Chapter 140
“Griffon, don’t you think you’re being too light-hearted about this?” Alaric’s voice cut through the tension, cold and sharp. Griffon’s words, though composed, lacked any real sincerity, and Alaric wasn’t in the mood for politeness. He had no time for the pretensions anymore.
“If you truly cared about me, you wouldn’t tell such lies. The lies were only for Orion. Now that I have no future with her, you’re suddenly worried she will continue to bear an undeserved identity that might affect her future. That’s why you’re so eager to clear things up,” Alaric continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Griffon, you are indeed a father who loves your daughter!”
Griffon’s expression remained unfazed as he chuckled coldly, his voice slipping into a more detached tone. “Alaric, I understand that you’re emotional right now, but it’s the Nash family that has always been at a disadvantage in this matter. When Mrs. Marigold found a woman to bear your child, it wasn’t until Caspian was born that the Nash family found out. Unfortunately, that woman had complications during childbirth and passed away.”
He paused, a glint of something darker flashing in his eyes before continuing. “Orion stood up and claimed that Caspian was hers because she loved you so much, Alaric. At that time, Orion was at the peak of her career. You know how cruel the entertainment industry can be, especially for an actress during those crucial years. When Orion made that choice while her career was thriving, you can imagine how much she loved you. At that time, all of us had good fantasies, thinking that you, Orion, and Caspian could be happy together forever. Who would have thought this situation would arise?”
Alaric’s lips pressed into a thin line, his anger building as he responded sharply. “So all of this is the fault of the Knight family. Mrs. Marigold shouldn’t have gone behind the Nash family’s back to find a woman to bear my child, and I shouldn’t have disappointed Orion, right?”
Griffon sighed, clearly annoyed. “Alaric, you’re getting emotional. You know that’s not what I meant. Now that you and Orion have no future together, let’s just clarify things and move on. Isn’t that better?”
But Alaric wasn’t ready to let Griffon off that easily. “Clarify things?” he scoffed. “Is it too much to ask for Orion to give me a heads-up before she makes a public statement? Her sudden clarification completely blindsided everyone. And of course, the media attacks were a disaster. She painted herself as the innocent victim, while you and Galatea were painted as the villains. It’s absolutely ridiculous!”
Griffon feigned innocence, his expression carefully neutral. “Didn’t Mrs. Marigold tell you? I mentioned this matter to her before, and she agreed to let Orion clarify things. I didn’t expect she hadn’t informed you.”
The words stung more than Alaric expected. Mrs. Marigold, Griffon’s supposed close friend, had kept him in the dark. The realization that Griffon was this manipulative was a bitter pill to swallow. Alaric had once looked up to Griffon like a father, but now it felt like the mask had slipped off, revealing the selfishness beneath.
“Griffon,” Alaric said, his voice calm but steely. “You’re right. Since Orion and I have no future together, let’s each go our separate ways. If we’re cutting ties, let’s do it thoroughly.”
Griffon’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What do you mean?”
Alaric’s smile was cold, his words sharp and decisive. “The economic cooperation between the Knight family and the Nash family will be terminated directly. When I return to the company, I’ll instruct the finance department to settle everything, withdrawing investments where necessary and selling off shares.”
Griffon’s face twisted with anger, his voice rising. “Alaric, the economic cooperation between our families has lasted for years. While it’s not always a case of prospering together, suffering together, your actions will harm both the Knight family and the Nash family. Don’t be so ruthless!”
Alaric’s eyes hardened. “This is what you wanted, Griffon. You care about me, so I should also consider your interests. By completely severing the economic ties between our families, I’m preventing further losses on your part.”
Griffon’s expression darkened, clearly caught off guard by Alaric’s decisiveness. “Fine, since you’ve said so, I have nothing more to say,” he spat, his voice clipped. “I will immediately instruct the finance department to settle everything.”
“Good,” Alaric replied, his smile thin and emotionless.
Just then, a voice broke through the tension. Mrs. Ravenna, her frail form supported by a servant, descended the stairs with a slight tremor. Her gentle gaze landed on Alaric and Griffon.
“Griffon and Alaric, are you two arguing?” she asked, her tone laced with concern.
“Mom, why are you out of bed?” Orion hurried forward, helping her mother.
“I’ve been lying down these days, and even though I wasn’t sick, lying down made me ill. I’ve been feeling much better since Galatea came to see me,” Mrs. Ravenna replied with a soft smile, before turning her attention to Alaric. “Alaric, didn’t Galatea come with you?”
Alaric felt a pang of discomfort. Mrs. Ravenna still didn’t know the full extent of what had happened, and that only added to his unease. Seeing her weak and unaware of the truth made his frustration grow. He had been deceived by both Griffon and Orion, and yet here she was, trying to maintain the illusion of a family still united.
“Galatea is busy, so I came alone,” Alaric said, his voice softening slightly as he moved to support Mrs. Ravenna.
“Next time, bring Galatea with you. I enjoy talking to her now,” Mrs. Ravenna said with a gentle smile.
“Okay,” Alaric replied, though his mind was miles away.
“What happened just now? I couldn’t quite hear what you and Griffon were discussing, but it seemed like you were about to argue,” Mrs. Ravenna continued, concern clouding her features.
“No,” Alaric quickly answered, brushing off the tension. “I was just discussing business matters with Griffon.”
“As long as there’s no argument,” Mrs. Ravenna patted Alaric’s hand, offering him a reassuring smile. “Although things didn’t work out between you and Orion, the relationship between the Knight family and the Nash family has been strong for so many years. Don’t let your issues with Orion cause a rift.”
Alaric felt a twinge of guilt. He didn’t want to cause any harm to the families that had been intertwined for so long. But the reality was different now. The relationships were no longer sustainable, and he was tired of pretending.
“Okay,” Alaric replied softly, though the weight of it all pressed heavily on his chest.
Mrs. Ravenna’s frail hand squeezed his. “Take care of yourself, Alaric. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much about me.”
Alaric’s throat tightened as he looked at her. I wish I could say I’m not worried, he thought, but instead, he simply nodded. “I’ll come visit when I have time.”
“Take care,” Mrs. Ravenna urged, and Alaric made his way toward the door.
Once he was outside, the weight of everything came crashing down on him. He had driven for a while, stopping at an empty, quiet spot. The city seemed so distant, so cold. A deep sense of loss settled in his chest.
Human growth often involves loss, he thought bitterly. He had lost so much—trust, family, love—and now he was standing at a crossroads.
Taking out his phone, Alaric dialed Galatea’s number. It rang a few times before she picked up.
“Accompany me tonight,” he said simply, his voice raw, tired.
He wasn’t sure if it was the loneliness or the overwhelming sense of loss, but he needed someone to be with him.