Chapter 173: Schemes and Resentments
Ambrose sat back in his chair, his gaze flicking over the announcement from Nexus Innovations. He closed his laptop with a thoughtful expression and said, “Alaric is so confident because of Stellan. He believes Stellan will cure him.”
Denny raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “But Alaric’s been suffering for six or seven years. His condition is stubborn. Can Ms. Storm really cure him?”
Ambrose leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming with conviction. “I believe in Stellan’s medical skills, but this will take time. A very long time.”
Time wasn’t something Ambrose feared. As long as it was on his side, he felt secure.
Denny hesitated, then spoke cautiously, “But, CEO Ambrose, spreading the news about Alaric’s terminal illness… isn’t that a risky move? It will blow over in a few days, and no one will care. Was it really necessary to spread such news intentionally?”
Ambrose’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Spreading this news isn’t about making people believe it immediately. It’s about planting seeds of doubt in their minds.” He paused, his expression darkening. “And if Alaric plans to take Stellan away from me, I will make sure he never gets the chance to be cured.”
Denny seemed to understand his boss’s cold logic. “Your plan is as meticulous as always, CEO Ambrose.” He cleared his throat before adding, “On another note, congratulations are in order. You’ve secured the Nexus Innovations Entertainment City project, and Mr. Todd Senior is highly pleased with your work. I heard Todd Vale looked rather envious at the board meeting.”
Ambrose allowed himself a proud smile at the praise, but that smile quickly shifted into a look of calculation. “Far East International’s board of directors and Stellan are crucial to me. No one can compete with me.”
“Of course, CEO Ambrose,” Denny echoed confidently. “With both professional success and romantic love in your future, you’ll have it all. I congratulate you in advance.”
Meanwhile, at the Hospital:
Ravenna lay motionless in the ICU, tethered to a ventilator. The doctor had delivered grim news: Ravenna was in a deep coma, with only the faintest heartbeat, her body resembling that of a person already gone.
“Brother, you should go home and rest,” Orion said, her voice barely above a whisper as she sat beside Ravenna’s bed. Her eyes were swollen from crying, fear consuming her. “I’ll stay here with Mom.”
Cormac, his expression tight with concern, looked at his sister. “I spoke to the doctor. Mom’s sudden decline was caused by an emotional outburst. What triggered it?”
Orion hesitated, guilt gnawing at her. She’d promised Griffon she wouldn’t reveal the truth to Cormac.
“It must’ve been something Galatea said,” Orion replied stiffly. “The other day, Alaric came to investigate because the Nash family lied to him about Caspian’s background. We argued about it, and Galatea sided with Alaric. Mom got caught in the middle and became an innocent victim.”
Cormac raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Really?” he asked, doubt in his voice. “I don’t know Galatea well, but she doesn’t seem like the type to provoke anyone.”
At that moment, Griffon entered the room, cutting off further discussion.
“If you don’t believe Orion’s words, then do you believe Galatea?” Griffon’s voice was low but firm.
Orion had come alone, but Griffon was careful, following her to ensure that Cormac didn’t question her too much.
“Cormac, I know you’ve blamed me for years, and maybe you don’t want to hear what I have to say,” Griffon continued, his voice taking on a serious tone. “But I’m still your father, and I have to look out for you. You and Alaric have been close for a long time, but now the Nash and Knight families are enemies. Alaric insists on holding the Nash family accountable for Caspian’s background, and he wants to take us to court. There’s no fixing this, and you need to stay away from him.”
“I’ll choose my own friends, Father,” Cormac replied, his tone firm but respectful. “I don’t need you to tell me who I can and can’t associate with. Just take care of Mom. Call me if anything happens.”
Without another word, Cormac left the room.
Once he was gone, Orion sighed. “It seems my brother doesn’t believe what I said.”
Griffon’s expression hardened. “The situation is what it is. He’ll believe it eventually.”
Orion fell silent for a moment, before hurriedly changing the subject. “Dad, have you seen the news? It says Alaric is terminally ill and undergoing secret treatment.”
Griffon nodded, a cold smile creeping onto his face. “Yes, I’ve seen it.”
Orion’s lips twisted into a cruel grin. “If it’s true, that would be great. I used to love Alaric so much, but now I hate him. I wish he would die right now!” Her hatred for him burned in her voice.
“Although the terminal illness is a lie,” Griffon said coolly, “Alaric does have serious complications. Every time he falls ill, it’s dangerous. He may not be so lucky next time.”
Orion’s expression darkened. “But Galatea is treating him. If she cures him, he’ll be even more of a threat to the Nash family. And the thought of him marrying Galatea… I can’t stand it.”
Griffon’s eyes glinted with cold calculation. “Then don’t let him get better.”
“How can I do that?” Orion asked, confusion evident on her face.
“We may not have the power to do it, but someone else does.” Griffon’s voice dropped to a whisper as a sinister plan began to form. “Marigold Rogers is suspicious by nature and selfish. If she learns that Galatea is actually Stellan Storm—the very woman who almost killed her in the past—she’ll react. And if Galatea enters the Knight family, Alaric will protect her. Marigold will fear retaliation.”
Orion’s eyes lit up as she understood. “Marigold will definitely worry. She’ll fear Galatea’s motives, and if Galatea marries Alaric, she’ll be even more paranoid.”
Griffon nodded approvingly. “Exactly. Marigold only cares about her own family. If Galatea poses a threat, she won’t hesitate to act.”
“I understand now. I’ll visit Marigold tomorrow.” Orion’s face twisted into a satisfied grin. “Galatea, you despicable woman, taking what should’ve been mine. If I can’t have it, neither will you. And Alaric wasted so many years of my life—I’ll make him pay for that.”
The Next Day:
Orion arrived at the Knight family mansion, arms laden with gifts. She was determined to win Marigold’s favor—anything to drive a wedge between Alaric and Galatea.
But when she entered the hall, she was taken aback. There, lying on the sofa, was Harry. He was lounging comfortably, surrounded by people fanning him and offering him fruits.
Why was Harry here? He should be at school.
“Look who’s here, the fake mommy,” Harry sneered, spotting Orion and immediately showing his disdain. He turned to Marigold. “Grandma, the fake daughter-in-law you’ve been so fond of is here.”
Orion’s face turned red with anger, her hands balling into fists. Harry’s words cut deep, and she had to resist the urge to slap him. His venomous tongue was a constant source of frustration.