Matthew stared at the young girl, his expression a mix of disbelief and reluctant admiration. Never in his life could he have imagined Serena would unravel everything so thoroughly. Even Edward had not been able to figure it out until the end.
Even Edward, with all his cunning and resources, had failed to piece it together until the very end. Yet here she stood, composed and self-assured, as though the answers had always been hers to uncover.
Serena’s lips curled into a faint smile as she noted his reaction. "Judging by your expression, I’d say I’ve done quite well," she said, her voice carrying an edge of amusent. "It seems I’ve managed to get everything correct—more or less." She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before continuing. "Now, if we’re done marveling at my deductions, I believe it’s ti we return to the proposition I have for you."
Matthew blinked, the spell of her words montarily breaking as he tried to steady himself. He wanted to focus on her offer, to understand what she truly sought, but his mind couldn’t let go of one lingering question. "How can you be so sure I won’t turn around and take this straight to Governor Corrick?" he asked, his voice low but edged with genuine curiosity. Though he wanted to ask her about how she knew all this as well, but he doubted she’d tell him.
Serena’s smile deepened, her confidence unwavering. "Because, Uncle," she said softly, almost conspiratorially, "you and I have the sa goals. You’re already wasted more than half your life tangled in webs spun by Corrick. What you want—what you truly want—is a peaceful life, away from all these gas and power plays." She leaned in slightly, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "And so do I. That makes us more alike than you’d care to admit."
Her words struck a nerve, and Matthew stiffened. He opened his mouth to retort but found himself hesitating. She wasn’t wrong. The endless scheming, the constant watchfulness—it had drained him more than he cared to admit. Still, he was wary. "Even if that’s true," he said slowly, his eyes narrowing, "what makes you think rging our resources is the answer?"
"Because its the only answer. I trust you to do what is right by you and Corrick trusts you because you have been by his side all this while. You know everything he has done and while you might not have actively hard anyone, you did not harm Corrick as well. And he wants to use you to get to the top of Nvidia Industies.."
"Now, let’s get to the heart of it." Serena’s voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable edge to her tone. She leaned forward slightly, her piercing gaze locking onto Matthew’s. "First, I want to know what happened to my older brother."
Her words hung in the air, heavy and demanding. It wasn’t a question; it was a challenge, one Serena wasn’t about to let him sidestep.
Matthew’s expression faltered for a split second, and Serena caught it imdiately. Her sharp instincts told her everything she needed to know—this wasn’t a topic he’d been expecting. Still, she didn’t let up.
"My father may have convinced himself it was Grandmother who took him away," Serena continued, her voice calm but firm, "but I know better. It was Corrick. And now I’m here to find out what part you played in all of this."
Her heart was pounding, but outwardly, she radiated confidence. She couldn’t afford to show weakness—not now. As she looked at his expression, she could already see that he was shocked. So, COrrick had not revealed everything to him, huh? This was an interesting fact. She’d thought her uncle simply did not care either way and was simply used to following that old man’d orders
"Your biological brother," he began cautiously, "was... kidnapped. That much is true." He paused, as if searching for the right words, though Serena could see the effort it took for him to speak them. "But I don’t believe Uncle Corrick was the one who orchestrated it."
Serena raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "So, what? You’re saying that my grandmother took him?"
Matthew frowned, the lines on his face deepening. "Not exactly. What I do know is that while the child was kidnapped, Uncle Corrick took advantage of the situation. Your father—Edward—was already suspicious of his mother, already looking for soone to bla and hold responsible. Uncle Corrick used that to his advantage, driving an even deeper wedge between them. He didn’t take your brother himself, but he didn’t help look for him either, like he promised your father."
"Convenient," Serena said coldly, "He didn’t take him, but he didn’t try to look for him. How noble of him. Anyway, as it happens, I don’t trust you."
Matthew frowned. Why was she contradicting her own words? Hadn’t she just ntioned that she trusted him to not go to Uncle Corrick?
"I ant that I don’t trust the fact that you might know the truth.You’re going to look into this matter regarding my biological brother. While you’re busy using this scandal to rid yourself of your wife, you’ll dig into the truth—every detail, every lead. And once you’ve uncovered it, I’ll hold up my end of the deal. I’ll help you bring Governor Corrick to his knees. Together, we’ll subdue him, cut his influence to nothing, and ensure he can never wield power over either of us again."
"You’ll continue to receive your dividends and profits without having to lift a finger. You’ll be able to disappear, just as you’ve always dread, living far away from all this chaos and corruption."
She paused, giving him a mont to digest the offer before her tone sharpened once more. "But let be very clear. This is not a negotiation, Uncle. The terms are simple: leave your so-called Godfather’s side, and you’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted. Stay by his side, and I will make sure that when he falls—and he will fall—you go down with him. Publicly. Permanently."
"I’m giving you a few days to think this through. That’s more than generous, considering the circumstances. Use the ti wisely."
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