Chapter 204: The Burden of Truth
“Cormac, I know it’s hard to believe, and I know you don’t want to, but this is the truth. If Jason Gray’s confession isn’t enough, I’ll find more evidence. I’ll pursue the matter of Griffon tampering with the DNA results from six years ago,” Alaric stated, his voice cold but resolute.
The words hit Cormac like a punch to the gut. His body trembled, his mind whirling as he tried to process the enormity of what he was hearing. “What are you planning to do? How will you pursue it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Alaric’s gaze hardened as he continued, “What do you think? Six years ago, Griffon tampered with DNA results, causing irreparable damage to the Knight family. Galatea nearly died in the delivery room. And for all these years, I never even knew I had two children out there.”
Alaric sighed heavily, a note of sadness creeping into his voice. “And then there’s Caspian—my son, estranged from me for so long because of Griffon’s selfishness. For so many years, our family has been broken apart because of him. And now, he even wanted Galatea dead. But his crimes don’t stop there. What about the doctor he bribed to alter the DNA results? Why is it that even now, no one can find him?”
The weight of Alaric’s words crushed Cormac’s spirit. Was it true? Could Griffon have really done all of this?
Cormac, his voice barely audible, murmured, “How could he be so heartless? Why would he do such heinous things?”
Alaric’s expression remained unwavering. “Cormac, the facts are in front of us. We can’t deny them.” He placed a firm hand on Cormac’s shoulder. “Whether Griffon did these things or not, the law will give us the fairest answer.”
With that, Alaric stood to leave, but Cormac’s voice stopped him.
“Are you planning to sue him?” Cormac’s voice trembled, a mix of fear and disbelief.
Alaric turned to face him, his expression steely. “Do you think I shouldn’t? He’s done enough damage. I’ve let him get away with it for too long. It’s enough.”
Cormac’s voice barely broke the silence, his words full of quiet despair. “If all the charges are proven, he…” His throat closed up, the implications weighing heavily on him.
Alaric’s gaze was intense, unflinching. “If Griffon already killed the doctor from six years ago, and if all the charges are proven, then a life for a life is the fairest outcome.”
A life for a life?
Even though Cormac harbored deep resentment for Griffon, the thought of his father facing such a fate was too much to bear. “Alaric, is there no room for mercy? Must it end in his death?”
Alaric’s voice was calm but resolute. “I have no choice. I know it’s hard for you to accept. I know he’s your father, and you don’t want to see him die. But don’t expect me to let him go. Griffon did all these things for Orion’s sake, but he never considered that Galatea was someone’s daughter too. Galatea almost died six years ago. How would Brennan feel if he knew what happened? Galatea has been raising Harry and Elisa alone all these years. And Griffon caused it all.”
Alaric’s voice became colder. “And Griffon has shown no remorse. He even tried to kill Galatea in that car accident. He would go to any lengths to keep Orion happy, but never thought that Galatea, too, was a mother. If she had died, her children would have lost their mother forever. He never thought about that, and because of that, he deserves to die.”
Without waiting for a response, Alaric turned and walked away, leaving Cormac behind, frozen in his seat, unable to move.
Back in the lounge, Galatea had been waiting for Alaric, her worry evident as the hours passed. When he returned, her eyes immediately caught the scent of alcohol on him. She quickly rose to her feet, concern etching her features.
“Alaric, you’ve been drinking?” Her voice was sharp, tinged with frustration. “I just gave you a treatment shot yesterday. Do you know what this could do to your recovery?”
Before she could say more, Alaric stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. Galatea was taken aback, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing against her.
“What happened?” she asked, her voice soft but filled with concern. “Did something happen?”
Alaric held her tightly, a deep sense of guilt consuming him. “I’m sorry, Galatea,” he whispered, his voice thick with regret. “I’ve caused you so much pain, and I haven’t been able to protect you.”
If it weren’t for Ravenna’s mutterings, Alaric would never have suspected the car accident. He would never have known that Galatea’s accident had been orchestrated. He felt as though all these disasters had been his fault.
Galatea pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing. “What exactly happened? Why are you suddenly saying this?” Her voice was tinged with confusion and concern.
Alaric hesitated, but then quickly masked his emotions. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” He changed the subject, trying to push his feelings aside. “Didn’t I tell you to go to bed early and not wait up for me? Why are you still up?”
Galatea gave a small smile, though it was laced with weariness. “I can’t sleep if you’re not back,” she admitted softly. “And… there’s something I need to tell you.”
Alaric’s curiosity piqued. “What is it?” he asked, a faint smile on his lips despite the tension in the room.
Galatea hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. “I contacted Marigold again today, but it wasn’t her who answered the phone. It was her butler. He said that the man knows about the matter, and that he wants to meet with me.”
Alaric chuckled, amusement glinting in his eyes. “Oh, your ex-husband is coming to see you?” he teased, his tone light.
“Yes,” Galatea replied nervously, unsure of how to feel about it. “I don’t know who that man is.”
Alaric’s teasing smile remained. “Are you looking forward to meeting this bad man?” His voice was playful, though he knew the truth of the situation.
Galatea bit her lip, her nerves clearly getting the best of her. “I… I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’m just… nervous.”
Alaric leaned in closer, his smile warm despite the teasing. “Well, whatever happens, I’ll be here with you.”
As Alaric stood beside Galatea, a subtle shift seemed to hang in the air. The past was closing in, and with it, the weight of everything that had been hidden. The truth was coming to light, and nothing would ever be the same again.