Sophie listened intently as Caelum delved into the stories of his past.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Caelum began, "When I was younger, I was all about taking risks and throwing caution to the wind. It''s funny, that impulsive attitude is what helped me establish myself overseas. Over twenty years ago, a business failure led me into the orbit of The Silent Shadows. They took me under their wing, and with their help, I climbed back up, even stronger than before. I got lost in the pursuit of power and status. It was onlyter that I learned my business woes were orchestrated by The Silent Shadows to lure me in." "Caelum, you mentioned you were a core member of The Silent Shadows back then. What about now? Are you still involved?" Sophie asked.


    Caelum shook his head, replying, "After Sandy''s mother passed away, I wanted nothing more than to break free from The Silent Shadows. I realized they weren''t the key to sess but a trap for entrepreneurs. As a core member, my role was mostly to provide certain conveniences because of the agreement I had with them. They pulled me out of a mess and helped the Pord family dominate overseas. In return, I had to offer them some benefits. I thought that was the extent of our dealings. Regarding the ck market... Sophie, I won''t hide it from you, there are quite a few ck markets abroad. I often turned a blind eye, simply choosing not to ask questions."


    Caelum''s eyes clouded with memories of those dark days. "The first time I attended one of those dinners, I was taken aback. The Pord family was quite influential overseas, and I thought I''d seen it all. But those dinners, filled with desire and darkness, really got to me." "Caelum, is the dinner you''re talking about simr to the ones the Mintons and the Pearl Hotel hosted?" Sophie probed, not needing to finish her thought.


    Caelum nodded. "Though I''m not


    one for flings, I vowed to love only Sandy''s mother in this lifetime. A man''s word should mean


    something, and my conscience


    wouldn''t let me engage in those


    activities. But this world can be harsh-being different makes you an outcast, even if you''re right. That was when my first sh with The Silent Shadows happened, ending with them threatening my wife and daughter."


    "So, youpromised during that dispute twenty years ago?" Sophie asked softly.


    "What choice did I have?" Caelum replied, regret heavy in his voice. "The Silent Shadows were far more powerful than I ever imagined.4 couldn''t stand by and let them harm my family."  en


    Reflecting on his past decisions, Caelum continued, "If I hadn''t gotten involved, with The Silent Shadows,


    none of this would have happened. Sandy''s mother would still be alive."


    Gently, Sophie inquired, "How exactly did Sandy''s mother die?"