Chapter 1118



Kane’s pupils contracted sharply, a flicker of panic crossing his face. Damn it! He had overlooked the IP address, a critical flaw in his otherwise meticulous plan.

Norma’s expression turned dark, while Harold’s face grew cold as he said to Kane, “Kane, do you have anything to say about this?”

Despite the mounting evidence, Kane clung to denial. Without irrefutable proof, he could still argue his innocence. He met Harold’s gaze with feigned calmness. “What does an IP address prove? Yes, I’ve lived in Griyh Crait; so what? Does that automatically make me the person behind the matter? You can’t pin this on me based on that alone!”

“Enough!” Harold’s voice cut through the air like a sharp blade. “You know exactly what you’ve done!” No one present was naive. The truth was already evident to all—whether Kane was behind the matter or not was no longer in question. Kane’s expression darkened instantly. He knew that Harold had chosen Lucas’ side. There was no point in trying to win him over now.

Fury burned in Kane’s chest, but he swallowed it down. Without another word, he turned on his heels and strode out of the dining room. Yet, instead of leaving the estate altogether, he ascended the grand staircase and went to his bedroom.

The warmth and harmony that had filled the dining room mere moments ago had been completely shattered. A heavy silence descended upon the table. Once dinner had concluded, Lucas left with Belinda.

Meanwhile, Harold climbed the stairs and made his way to Kane’s room. Reaching Kane’s door, he didn’t bother knocking. Instead, he twisted the doorknob and walked straight in. Kane was on the balcony, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. The ashtray beside him overflowed with cigarette butts, a testament to his agitation. The thick haze of smoke curled through the air, making Harold cough. He scowled, his voice edged with irritation. “Put that cigarette out now!”

Kane remained still, his features impassive. But after a few moments of silence, he stubbed the cigarette into the already full ashtray. Harold’s voice dropped to a low, measured tone. “I know you’re behind the matter. There’s no point in denying it.”

At his words, Kane lowered his gaze. A moment later, he let out a humorless chuckle. “Since you’ve already made up your mind, what’s the point in me saying anything? If you insist it was me, then fine. Let’s just say it was.”

Harold’s expression hardened, his eyes flashing with both anger and disappointment. “Kane! What more do you want? Haven’t you learned from what happened three years ago?”

Lucas finally allowed you to return! You were given another chance to stay in Owathe, and yet now, you start stirring up trouble again!”

The mention of three years ago made Kane clench his jaw. He had been reckless back then—underestimating Lucas, and he had paid the price for it.

Harold took a deep breath and continued, his voice calmer but no less firm. “Lucas has never wronged you. You keep trying to punish him for the past, but the truth is—the matter before has nothing to do with him. I have told you time and time again—your mother passed away due to her illness. Your mother’s death had nothing to do with Lucas’ mother, nor with Lucas. If you need someone to blame, then blame me!”

Those words ignited something volatile within Kane. His anger erupted like a storm breaking free. “Nothing to do with them? If that woman hadn’t seduced you, would you have wanted to divorce my mother? Would my mother have fallen ill like that? Would her condition have deteriorated so quickly?”

His lips curled into a cold smile. “Dad, you make it sound like they’re completely innocent!”

Harold’s expression grew thunderous at the way Kane addressed Norma. “Watch your mouth!”

He exhaled sharply, composing himself before speaking again, his voice firm yet weary. “Do you even listen to yourself before you speak? Do you really think late-stage breast cancer develops overnight?”

.

.

.