Then, mustering every ounce of strength, Herbert’s voice boomed through the room.


    “Domenic!”


    Domenic halted but remained facing forward.


    With a voice worn and heavy with regret, Herbert confessed, “I’ve failed you as an uncle.


    I remember holding you, a small child, years ago.


    How time slips by.


    Yes, I’ve been lured away by greed, yet I am your kin.


    You’ve spared me today.


    In turn, allow me an uncle’s counsel.


    Despite your strength and independence, I must urge you-do not cross your grandfather.


    ”


    Rumors of Domenic’s abrupt departure from his own engagement ceremony had indeed reached Herbert.


    He couldn’t help but quietly admire the courage Domenic disyed, a courage he and his siblingscked.


    “The decision to scatter your mother’s remains wasn’t made lightly.


    It had your grandfather’s silent endorsement.


    He never did approve of your father marrying beneath his station, a decision that didn’t advance his ambitions.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Be wary.


    Challenging your grandfather’s authority has a single end-death.


    His fondness for you will not change this harsh truth.


    ”


    A tremor went through Domenic, Lindsey’s image weaving into his thoughts.


    In the quiet that followed, Domenic’s voice was devoid of warmth.


    “Thanks for the warning, Uncle Herbert.


    ”


    With those final words, Domenic turned away, exiting with measured steps, his ck coat catching the breeze.


    Back in the sanctuary of his car, he reclined and shut his eyes, his features unreadable, a fortress of ice.


    Arturo, ncing at Domenic’s profile, ventured cautiously after a pause, “Domenic, you showed up to offer Herbert a chance at life, didn’t you? You spared him because you still hold some lingering sympathy for him, right? After all, it seems less effort now to simply eliminate him.


    ”


    Without a nce, Domenic’s fatigue was palpable.


    His reply was soft but clear.


    “You’re quite the chatterbox, aren’t you?” His eyes remained closed, a barrier against the world.


    Arturo remained silent, recognizing the necessity behind Domenic’s actions.


    Though Domenic might have been wrestling with his conscience, his stoic facade never cracked.


    Back at his desk, Arturo dove back into work, seeing through the endgame of their scheme.


    Domenic, in solitude, sprawled on the office sofa as dusk crept in, the dying light casting a golden halo around him.


    A profound sigh escaped him.


    Exhaustion weighed heavily, an unfamiliar burden.


    Suppressed bitterness and bygone pain threatened to rise once more.


    In the quiet of the office, hecked a vent for these brewing storms.


    Lindsey’s absence was palpable.


    She was the sce to his unrest, the balm to his turmoil.


    With Lindsey on his mind, Domenic reached for his phone, her contact illuminating the screen.


    His thumb hovered over the call button, warring with indecision.


    Domenic guessed Lindsey must have gone to bed.


    She worked hard every day, always tired.


    Domenic didn’t want to disturb her rest now.


    So he put the phone back in his pocket after a while.


    Close to bing the Walsh Group’s top shareholder, Domenic was almost there.


    When he took over, his grandpa would officially retire, leaving no room for trouble.


    At that time, he could marry Lindsey and introduce her to his grandfather.


    Even when exhausted or in pain, just thinking of Lindsey and their future filled Domenic’s heart with warmth, He wasn’t alone anymore.


    Lindsey was there.


    In the ward, Lindsey wasn’t fully recovered, still weak.


    Nancyforted her until she fell into a deep sleep.


    Watching Lindsey sleep peacefully, Nancy found herself wide awake.