Love at Novel 2200

Love at the Wrong Table

Chapter 2200 The Theory of Bloodlines

Finished

Since Maxwell’s gone, someone from the Zelinsky family has to take his place. You share my blood, so I’m choosing you over those who don’t,” Ezra stated slowly, his gaze fixed on Magnus.

Magnus‘ eyes lit up with a glint of excitement, a sly smile tugging at his lips. “If I were to inherit the family, wouldn’t that go against your deal with my mother?”

Ezra chuckled, a rare sound from him. “That’s exactly why you’ve impressed me. You’re sharper than Maxwell.”

“Father, tell me niore about that deal between you and her,” Magnus requested with genuine respect, his eyes unwavering. It was as if he were determined to uncover the truth, no matter what it cost him.

Ezra paused, glancing at the time as if something urgent awaited him. “Get up,” he said, returning to his usual composed self.

Magnus stood, bracing himself for what was to come.

O

Ezra wasted no time. “I’m short on time, so let me get to the point. Your mother was loyal to the Holy Trinity. She was part of their plan to seize power in Chamaea. Marrying me was a way for her to infiltrate the government.”

Magnus listened closely, processing each word.

Ezra continued, “You need to understand–the Zelinsky family and the Holy Trinity are not allies. Their goals clash. The Zelinsky family’s true ambition is to dominate Chanaea.”

Magnus nodded, letting his father’s words sink in.

There were many noble families in Chanaea, but the Zelinsky family hadn’t quite reached the top. Their aim was simple–to surpass the rest and claim the title of the most powerful family in the country.

Ezra’s tone became more intense. “To do that, we need one of us in the presidential seat. That’s when we’ll be at the top.”

He paused, his gaze growing more focused. “Thus, the heir must have a pure bloodline. That’s why you and Hattie are excellent but still not enough to surpass the ideal bloodline.”

Magnus‘ lip curled in disdain. “This whole bloodline concept is ridiculous,” he muttered.

He had suspected it, but hearing it out loud from his father only confirmed the ugly truth.

“Big families like ours put a huge emphasis on bloodlines. That’s just how it is. If you don’t get that, you’re not really fit to be called a Great Sage,” Ezra replied. It wasn’t mockery; he knew Magnus had already discovered the truth..

Magnus smirked. “Good thing I figured it out earlier. That’s why I had to kill Maxwell. With him gone, maybe I’ll finally be accepted. The Zelinsky family has no other choice but to accept me. I might even end up with what was supposed to be his.”

Ezra shook his head. “You’re not completely wrong, but not completely right, either.

Magnus‘ smirk faded, and he braced for whatever his father would say next.

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Chapter 2200 The Theory of Bloodlines

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Ezra added slowly. If you want our approval, you must prove you’re fully committed to the Zelinsky family. Only then will I consider you. Otherwise, the position will go to someone else someone I trust

morð:

“What do I need to do?” Magnus asked immediately, determination in his voice.

Ezra reached under the table and pulled out a small knife, tossing it before Magnus. “Start by stabbing yourself.”

Magnus blinked, momentarily stunned. Yet without hesitation, he grabbed the knife and plunged it into his thigh. Blood splattered onto the floor, but neither man flinched.

Magnus knew he would fail the test if he hesitated ever a second. He knew he had to prove he would endure anything, just like Maxwell had. To get to the truth, he was ready to go as far as it took–even if it meant stabbing himself more.

“Well done. Your quick thinking helped you pass this test,” Ezra said, his voice calm and approving.

Ezra could tell exactly what Magnus was thinking. He knew that this one test wouldn’t prove that Magnus would fully follow his orders.

“As a reward, I’ll continue the story,” Ezra added, checking the time before continuing. “Do you know what caused Hattie’s strange illness?”

Still processing the pain from the wound, Magnus paused before shaking his head. “No, I don’t.”

In reality, he had heard part of the story from Blake after returning from Dark Night Island.

Hattie’s illness had been caused by Freya, who used her in an experiment involving the Sun Stones.

Ezra’s tone remained calm as he explained, “Your mother left that illness on purpose. Her goal was simple

she wanted you to find her when you were older. Because only she could save Hattie.”

Magnus clenched his fists. “Then why didn’t anyone tell us? Is it because you didn’t want us to reunite with her?”

“Exactly,” Ezra replied, giving him a nod, though his praise was brief. “Your mother serves the Holy Trinity. If you find her, you’ll be dragged into their cause. The more you and Hattie succeed, the more we can’t let you reunite with her. You support Mason for president, while the Zelinsky family backs Catherine. From the start, we’ve been on opposing sides.”

Magnus gave a bitter smile, finally understanding. “I get it now. Everything Hattie and I have gone through was part of the plan. But-”

“But what?” Ezra asked, sensing the shift in his son’s tone.

Usually calm and measured, Magnus suddenly pulled out a knife and pointed it at Ezra, his anger rising. “Why did you never give us a choice? Maybe we would’ve chosen to stay loyal to the Zelinsky family like Maxwell. Why did you decide for us from the start?”

Ezra didn’t flinch, meeting his son’s anger with quiet resolve. Once Magnus‘ outburst faded, only Ezra spoke, “It wasn’t me who chose for you. Your mother made the choice for you when she left Hattie with that illness.”

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. “You were supposed to find her when you grew up; she

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Chapter 2200 The Theory of Bloodlines

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would’ve used Hattie’s life to force you to help her. Rese, and you’d have no way out. She’s a ruthless woman. Magnus. She’ll do anything.”

Magnus gripped the knife’s handle tightly, his knuckles white. After a long pause, he closed his eyes and threw the knife aside.

“Do you want to cry?” Ezra asked, his tone softening slightly.

“I do, but I won’t,” Magnus replied quietly, forcing himself to stay calm.

Ezra sighed, his expression shifting. “It’s not entirely the Zelinsky family’s fault, but as your father, I’ve been unfair to you and Hattie. I owe you an apology.”

The words caught Magnus off guard. The man he had always seen as an influential, urishakeable figure- cold and calculating, like a top–tier family leader–was apologizing to him.

“Magnus, I’m giving you a chance as compensation. If you don’t take it, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself,” Ezra continued, his voice firm but with a hint of emotion.

Magnus eyes widened in anticipation. “What is it?”

Ezra’s expression hardened, and his voice was resolved. “To prove your loyalty to the Zelinsky family and have a shot at becoming president. Stand at the top of the Zelinsky family–and at the pinnacle of Chanaea.”

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