Linford didn’t talk to Franco much after returning from the court.
“I know you still hate me for not telling you the truth,” One day, Pop summoned Linford to his study room and said, “I was wrong. I owe you and Clyde an apology.”
Mr. Weston didn’t want to say much, but he still cut in, “Your grandpa only got to know Johnson’s business after Clyde passed away. You know how powerful Johnson was back then. If we tried to fight them and failed, we could end up worse than the Wayne family.”
Linford smiled, “I used to think Mr. Wayne was the weakest person among all of you. However, he turned out to be the toughest character. He would fight Johnson until the very end even though he had to sacrifice the benefits of his family.”
Mr. Weston shook his head, sighing, “Your grandpa, me, and Wayne used to be determined to figure out the truth. The more we dug, the scarier the truth seemed to become. We ended up deciding that our house and the Wayne House would go deeper and the Bradley House would keep still. So your grandpa still could drag us back up the shore if anything bad happened. However, all of us took a major toll after we started the investigation. You guys lost Clyde. The Wayne House and my house all started to fail. Only Johnson was getting more and more powerful. I only got the truth after Clyde’s death.”
“You guys were afraid of the truth. So you decided to stop me from investigating?” Linford arched an eyebrow.
“Franco did this to protect his son and grandsons. Didn’t you see how many parties were involved in Johnson’s case? And all of those people who got in jail are all powerful people in this country. If you decided to do that, you would have been murdered like your brother.” Mr. Weston shook his head, “If we didn’t help you the last time when you went to Barnett’s party, you would have lost your life instead of your memories.”
Linford looked at his grandfather without any words.
Franco knew he wanted an explanation, so he gradually explained, “You went to the Barnett’s mansion. Mr. Johnson noticed that, but they didn’t think it was a big deal. They only started to get alert when they noticed that you were trying to get close to Isaac Friesley. They threatened to kill you. I called Weston instantly. They used their connections to get you out of the house. We assured them repeatedly that you have lost your memories. God knows what they would have done to you if you didn’t lose your memories that time.”
Old Johnson didn’t want other families to know the truth. That was why Franco didn’t want Linford to marry Cristelle at the beginning. If they had any connections with the daughter of the Friesley House, those people would become suspicious and seek trouble.
However, Linford had been too stubborn to listen to anyone.
Linford looked a bit shocked after hearing everything. The big houses in this city used to be friends. They had almost built this city hand in hand.
However, some of them still couldn’t resist power and money.
Linford sighed and asked another question, “How did Mr. White dies, then?” Franco and Mr. Weston exchanged a look.
Mr. Weston cleared his throat, “Actually, Ann almost became your granny. Johnson used to be the most powerful family among us all. Johnson wanted to marry his little sister to your grandpa. Ann also liked your grandpa very much. However, Johnson told your grandpa if he wanted to marry his little sister, there was a condition. He wanted your grandpa to be a part of his illegal business. Your grandpa despised businesses like that. The wedding thus didn’t happen. Mr. White had a softer character. Johnson wanted to use him as a tool, but he didn’t expect Mr. White also to have some consciousness. Mr. White probably did something to annoy Johnson. Besides, that man knew too many dirty secrets about the Johnson family. Johnson would never let him walk away like that. Guess that’s why he got murdered in the end.”
“After Ann’s husband passed away, she took over the business as the leader of the family. She cut off from Johnson completely and ensured all their business was legal. She used her talents to expand her family business and got what she has today. However, she already knew the truth about your brother’s death a long time ago, yet she remains silent. I will never forgive that.”
If the White had tried to save Clyde, he wouldn’t have died so miserably that time.
Linford listened silently, feeling extremely sad when he heard about Clyde’s death. He couldn’t even imagine how desperate his brother had been when he found himself abandoned and betrayed.
When Linford walked downstairs, he still couldn’t pull himself out of the heavy sadness.
According to what Grandpa told him, there was still a bigger figure involved in this case.
Linford had also been suspicious about that. Based on what he knew about Johnson, they didn’t have many relatives in important political positions that could ensure their safety when they did those dirty businesses.
They must have someone to protect them from the higher hierarchy. Investigating the whole thing could only put him in a riskier situation, but Linford didn’t care.
He knew this couldn’t be considered an act of real revenge unless he could find the real murderer.
Clyde deserved justice.
Franco had told him everything he wanted to know.
The next thing Linford wanted to dig out was probably lying in his sealed memories.
****
Candace ran over when she noticed Linford coming downstairs, “Dad! Is Pop feeling any better? He’s been resting since this morning.”
“Pop’s tired after coming back from the court. Could you go play with Fritzi a bit, sweetie? Dad will be back after talking to Doctor Weston shortly.” Linford carried Candace in his arms before giving her to Fritzi.
He turned to nod at Drew. Drew followed him upstairs.
“So, what did the old men reveal to you?” Drew asked the minute he closed the door behind his back, “Did they hide anything from you again?”
“Nope, I’m calling you here because I want you to help me to restore my memories,” Linford said calmly.
Drew put the glass of wine down on the table, “Are you sure about this? The old men have told you the truth. You don’t need to experience trauma for yourself.”
“No, there must be some details they purposely or intentionally neglected. I must see with my own eyes to be at peace, Drew.” Linford was firm as he looked into Drew’s eyes.
Drew heaved a long sigh, “Fine! When do you want to do it?”
“Now,” Linford demanded.
“Now? But people are still partying outside. Your babies are still having fun.”