Outside, the sound of fireworks echoed, and as Finn stepped out, he was greeted by the illuminated sky.
It was only then that he realized today was Christmas.
How did he spend Christmas last year?
Finn carefully recalled that this time last year, Aoife was by his side, and back then, Aoife was still obedient, never thought of leaving him.
He was tirelessly grooming Aoife to be Elisa’s replacement, teaching her to play the violin that she had never touched before.
On Christmas night last year, he asked Aoife to play “Ode to Joy” to see her progress.
Instead of a well-played “Ode to Joy,” she played it like a funeral, spoiling the mood.
…
While mingling with the Dankworth family, Finn’s affair with a woman on the side was no secret, although no one had confronted him about it.
Bringing up the embarrassing incident at the Dankworth family’s engagement party would offend both families, and no one dared to do so.
But there were always some foolish individuals who, after a drink or two, would speak recklessly. At the table, one man directly asked Finn, “Mr. Snearl, I heard you have a mistress on the side who ran away on the day of your engagement to Miss Dankworth.”
Finn raised an eyebrow. He recognized the man, from the Roberts family, an old classmate of Lily’s.
Back when he decided to get engaged to Lily, Finn secretly investigated her background, from her schooling to her acquaintances, knowing more about her to make her feel cared for.
With that one sentence, the atmosphere at the table froze.
This Mr. Roberts was likely fond of Lily and had no qualms about embarrassing Finn for Lily’s sake.
“The world is vast. It’s one thing to go missing in the country, but going abroad is dangerous. I read a news story about a woman who was kidnapped abroad, her body thrown into a garbage dump and compressed into pieces, a brutal end.”
The person beside him nudged him with their foot, signaling him to stop talking.
“Why kick me? I’m just kindly reminding Mr. Snearl. Is that wrong of me?”
Finn stood up straight, his face clouded with gloom. After a moment, he glanced over, baring his white teeth in a sinister smile. “No need to worry, Young Master Roberts. The rabbit I raise is quite clever. If I can’t find someone else, I certainly won’t catch her.”
The rabbit in the cage may look docile, but once released into the wild, there’s no taming its wild nature.
However, Finn was confident he could catch the rabbit. How far could a rabbit injected with anesthesia run? There would come a day when she falls within his view, and then he’d aim his gun at her, daring her to escape.
“Young Master Roberts, instead of worrying about my little pets, you should focus on your parents.”
With that, Finn left the table.
It took a while for the atmosphere in the private room to ease up after Finn’s departure.
“Young Master Roberts, how dare you provoke Finn? He’s a madman!”
“A madman? I’m afraid he’ll bite me! The Roberts family isn’t one to mess with.”
At that, and with a couple of cold laughs, it seemed dinner would no longer be enjoyed. Each diner collected their belongings and left, too lazy to console the fool. They wished to stay far away from the Roberts family to avoid misfortune.
The next day, the stock of the Roberts family plummeted, losing billions.
Mr. Roberts nearly had a stroke upon learning his son had crossed Finn of the Burns family, and he had to drag his foolish son to apologize to the Burns family.
Can’t enter the Burns family’s mansion, the butler said, “Our master said he can’t deal with this matter. The person you truly should apologize to is not here.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Roberts felt a chill down his spine. Though seemingly meaningless, the insinuation was clear: Old Burns was silently supporting Finn.
Never had Mr. Roberts thought Finn would cause such a fuss at the engagement party; yet, Old Burns hadn’t given up on him. It seemed that Finn was destined to inherit the Burns family legacy.
Failing to see Finn, Mr. Roberts brought a gift and went to the Burns Group headquarters, only to be stopped on the ground floor, unable to even enter the elevator.
Seeing Finn required an appointment. Without one, all they could do was wait.
After waiting for half the day, only Finn’s assistant came out to say, “Mr. Snearl isn’t in the best mood lately, and both Mr. Roberts and Young Master Roberts know the reasons. He’ll meet with visitors when he’s in a better mood.”
To improve Finn’s mood, someone would have to find the missing person.
Mr. Roberts, fuming, held back his anger as the illegitimate child was too heartless.
…
Old Burns wasn’t in the best spirits lately, mainly due to the dishonorable acts of his descendants.
Visits to the doctor became more frequent, receiving treatments and medication; his once sharp eyes were now clouded.
Atonal, the old steward, sat by his bedside, recounting recent events to Old Burns, good and bad.
Having lived to such an age, Old Burns had experienced everything. Though Finn’s blunder at the engagement party upset him, he couldn’t stay angry for long.
No matter how bad Finn could be, he was still part of the Burns family, his grandson. Even if despicable, no outsider had the right to meddle.
Squinting, Old Burns asked, “How are things with the Dankworth family?”
“No movement.”
“It’s been three months; it’s time to calm down.”
“Young people have big tempers. Miss Lily and Mr. Snearl haven’t been in touch recently. They might call off the wedding.”
“That won’t happen.” Old Burns, looking old and frail, spoke in a hoarse voice. “The Dankworth family is eager for this marriage; you must understand that any family allied with the Burns family is reaching high.”
And that was true.
“In the second drawer of the study, you’ll find a USB drive. Make sure Lily gets it. She can do what she wants with its contents. After she lashes out, her anger should subside, and Lily will be sensible.”
“Yes.” Atonal nodded, then got up, carrying out Old Burns’s instructions.
…
While there was chaos back home, Aoife was living a luxurious life overseas, especially with Ethan now daydreaming about a warm family scene with a wife and kids.
His earning ventures went smoothly, so he entrusted all his daily earnings to Aoife for safekeeping.
In no time, their bank account held a six-figure sum.
Aoife, once fearful and anxious, now found herself growing calmer. Her current life was beyond her wildest dreams.
Occasionally, she’d unintentionally reminisce about the days with Finn, held captive at home, reduced to a pet without dignity, or hospitalized, contemplating suicide.
Recalling these memories sent chills down her spine; for her now, the past was nothing short of a nightmare.