In affluent and influential families, the love for a family member was contingent on the benefits they brought. It wasn’t just about protecting his daughter’s reputation; Landon was concerned about the Herbert family’s reputation as a whole.
“Consider the long-standing friendship between our families; Maria was once part of it. Give her a chance to turn her life around. After all…”
Landon’s sentence trailed off, as the memory of Matthew’s actions that had forever scarred Maria resurfaced in his mind.
The mere thought of Matthew’s relentless efforts to bring them to this point ignited a fiery anger within Landon. He wished he could strangle Matthew right then and there.
It wasn’t that he lacked the ability to do so; it was simply that he lacked the power to execute such vengeance.
He couldn’t help but blame his own children for their misguided attempts to gain advantage, which ultimately backfired and caused harm to themselves.
At his age, Landon found himself having to bow down to Matthew, someone much younger, and endure the humiliation it entailed.
Matthew’s expression remained unchanged, his face blank as he closed his eyes. He muttered indecisively to himself before slowly opening his eyes and saying, “I don’t want to hear another word about this ever again.”
“What are you talking about?” Landon questioned.
“Do I have any connection with your daughter?” Matthew countered.
Although Landon wanted to refute it, he couldn’t deny the truth. He responded coldly, “I will never bring up this matter again. Don’t worry, I am a reasonable person. It’s my own children who have let me down. I can’t blame anyone else.”
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Abbott pushed open the door and entered the room. He leaned in close to Matthew’s ear and whispered, “Armand and Terry have arrived.”
Without sparing a glance at Landon, Matthew commanded Abbott, “Give him the original copy of the video.”
With that said, he got up and left.
Relief washed over Landon as he realized the issue had been resolved.
For the past few days, he had been unable to sleep or eat properly, consumed by exhaustion. The weight on his heart had finally been lifted.
“Wait a minute,” Landon interjected. He wasn’t one to employ flattery to win people over, but he also wasn’t unyielding. He expressed his discontent with the situation, “There was no animosity between our families. Maria made a mistake, but your retaliation far exceeded what was necessary. Now, our relationship doesn’t look so good. Who’s to say our families will remain friends?”
Matthew turned around slowly, his eyes devoid of emotion. His serious and cold face exuded a breathtaking beauty, sending shivers down one’s spine.
He chuckled lightly, “Let’s wait and see!”
With those words, he continued on his way.
The room fell into silence for a couple of seconds, then Abbott placed the original copy of the video on the table. He looked up at Landon and spoke politely, “You are wise enough to understand that worldly affairs are always unpredictable. No one knows what may happen tomorrow or how many cards your opponent holds.”
Landon furrowed his brow, “What do you mean?”
Abbott smiled, “I simply believe that your earlier words were too cutting, Mr. Herbert.”
“Did I say something wrong?” Landon rhetorically asked.
After all, wasn’t Matthew the one who initiated the aggression?
“No,” Abbott replied, no longer indulging him. He gestured politely toward the door, “Allow me to show you the way out.”
Landon’s expression darkened as he stood up.
Pretending not to notice his anger, Abbott couldn’t help but think that the Herbert family’s downfall was not unwarranted. Landon’s two sons lacked business acumen, and Landon himself wasn’t much better.
In the president’s office, Armand leisurely leaned on Matthew’s desk, absentmindedly spinning the globe. He looked bored and furrowed his brow as he shouted toward the door, “Where did Matthew go? Did he fall into the toilet and get stuck? Why am I waiting so long…”
Before he could finish his sentence, the door swung open.
His voice was undoubtedly loud enough for Matthew to hear.
Armand hopped off the table and joked resentfully, “I didn’t say anything. You… you didn’t hear anything bad about yourself, did you?”
Matthew paid him no mind and remarked, “Can’t you maintain a bit of dignity?”
Armand touched his handsome face, saying, “With my looks, who needs dignity?”
Terry stood to the side, not daring to speak. Armand had shattered his perception of lawyers. He had never encountered such a foolish and amusing attorney.
Armand’s tone turned serious as he deliberately changed the subject, saving himself from further embarrassment. “Regarding the car accident, I have already prepared the complaint. When will we file it?”
Terry’s eyes widened as he eagerly awaited Matthew’s response.
This was what he had wanted all along. Finally, he could seek justice for his brother’s death and ensure that the person responsible paid for their actions.
His heart raced with excitement.
Matthew sat down at the desk and casually replied, “No rush.”
Seeing Landon getting angry, Matthew contemplated turning this matter into a weapon to attack him later on. He decided it would be better to bide his time.
“Huh?” Terry exclaimed. “It has been six years! The longer we wait, the harder it will be to present the case. Not to mention, she also harmed Ms. Flores back then.” Terry grew anxious in an instant. No rush? What did he mean by that?
Did Matthew regret offering his assistance?
Armand and Matthew were inseparable buddies. Armand understood Matthew well enough to know that when he said there was no hurry, it didn’t mean he didn’t want to proceed.
He playfully patted Terry on the back of his neck and said, “You can’t let your anger get the best of you. In court, anyone can provoke you with a few words. It won’t work in your favor.”
Terry shrugged him off, still visibly upset. “I know, but…”
Armand finished his sentence for him and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder. “I know you’re tired of waiting. But trust me, Matthew keeps his word. If he says it’s not the right time to expose it, then it’s not. You’ve already waited for six years; can’t you wait a little longer?”
Terry was left speechless. He had to admit that Armand made a valid point.
As a lawyer, Armand’s words carried weight and were convincing.
“But, this matter…”
“Do you not trust me?” Armand interrupted him.
“No, it’s not that.” Terry dropped his head, feeling defeated.
“Alright then, you go back for now. I’ll let you know when it’s time to file the case.”
Terry knew he couldn’t handle it alone; he had to rely on their help.
With the initiative in their hands, there wasn’t much he could do.
Even if he didn’t want to wait anymore, he had no other choice.
Reluctantly, Terry left early.
After Terry left, Armand flashed a flirtatious wink at Matthew from across the desk. “How did I do, Matthew?”
Matthew didn’t even glance at him; he simply threw a file on the table. “Enough fooling around. Go back and visit your grandma.”
“Can’t you be a little more pleasant?” Armand’s calm demeanor wavered when Matthew mentioned his grandma.
Armand and Matthew were around the same age, but Armand had a more outgoing personality and was still unmarried. His parents had passed away early, and his grandma had raised him. She hoped he would settle down and start a family soon, but he had lost interest in love and emotions.
“You still owe me from the last time you stood me up.” Armand took out his phone. “I’ll call Boyce and find a nice place for us to have a drink. It’s been too long since we last hung out.”
He dialed Boyce’s number.
“What’s up? Matthew is free today. Shall we go out?”
Boyce was also a busy individual. Although he wasn’t from City B, he had chosen to stay there after graduating from university to pursue his career.
“Oh! I’m actually free today too. Let me know where you are, and I’ll come right away.”
Armand checked the time. “Let’s grab a bite first. Meet me at Join & Share Manor. They have a great view and delicious food.”
“Sure, you arrange it.”
Typically, Armand would choose the venue, and Matthew would foot the bill.
There was no other way since Matthew was the wealthiest among them.
In the late evening, Boyce drove to WY Tower in search of Armand and Matthew.
Together, they drove in three separate cars to Join & Share Manor.
As Matthew parked his car in the parking lot and got out, he noticed Dolores’ car parked next to his.
“Hey, Matthew, isn’t that your car? What’s it doing here?”
Armand also recognized the car at first glance.