if the roles were reversed," he replied politely. "Don’t worry now. The person responsible for this will not get away with it. I give you my word."

Having said that, Atlas resumed his steps and left the ward. As he closed the door, he saw her clutching Allen’s hand, continuing to cry with worry. Another sigh escaped Atlas as he stood in front of the closed door.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. Once he reopened them, he turned to walk away to deal with whatever he had to deal with tonight.

******

[Old Bennet Residence]

"It’s not—ahh!" Stephen Bennet covered the side of his head as a cane struck him from the side. Despite the blows, he still had the energy to rub his hands together, begging Chairman Bennet. "Please—Chairman, Sven wouldn’t do something like this. I’m sure there’s a reason—"

"Is there any reason for someone to resort to murder?!" Chairman Bennet huffed, his chest tightening in anger.

"Father—"

"Shut up!" Chairman Bennet glared daggers at Stephen’s wife. "Stay out of this, or do you want to get a beating too?!"

Sven’s mother’s breath hitched as she lowered her head, looking at her husband apologetically. Stephen, on the other hand, paid her no mind as he continued to grovel at Chairman Bennet’s feet.

"Please..." Stephen clung to Chairman Bennet’s leg. "Sven is my only son! Please don’t let him go to jail—I’ll beg Atlas if I have to."

His begging only angered Chairman Bennet further.

"You shameless fool!" Chairman Bennet roared, kicking Stephen away and then striking him with his cane. "Your son tried to kill someone and even framed Atlas’s trusted man for something horrible! And you want Sven to flee the country without facing consequences?! Is this how you raised your children?!"

Chairman Bennet huffed, stomping his cane on the floor, his eyes sizzling with fury and disgust. "Stephen Bennet, if I were you, I would convince your son to accept the proper punishment for his crimes. Otherwise, resign. I don’t have family members who are murderers."

With that, Chairman Bennet huffed and turned to leave. Meanwhile, Stephen Bennet’s heart sank as he watched Chairman Bennet walk away.