hapter 567
Chapter 567
Hearing the nurse say this, Lydia’s eyes, which had just darkened completely, lit up again. “Please bring it to me quickly. Thank you.”
“Alright. Here you go,” the nurse replied, swiftly pulling the note from a drawer on the side.
Lydia took the note while still lying down and unfolded it. The message read: [I told you–I won’t just stand by and watch. someone die, but that doesn’t mean I’ll always let my sympathy get the best of me.]
[I only saved you because I didn’t want anything happening right outside my shop. This is the last time I’ll help you. One last piece of advice–try to be a better person.]
After reading the note, Lydia clenched it tightly in her palm. She closed her eyes and once again drifted into a deep sleep.
It was a rare occasion for Arthur to appear at the Jarrett residence.
Last night was Hank’s first night staying here. With both him and Jean around, Lucas and Mary had been kept busy. Now, seeing their youngest son, Arthur–who barely came home even once a year–also returning, the couple couldn’t be happier.
“Well, today is certainly a good day. I’ll have to personally cook a couple of delicious dishes later,” Mary said, her eyes narrowing with a joyful smile.
Arthur waved his hand. “Mom, there’s no need. I just came by to check in. I can only stay for two hours at most. I have a meeting to attend after that.”
Hearing this, Mary’s excitement faded, and she visibly deflated. But she understood Arthur’s situation. Someone in his position had little control over their own time.
She turned to glance at Hank, who was eating breakfast, and her mood improved again.
Arthur also looked at Hank. “Kid, I know this must be difficult for you. From now on, you can come and go from the Jarrett residence openly–there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
“If anyone asks, just tell them the truth. The more you try to cover things up, the easier it is for others to exploit the situation.”
Hank paused mid–bite. He understood his father’s circumstances—he knew how many eyes were watching Arthur, waiting for an opportunity.
Hank nodded. “Alright, I understand. But you should also be careful. The Walton family pulling a move like this shows just how despicable they are.
“I know how important the Walton family is to Clusia. It’s impossible to bring them down overnight, but still, we have to stay vigilant.”
Lucas, sitting nearby, agreed. “Hank is right. It’s rare for someone his age to have such insight. You really do need to be careful.
“Even though your position outranks Tristan’s for now, their family foundation is different from ours. They have military power, and we don’t.
“That’s something we simply can’t compare with. If they really wanted to overthrow us, it wouldn’t be difficult.”
Arthur let out a chuckle. “Huh. As long as I’m in this position, they can forget about trying to take me down.
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14:37 Thu, 20 Feb
Chapter 567
“If they want to overthrow me, they’ll have to show they’re actually capable of it. And clearly, Tristan is far from my equal.
“Besides, the Walton family’s power only lies in their control over the military. I have no intention of giving up my position for now–keeping it firmly in my hands is the best way to ensure stability.”
Hank had no way to interject, so he simply continued eating quietly. He found the food at the Jarrett residence far better than what he had at Charity Orphanage.
Once he finished his meal, he politely stood up. “Everyone, I need to take a trip to Astamia for a few days. If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be leaving tonight. Just letting you know now so you don’t worry.”
Lucas and Mary paused for a moment upon hearing this, their expressions instantly turning to concern. “Why are you suddenly heading to Astamia? Is the situation over there stable now?”
Arthur had already heard about it from Morris last night. Now, he spoke up on Hank’s behalf. “Astamia has been stable for quite some time. It’s nothing like before–now, it’s all peace and prosperity.”
After saying that, he asked Hank, “You’re going with Morris and Cherise, right?”
Hank nodded. “Yes.”
Hearing that Morris and Cherise would be accompanying him, Lucas and Mary, although unaware of their exact purpose, felt reassured and refrained from further questioning.
For now, aside from Arthur, only Morris and Cherise knew about Hank’s mother.
Tristan rarely returned to the Walton residence. This time, he went to the family café.
“Why haven’t I seen Lydia these past two days? Didn’t she say she was going to find you two days ago? Tristan, why didn’t you bring her back?” Cora asked as she looked at Tristan.
Tristan answered carelessly, “She had some matters to handle. She’ll probably be back in a few days.”
“I see. Well, alright then.” Cora seemed quite fond of Lydia
as her granddaughter.
Jagger glanced at her. “You should leave us for now. Tristan hasn’t been back in a while–I want to talk to him.”
*****
Once everyone had left, only Tristan and Jagger remained inside the café.
“The leadership transition is happening at the end of the year. What are your plans?” Jagger asked his son, his tone serious.
Tristan let out a seemingly casual chuckle. “Plans? Of course, I have plans. Ever since I lost to him that year, there hasn’t been a single day I haven’t been planning. And you, Father?”
Jagger nodded. “Everything on my end is ready. The entire military is under our control–we’re just waiting for you to give the word. Have you investigated his situation thoroughly? Is the Dark Web Division his only asset?”
Tristan exhaled. “For now, that seems to be the case. But no one knows the true strength of the Dark Web Division. Morris is unpredictable, after all, and he’s also Arthur’s nephew.
“On top of that, Dorian is backing him–we can’t ignore that. Dorian’s strength has always been an enigma, and no one has ever been able to get anything out of him.”
Chapter 368
