Chapter 153: Unraveling the Past
Galatea’s heart skipped a beat as she held Alaric’s gaze. She waited with bated breath, her mind racing. The fear gripped her that Alaric might not believe her. If he didn’t, everything she had hoped for—everything she had built with him—might shatter.
“I believe you,” Alaric said, his voice steady and sure. “I believe Brennan was a good person.”
Galatea’s eyes flickered with a mix of relief and disbelief. “Are you saying that just to appease me?” she asked, her voice trembling. She truly wanted to cry, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his words.
“Of course not.” Alaric’s tone was firm. “I believe in Brennan because I see it in you, Galatea. You were once Ms. Storm Junior, but you don’t have the arrogance or selfishness of people like Orion. You’re hardworking, educated, elegant, and polite. You chose to study business management to carry on the legacy of the Storm family. You also studied medicine to honor your late mother, Mom Storm. You could’ve lived an easy, carefree life, but you chose the harder path—working tirelessly to make something of yourself. After becoming a doctor, you risked your life to save a stranger, even at great personal cost. The Brennan who raised such a kind, responsible, and selfless daughter couldn’t have been a bad person.”
Tears welled up in Galatea’s eyes. Alaric’s words were like a balm to her soul, soothing a pain she had long carried alone. His belief in her father gave her hope, something she hadn’t felt in years.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for believing in my father.”
Alaric wiped the tears from her cheeks, his expression softening. “Do you want to investigate the true reasons behind your father’s death?”
Galatea’s heart tightened at the thought. “Of course I do, but it’s been so many years. I have no leads, no starting point. It’s nearly impossible. It’s… very difficult.”
“I’ll help you,” Alaric said simply.
The offer took Galatea by surprise. “You’re willing to help me?” she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
“Of course. You’re my woman now, and Brennan is my father-in-law. If there’s something suspicious about his death, I have to help you find out the truth.” Alaric’s voice was resolute.
Galatea was speechless. The depth of his commitment moved her beyond words. Alaric shook his head with a small, amused smile. “Why are you crying again? I’m your future husband. Helping you is natural. And even if you weren’t my wife, if you were certain that the Storm family was framed, I would still help.”
Galatea blinked in surprise. “Why are you willing to help me even if I’m not your wife?”
Alaric’s eyes darkened with conviction. “Because I’m a soldier. Soldiers uphold justice and the law. If someone is framed, if someone is killed, and if there’s an attempt to cover it up, that’s despicable. I can’t tolerate it. The only way to ease this discomfort is to confront it head-on, to expose those responsible.”
Galatea was taken aback by his words. She had known Alaric was a man of principle, but hearing him speak so passionately about justice made him feel even more formidable, more admirable. What Cormac had said about Alaric’s sense of justice, his unwavering character—he was right. Alaric’s commitment to truth was something rare, something people like her father would have respected.
She felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude for him. “I’ve been busy lately, but once I finish my current tasks, I’ll start the investigation. Can you wait a few more days?” Alaric’s voice broke her reverie.
“No rush,” Galatea quickly replied. “It’s been seven years. Investigating will take time. Your entertainment city project is ongoing, and there are many company matters and family issues to manage. And most importantly, your health.”
Alaric nodded, his expression shifting to one of concern. “Josep has reviewed my treatment plan and confirmed that it’s safe to start. We’ll begin your treatment tomorrow. We’ll focus on healing your lingering issues first. Once your health is restored, we’ll dive into Brennan’s case.”
Galatea nodded, understanding. “Revisiting an old case can be challenging, and your well-being should come first. I’ve waited for seven years; I’m not in a hurry now. Let’s focus on your recovery, and once you’re well, we can address the past.”
Alaric smiled at her reassurances. “Galatea, you can trust me. I promise I will fulfill what I’ve committed to.”
“I believe you,” she replied with a quiet conviction, her heart swelling with both love and relief.
Alaric’s eyes softened as he said, “No wonder Harry and Elisa have the surname Storm, and Mia calls you Stellan.” Galatea lowered her head, guilt flickering in her chest for keeping this secret from him.
“Did you not let me call you Stellan because Ambrose used to call you that?” Alaric asked, his voice gentle yet probing.
Galatea paused before answering, her voice thoughtful. “Yes, it’s because of Ambrose. I met him by chance one year at the park. I fell into the water, and he saved me. He didn’t even let me thank him properly before he disappeared. I searched for him for days but couldn’t find him. Then, when I went to Brennan’s company, I ran into him again, and I found out he had just been hired.”
She smiled faintly, the memory bittersweet. “I thought it was a sign of fate. As we got to know each other, I saw how hardworking and capable he was. We became close, and soon, we were romantically involved.”
Galatea’s face grew solemn as she continued, “Brennan didn’t approve of Ambrose and opposed our relationship. But Ambrose proved himself time and time again. He was brilliant at work, treated Brennan with respect like a son, and cared for me deeply.”
“But after the Storm family incident,” she whispered, “Ambrose disappeared without a trace. I looked for him everywhere, asked everyone who might know where he was, but no one had any answers. The last time I saw him was at the opening ceremony of the entertainment project… He left without saying a word.”
Alaric fell into deep thought, the wheels turning in his mind. Ambrose’s disappearance after the Storm family’s collapse didn’t seem like a coincidence. Had it all been part of a bigger design?
Looking at Galatea, Alaric felt a deep sense of sorrow for her. The man she had once loved so fully and so innocently might very well be the mastermind behind everything that had happened to her family.