Hayden’s ashes were quickly laid to rest. In his lifetime, he committed many heinous acts, and even in death, he didn’t receive a proper funeral. To protect the Lara family’s reputation, Leon had to bury him quietly.
Gazing at the black-and-white photo of the young face that bore a slight resemblance to his own, Leon gently caressed it with his thumb. His body, supported by a cane, was more hunched than before, even though he was just over fifty…
“You did a lot of wrong things, but it’s ultimately my fault. If I had resolved the conflict between you and Omari earlier, if I had handed the company to you sooner, perhaps you wouldn’t have gone astray. Now, it’s too late to say anything. Rest in peace. The sins you committed, let me, your father, atone for them.”
Leon, who never believed in gods or karma and only valued profit, started to believe in the cycle of life.
“Dad, this isn’t your fault. If there’s any blame, it’s on me. Although my brother is gone, I’m still here, and I’ll take good care of you in the future.”
After everything that had happened, he, who once wanted to escape the Lara family, now understood the true meaning of “home.” It was time to go back! Not for anything else, but because family reunion is the simplest yet most cherished hope.
Taking one last look at the black-and-white photo on the tombstone, Omari spoke firmly:
“Brother, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of our father.”
“Let’s go home, Dad.”
These last words were directed at Leon. He wiped his tears and nodded in agreement.
“Alright, alright, let’s go home… We’re going home…”
Three days later, at the assembly.
A public trial was held regarding Jaelynn’s illegal activities, which endangered national security and disturbed social order. The military-green uniform that symbolized her noble status was replaced by a blue-and-white-striped prison uniform. The once-renowned and glorious female general had become a prisoner. Such a fall from grace was pitiful to witness.
“Prisoner Jaelynn, born on July 14, 1968, in Onistead…”
“Colluding with foreign forces to sell state secrets, defying military orders, smuggling oil, and being involved in the Yocmery Province child trafficking case involving 128 children. After deliberation, the assembly has decided to sentence Jaelynn to death and confiscate her illegal gains.”
Additionally, although Elsa, an accomplice, was already dead, her crimes remained, and all her assets were confiscated. As the heir to the Weaver family, Elsa’s assets accounted for half of the Weaver family’s total wealth. This judgment was undoubtedly a catastrophic blow to the entire Weaver family.
The Weaver family, already infamous, had become the target of nationwide scorn. Naturally, the remaining assets also significantly shrank. To preserve their last bit of hope, the Weaver family’s elders decided to sell their ancestral property and move out of Onistead.
However, in this world, there are few who add to others’ success, but many who take pleasure in their downfall. Seeing the Weaver family’s decline, many opportunists emerged, eager to take their place.
“Your Weaver family is now just an empty shell. Who else but me would be willing to pay 30 million for this villa?”
“I’m only offering this price because you’re a bunch of women. Otherwise, this place wouldn’t be worth 30 million!” His words infuriated the Weaver family members.
“30 million? Just 30 million!”
“How dare you say that… This house is located within the third ring of Onistead, covering an area of 1, 500 square meters. At current market prices, it’s worth at least 300 million. Not to mention, this house has been here for over a hundred years and has historical value.”
“I know the house is quite large; otherwise, I wouldn’t even offer 30 million. Your Weaver family has done many heinous things over the years, and living here might damage my reputation.”
Attempting to buy the Weaver family’s ancestral home for one-tenth of its value thoroughly angered them. They unceremoniously picked up a feather duster and chased the man out.
“Get out, get out! Even a broken ship has three nails. We may be down, but we won’t let a stray dog bully us!”
The man, having been hit several times and unable to win an argument with the fierce women, could only leave in embarrassment. As he left, he angrily shouted:
“So brave! I’d like to see how you’ll pay the massive fines without selling the house!”
“Bah! The men of the Weaver family are cowards. Otherwise, how could a bunch of women run the family into bankruptcy?”
With that, the man left, nursing his bruised forehead. He accidentally bumped into a comer.
He hadn’t even had time to lift his head to see what the person looked like when suddenly, he was violently kicked in the chest.
He fell to the ground entirely due to the sudden force, feeling utterly defeated.
Curses immediately filled the air.
“You blind fool, dare to bump into Master Glenn.”
Upon hearing the words “Master Glenn,” the man broke into a cold sweat, hastily wiping his brow with his hand.
He apologized to the approaching figure as he got up from the ground.
“I accidentally bumped into Master Glenn, my apologies for my lack of attention. I hope Master Glenn can forgive me.”
Glenn was clad in a solemn black attire today, draped in a black coat, one hand tucked in his pocket.
He didn’t speak; just his presence alone felt oppressive to anyone around.
His sweeping gaze made the man feel like he was being interrogated.
Nervous and fidgety.
After a few seconds, he heard the cold laughter of the person.
“What did you just say? Say it again, let me hear.”
Though it sounded ordinary, to the man’s ears, it was terrifying, like a haunting curse from hell.
“Yes, yes, I was inattentive, I accidentally bumped into Master Glenn.”
“Not that sentence.”
“This…”
The man was confused, trembling as he timidly raised his head to glance at Master Glenn.
There was no hint of amusement in his eyes, only suppressed anger.
“I have offended Master Glenn, please show me the error of my ways.”
“Alright, I don’t mind reminding you.”
Glenn reached out, grabbing the few sparse strands of hair on the man’s head, forcing him to meet his gaze.
His eyes were like knives, cutting through the man’s soul.
“The men of the Weaver family are cowards, wasn’t that what you said?”
The man’s pupils dilated, realizing he was in deep trouble.
How could Master Glenn have heard that phrase? But… hadn’t he already left the Weaver family?
The only way out now was to apologize and seek forgiveness from Master Glenn.
With determination, the man immediately knelt before Glenn, bowing his head to apologize.
“Master Glenn, please calm down. I did say those words, but they were never meant for you.”
“Everyone knows your reputation, Master Glenn. The Weaver family thrived because of you. You are nothing like those worthless individuals.”
Glenn despised hypocrites who bullied the weak and feared the strong. Despite the man’s flattery, Glenn still preferred to teach him a lesson and then send him away.
This act moved the other members of the Weaver family to tears.
They thought Glenn had come back to help them out of camaraderie as fellow clan members.