Louis might have his concerns because he was a senior of ours. However, John and I had been through all sorts of ups and downs in our lives; we had nothing to keep from one another.
When John heard me, he snapped out of his process of thought and looked at me with his bloodshot pair of eyes.
After a gruesome ten seconds of silence, he said, “I’m sure you’re aware of the things Fuller Corporation is going through. If Ashton insists, he’s only going to drag you and Summer down with him. As your brother, I can’t afford to expose you to such excessive risks.”
As an expert in wreaking havoc himself, John could sense danger way ahead of others. Since it was pretty much the same as I had speculated, I regained my composure and replied calmly, “I’m well aware of the things that are currently happening. As his wife, however, it’s part of my duty to be by his side when he needs me most. Do you really think I’ll leave him just because of the risk associated with his decision?”
Although I knew they merely wanted to keep me safe, I found their decisions ironic. Staring at John, I brought something up and asked, “Who’s the high-ranking official that’s behind the scenes?”
If that mysterious figure is able to intimidate Louis of all people, I need to give Ashton a heads-up!
When John heard me, he got worked up and jolted up from his seat in anger. Staring at me with his chest held high, he remarked sarcastically, “Has he considered your safety? What makes you think you have to take the risk with him? Do you really think such a capable man isn’t aware of the foe he’s going up against?”
His response took me by surprise, and I had a hard time figuring out the reason behind his wrath. John had never seemed afraid when he performed reckless things with Ashton before.
Overwhelmed by wrath, John banged the door shut after making his way out of the room. Prior to his departure, he warned me, “You have to stay here. I won’t allow you to return to him anymore!”
Bang! My heart skipped a beat as a result of the thunderous sound.
Soon, Louis and I were the only ones left behind. He heaved a long sigh and explained, “I’m sure you know him better than me. Please don’t blame him for reacting in this manner. Your brother is merely afraid something bad will happen to you.”
I nodded my head and forced a smile, assuring him it wasn’t a big deal.
It would take something much more serious than that to get me to sever ties with him.
Louis nodded at my reaction and brought up another topic. “Are you aware your late grandmother is closely acquainted with Ashton’s grandfather?”
I nodded my head once more and replied, “That’s also the reason Ashton’s grandfather has insisted on having us married to one another.”
He responded with a nod, but a few seconds later, he looked at me with a serious expression and asked, “Has Ashton ever shared anything about his parents with you?”
Conscious of the things he was about to bring up, my heart sank. Ashton had once told me that his parents had passed on because they had been deceived. I would have the shock of my life if Louis were to tell me Ashton’s parents’ death had anything to do with Grandma and Ashton’s Grandpa.
Louis took a deep breath and orated, “Back in the day, the Murphys were suspected of illegal mining of petroleum. As the person in charge of the investigation, I found out the Fullers from J City had something to do with him. Since there was solid evidence to get them convicted, I brought a team of elites and the required documents to take them into custody with me. When we were on our way to J City, we heard the bad news of the Fullers’ members passing on because of an accident. Only a limited few had the rights to mine petroleum. As the person in charge, your grandmother must have been aware of the things the Murphys had been doing behind the scenes…”
My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach when I heard him. Confused, I asked, “Does that mean Grandma brought upon Ashton’s parents’ demise?”
Louis instantly shook his head and asserted in a serious tone, “I can’t be certain, but judging by the gathered evidence, that seems to be the case.”
“Since that particular incident, the Murphys had been behaving themselves. I thought the incidents had come to an end, but when I saw the patriarch of the Oberick family during the banquet held for the twins, I sent John to investigate if there was anything going on behind the scenes. To my surprise, Ashton had been busy getting to the bottom of the truth over the years. He was determined to get his revenge against those at fault at all costs. I’m afraid it’s going to be another futile effort to pick on those in power…”
I couldn’t recall the rest of our conversation from that point onwards. By the time I returned to my senses, I was on the couch in the living room. Overwhelmed by the truth, I had a hard time gathering my thoughts.
