“You think I’m scary, right?” Cristofer asked, looking at him.
Hearing Cristofer’s words, Vincent immediately shook his head, got into the driver’s seat quickly, and started the car, not daring to say a word.
“Vincent,” Cristofer called his name.
“What’s up, Mr. Hans?”
“Do you think I’m being unkind to treat an old man in his final years like this?” Cristofer questioned.
Vincent hesitated and remained quiet. Seeing Vincent’s silence, Cristofer went on, “In the past nine years, Estelle and I could have shared a peaceful and joyful life together. But Nelson shattered our lives. He only valued me because I could help him manage his assets. What he wanted was a flawless successor, a useful tool to generate more wealth for him. He killed my parents and Estelle’s father for his selfish ambitions, causing immense suffering for both of us. Why should I endure all this because of him?”
Listening in silence, Vincent held his breath.
“Uncle Nelson has lived a full life and obtained everything he desired. But what about my parents? They passed away in their fifties, never seeing Yohan and Yvonne or enjoying their retirements. If they had lived into their eighties, they could have had a happier life, but Nelson took that away from them. As for Estelle and me…” Cristofer paused, his voice choked with emotion, “These past nine years should have been the best time of our lives, but we were torn apart and have suffered because of Nelson. We only have one life, and we can’t turn back time. There’s no way to make up for the time we’ve lost.”
Uncertain of what to say, Vincent remained silent.
“If Nelson were twenty years younger, I wouldn’t have been so lenient in my revenge! I would have ensured he faced the consequences of his actions,” Cristofer stated. “I’m showing him mercy by allowing him to pass away with his body intact.”
Vincent gripped the steering wheel tightly, his hands trembling, and didn’t dare to respond or look at Cristofer.
Cristofer let out a small sigh and turned his head to look out of the window. “Remember to handle the aftermath at the beach house in five days,” he said calmly.
“Understood, Mr. Hans,” Vincent replied.
“Bring the lawyer along. Having legal representation will make things go more smoothly. You know what I mean?”
“Yes.”
****
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Hudson Group, the drama was still ongoing.
Estelle sat comfortably at a shaded desk, busy modifying design drawings. Various desserts and coffee were placed on the nearby table, with most of the desserts devoured by Gretchen’s son.
The harsh midday sun blazed overhead while a chill wind occasionally swept by. This weather was particularly harsh for Gretchen, who remained on her knees on the ground. The waiting reporters, who clung to their positions, were growing weary. They kept looking around, hoping that Cristofer would arrive soon.
“Miss White claimed that Mr. Hans would arrive shortly and confirm the child’s identity. It’s been two hours. Why hasn’t Mr. Hans shown up?” one reporter inquired.
“Miss White, why don’t you call Mr. Hans and urge him to come quickly? Since he has acknowledged you and your son, he wouldn’t allow you both to kneel here endlessly, would he?” another reporter added, dripping with sarcasm.
“Miss White, when will Mr. Hans come? Please provide us with an answer. You summoned us here, and we’ve been waiting for a long time. So far, we haven’t received any substantial news to report!”
Having knelt for a considerable duration, Gretchen’s knees were sore. Frustrated by the reporters’ complaints and sarcasm, she snapped, “How can there be no substantial news? Estelle is a heartless woman, unmoved by the sight of me and my son kneeling here. Can’t such news make headlines?”
One reporter, looking somewhat embarrassed, responded, “Well… The Hudson Group is a business, not a charitable organization. Estelle isn’t obligated to address anyone kneeling here. She didn’t call the police when you disrupted the scene, but instead, she remains here with you, waiting for Mr. Hans. She even provided your child with food and a chair. That’s quite considerate…”
This response immediately angered Gretchen. “How can you say that? Don’t you know why I’m kneeling here? I am Cristofer’s son’s mother! Estelle is upset about this, so she’s deliberately subjecting me to public humiliation and torment!”
The reporter retorted, equally agitated, “Who can confirm that your child is really Mr. Hans’ son? From the beginning until now, you’re the only person making this claim about having an illegitimate child with Mr. Hans. Who can vouch that you aren’t lying?”
“Cristofer will be here soon to prove it to you!” Gretchen replied impatiently.
“Alright, then, could you please ask him to come quickly? We’re getting tired of waiting!” one reporter implored.
“He said he’d be picking me up shortly. You’ll see him then,” Gretchen assured them.
In a tone of resignation, another reporter asked, “How soon is ‘soon’? Do you have any evidence, like a paternity test or photos of you and Mr. Hans together, that can confirm this child is indeed his? Without proof, how can we believe your claims?”
Just then, a commotion erupted in the crowd.
“It’s Mr. Hans! Mr. Hans is arriving!”
Raising her head, Estelle spotted Victor approaching. She closed her laptop and handed it to a nearby employee.
“You’ve finally arrived,” Estelle greeted Victor with a friendly smile as she walked toward him. “Don’t worry. I’ve been taking good care of your son. He’s been comfortable here.”
Wearing a cold expression, Victor shot her a disdainful glance and replied with a forced smile, “Thank you, darling.”
Estelle responded with an even brighter smile and said, “You’re welcome. As your wife, it’s only natural for me to be kind to your son. Oh, by the way, I promised Gretchen that if you acknowledge this child’s identity, I’ll do the same and transfer all of our children’s shares to this child as compensation for her and the child.”
“You are indeed quite magnanimous and considerate toward them,” Victor remarked with a sneer.
“As your wife, it’s only right for me to be understanding and meet your expectations,” Estelle replied, smiling gently.
Gretchen, feeling a surge of satisfaction, momentarily dropped her pretense of misery. She swiftly stood up, intimately linked arms with Victor, and exclaimed, “Cristofer, you’ve finally arrived! If you had come any later, I might have perished here…”
With her arms folded, Estelle calmly observed the duo’s performance and remarked, “Cristofer, let’s bring Gretchen and your son back home for lunch. Afterward, we can head to the notary office together and transfer all the shares belonging to our children to your son with Gretchen.”
“No!” Victor coldly pushed Gretchen away and addressed the media, “I don’t know this woman, and I certainly don’t have a child with her!”
Startled by Victor’s sudden change in demeanor, Gretchen stammered, “Vic… Cristofer, didn’t you ask me to come…”
“That’s enough!” Victor cut her off sharply with an icy stare, leaving Gretchen shaken. He gritted his teeth and impatiently told the media, “You can leave now. I don’t have a mistress or an illegitimate child. This woman is delusional. Don’t believe her!”