“Don’t think I don’t know what your dad was up to! He saw my company in trouble and tried to profit from the chaos! Luckily those families survived, or I’d have to die to repay their loss!”
Seeing Richard defend the families’ actions, they grew indignant too:
“That’s right! Your dad cursed our son, saying he deserved to die. We just argued back, and he lit the flammable materials, trying to take us down with him!”
I froze.
How could George ever say such a thing?
A guilty flicker crossed Richard’s eyes, and I understood instantly. He truly was a master at manipulating people.
George was brought by me to the company—he couldn’t die without clarity. And that young graduate shouldn’t have died unclear either, nor should his parents have been turned into pawns without knowing it.
I insisted on calling the police for a full investigation.
Seeing I wouldn’t yield, Richard dragged me into his office by force:
“Olivia, the families already agreed to settle. Why can’t you let it go? Do you want to see me and the company destroyed? Don’t you realize if the company faces a wrongful-death lawsuit, it will ruin our chance to go public?”
“Your dad’s life in exchange for peace—isn’t that better? I’ve practically solved your retirement problem for you. Shouldn’t you thank me?”
I couldn’t believe Richard could see a living life this way.
My furious gaze cut him deeply, and he raised his hand, ready to slap me awake.
But I was quicker—I grabbed a fruit knife and drove it hard into his palm.
Bella walked in just in time to see this, her face draining of color:
“Olivia, it’s all my fault. I’ll kneel if you want—just don’t hurt Richard…”
She grabbed at the knife as I tried to stab Richard again, wincing in pain.
Infuriated, Richard kicked me to the ground and struck me repeatedly in the stomach.
Seeing me curled up in agony, coughing blood, Bella pretended to plead for me:
“Richard, don’t blame her. She just can’t accept her dad’s tragic death.”
Richard quickly pulled her into his arms, comforting her:
“Bella, only you are pure-hearted. Can you believe it? If that old man were still alive, he’d be here blackmailing me for money right now!”
Bella cried harder:
“It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t exposed Mrs. Johnson for embezzling company funds, she wouldn’t have been fired by the Board of Directors. Her dad wouldn’t have died for money…”
“It’s me—I’m guilty. I should go turn myself in to the police!”