Now, Kristian must feel confident in his victory.


    Continuing to pretend would be excruciating for him.


    Matthew replied calmly, “I understand.


    ”


    Kristian buried his face in his hands and sighed deeply, “This is all my fault.


    Imagine how terrified they must have been when the ident urred.


    I should never have let them go without me.


    If I had been there, at least I’d be with them now.


    It’s my fault entirely.


    If only I had the ne checked more thoroughly before they departed, we might have avoided this disaster.


    It’s all my fault!”


    Matthew remained unresponsive to Kristian’s self-reproach, showing neither sympathy norfort.


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    He sat silently, his gaze cold and detached.


    Kristian’s emotional disy met with indifference, leaving him feeling somewhat embarrassed.


    Gradually, heposed himself and, after a pause, cautiously stated his purpose.


    “It has been three days since Ste and Be’s ident, yet they remain missing.


    I fear, as others have suggested, they might already be lost.


    ”


    Matthew looked up at him with a piercing gaze.


    Under that sharp gaze, Kristian inexplicably felt a little uncertain, but he had to say what he needed to say.


    “The rescue team has been searching for three days, but there is nothing except the remains of the ne.


    There will be no result even if they go on.


    I think we’d better ask them to withdraw.


    ”


    Matthew fixed his eyes on Kristian and asked, “Are you suggesting we simply give up?”


    Kristian’s heart pounded.


    He swallowed hard and spoke.


    “Though I struggle to ept this reality, we must look ahead.


    Continuing the search risks sparking inte rumors that th


    e rk family is abusing resources due to our background, tarnishing both your reputation and that of the Prosperity Group.


    ”


    Matthew’s response was icy.


    “I care little for public opinion.


    If persuasion is your intent, kindly leave.


    Show yourself out.


    ”


    His wordscked any hint of respect for Kristian.


    Kristian felt a momentary stiffness in his expression.Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing Matthew turn away, Kristian quickly rose, feigning anguish.


    “My wife and daughter were on that ne.


    I share your grief.


    I’ve watched the rescue efforts day after day, yielding no results.


    My heart is shattered!”


    He sobbed, “With them gone, my reason for living is gone too.


    I’d rather be with them than endure this agony!”


    Matthew regarded him coldly, devoid of any emotional reaction.


    After he saw through Kristian’s facade, Kristian was only making a fool of himself in Matthew’s eyes.


    Nevertheless, Matthew extended a gesture of mercy.


    “If there’s no news by tomorrow, I’ll instruct the search team to stand down.


    ”


    Kristian felt a surge of relief.


    With the rescue team withdrawing, it signified that Ste and Be would likely never return.