“Xavier,” he said weakly, “don’t blame yourself. Ordinary people like us can’t win against the rich and powerful. Just give up the appeal. I don’t want you to end up in danger too. I couldn’t bear it.”
But I couldn’t accept it. I refused to accept it. And yet, there was nothing I could do to touch Alaric.
As I walked out of the hospital, I heard people gossiping, cursing my mother, saying she’d tried to extort money and had gotten herself killed. They said she deserved it.
I lost control and lashed out, arguing back—only for them to recognize me as her son.
They all backed away from me, sneering.
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“Maybe he’s just here to extort money too.”
Two days later, I took my father out of the hospital and held a funeral for my mother.
Halfway through the ceremony, a loud commotion erupted outside.
Flower wreaths were kicked over and the white funeral banners were torn and shredded.
I rushed out in fury, only to be tackled to the ground. Alaric had ordered his men to pin me down and force me to kneel.
His mother walked up, grabbed my chin and slapped me hard across the face.
“You little beast. Your mother tried to blackmail my son and you dare sue him? Report him to the police?”
“Do you really think the Dreadmoor family will let that slide?” “Hit him! I’ll make sure his mother can’t even rest in peace!”
“No! Stop it!”
My father limped out with his cane to protect me, but Alaric shoved him to the ground.
Hatred surged through me, giving me the strength to break free. I picked up a chair and charged at Alaric, slamming it into him.
Before I could react, someone behind me kicked me into the wall.
Then Selene appeared. She only saw the aftermath, not the beginning. And truthfully, I don’t think she cared.
“Selene,” Alaric cried, “I only brought my mom to apologize, but he attacked me. Ahh! It hurts so much!”
Selene helped him up and looked at me with cold indifference.
“Xavier, did you not take my words to heart? I told you this matter should end here, but you refused to listen.”
“It’s not like that! He brought people to disrupt the funeral...”
“No, we didn’t! He’s lying!”
Suddenly, Alaric burst into tears and collapsed dramatically.
Mrs. Dreadmoor seized the moment.
“My son developed depression because of what your mother did. He’s even tried to commit suicide. Please… give him a chance to live.”