It must have been a long time since Zayne was last provoked by someone as the frustration he felt was written all over his face. In the end, he gritted his teeth and glared at John before marching out of the villa.
When the man was about to reach the entrance, he paused and turned around, shooting a glance one last glance at me before departing.
John scowled, “Does he really think the Ziegler family can get whatever they want in K City? Since he has the guts to pick on us, I’ll be sure to teach him a lesson!”
“John, cut it out.” I needed to keep the saga under control for the time being because the things they might be capable of had exceeded our expectations. As there were way too many variables, it would be better to lie low for the time being.
My brother finally kept his mouth shut at my warning. After we exchanged glances, he glared at Ashton before bouncing up the stairs, leaving Ashton and I alone in the living room.
Mrs. Eriksen had not seen me for a long time. After she had everything sorted out in the kitchen, she approached me with a bowl of soup and offered, “Mrs. Fuller, why don’t you finish this?”
To be honest, I was envious of Mrs. Eriksen and her bright personality. The woman became thrilled simply at another person’s presence.
I took the soup she offered me and said, “Mrs. Eriksen, could you give us a moment? Ashton and I have something to talk about. Please tell the others to stay away from us for the time being as well.”
“Alright. Please, take your time. I’ll go get you something else to eat. You have been away from home all this while. I’m afraid you’re not getting the attention and care you need. Since you’re back, make sure you’re not leaving anymore, okay? Allow me to take good care of you and your beloved children!”
“Mrs. Eriksen, please leave us alone,” Ashton interrupted her, chasing her out of the room without a second thought.
Immediately after her departure, Ashton took over the soup and started feeding me.
The man’s gorgeous face was merely a few inches away from mine. It felt so surreal. I secretly hoped everything that had occurred was nothing more than a nightmare.
After I finished half of the food, he broke the silence. “Why don’t you go ahead and ask me the things that are bothering you?”
As I had returned to sort out the things between us, I stopped hesitating and asked, “Have you long figured out that the Murphys were the ones behind your parents’ demise?”
“Yes…” Ashton responded quietly.
“Are you aware that my grandmother is a member of the Murphys?” Once I directed the question at him, I held my breath in anticipation of his reply.
He continued feeding me, his eyes glued to my lips. “Initially, I wasn’t aware, but after I gained authority over different people and things, I started acquiring all sorts of information, including that.”
My heart sank at his words; he had verified Louis’ speculation.
I gulped down some air to calm myself before I asked, “Was Grandma the mastermind behind everything? Do you hate me because she’s my grandmother?”
Taken aback by my words, he paused and placed the bowl of soup on the coffee table in front of us. Staring dead ahead of him, he opened his mouth to ask, “Are you sure you’re ready for the whole, naked truth?”
I had a bad feeling about it, yet I insisted, “I’m sure.”
Although I might not be ready for the truth, I had enough of being deceived.
“I used to.”
His simple answer took my breath away. I clenched my fists with all my might to pull myself together.
A few seconds later, he orated, “Initially, everything indicated that your grandmother was the mastermind. After she reached J City ahead of others to distract the Fullers, the Murphys proceeded to lure my parents into a trap. Then, the moment they signed the contracts, they were involved in an accident. During their funeral, I overheard the conversation of my grandfather and your grandmother. They regretted not warning my parents when they were aware that the Murphys had been illegally mining petroleum. When my mother passed on, they found out she had conceived, but it was too late.”
Although I was clueless about the things that had occurred in the past, judging by Ashton’s expression, I knew he was adversely impacted by the incident.
“Actually, your grandmother was against the idea of the Murphys being involved in illegal activities. She had brought the sandalwood box away with her to intimidate the Murphys and get them to turn themselves in. When Grandpa figured out the truth from your grandmother on the day the incident occurred, it was too late because the Murphys had dispatched a team of hitmen to wipe my parents out before the task force could reach them. They had long passed on before they could be rushed into the operating theater.”
