Lucas' tearful smile lingered as Cole and his men approached to detain him.
During the search, they discovered a firearm in Lucas' possession.
The sight of the gun stirred something within Cole, momentarily disrupting his thoughts. In truth, if Lucas had drawn the weapon and attempted to flee, he might have had a chance. Cole found himself fixated on the gun, lost in contemplation.
In a low voice, Lucas confessed, "I've considered taking out General Morrison, but I never once thought about harming you. You've been the closest thing to a brother I've ever had." Tears welled up in Cole's eyes at Lucas' declaration.
Handing the firearm to one of his subordinates, Cole drew a deep breath to steady himself before addressing Lucas. "It's too late now," he said firmly.
"How did you manage to identify me?" Lucas asked, his curiosity piqued. "After all, I've undergone extensive plastic surgery to the point where not even my mother could recognize me."
Cole replied, "I didn't recognize you. It was General Morrison who saw through your disguise in an instant."
"General Morrison?"
Cole's smile held a hint of bitterness. "Isn't it ironic? The superior you were willing to eliminate at any cost reads you like an open book-your mannerisms, gestures, speech patterns-with just a glance." Lucas could only manage a wry smile in response, falling silent.
Cole's words were heavy with sorrow, his grief evident. "Lucas, you were once General Morrison's most trusted and capable assistant.
"He treated you like a brother, covering your father's medical expenses and often instructing me to send money to your family in secret.
"If you had asked for his help to get married, he would have gladly arranged everything without hesitation.
"Instead, you chose to betray General Morrison. Money blinded you, and you've deeply wounded him."
Lucas lowered his head, his eyes brimming with tears.
No words could mitigate the gravity of his actions. Redemption appeared to be beyond his grasp.
"If there's any semblance of conscience left in you, you'll reveal Oliver's location and expose Nightshade's plans and operatives in Norvania," Cole pressed.
Lucas gritted his teeth. "I can't do that. If I speak out, my family will pay the price."
"You're beyond saving," Cole thundered. "Get him out of here."
With that, the four soldiers restrained Lucas and escorted him out, with Cole closely following suit.
Soon enough, headlines across major news outlets and trending discussions were flooded with reports of Zach's comeback.
The unexpected reappearance of Norvania's wealthiest magnate ignited a nationwide frenzy, prompting reporters to swiftly cover the story.
In the days that followed, Zach regained control of his company and reclaimed all of his assets.Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org
Meanwhile, Avery and Lucas found themselves incarcerated, confronting the prospect of spending the rest of their lives behind bars.
While in jail, Avery crossed paths with the impostor posing as Sally Hoffis, and the two swiftly forged a bond.
After their interaction, the fraudulent
Sally smiled and remarked, "I'll tell you this: Oliver's affection lies solely with his niece, even though they're not blood-related.
"To him, all other women are mere pawns, easily discarded once they've served their purpose. Don't cling to the hope that he'll come to your rescue. It's time to face the truth."
Avery's smile turned bitter. "So, that's the harsh reality, isn't it? I've been nothing more than a pawn all this time, and even my marriage was just another piece to be
manipulated."
"Indeed, Oliver is capable of such actions."
"It seems there's yet another unfortunate woman in his sights."
Intrigued, the impostor Sally asked, "Who's next in line? Who else has been manipulated?"
Avery regarded her cautiously for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm not sure."
The grand and opulent Hoffis Manor stood empty, lacking any sense of warmth. Apart from the maids and bodyguards, Zach was the only Hoffis left staying there. His wife had passed away, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson were imprisoned, and his granddaughter had married.
Despite his riches, flourishing career, fame, and the esteemed accolade of being Norvania's wealthiest man, Zach was overwhelmed by a profound sense of loneliness. Seated in solitude at the grand dining table, he gazed at the intricate seven-course meal spread out before him.
In that instant, the extravagance of dining alone seemed empty and excessive, deepening his already melancholic state and robbing him of any desire to eat. Just then, Robert entered the room.
"Mr. Hoffis Senior, Ms. Hoffis has returned with Mr. Morrison and their son."
Upon hearing the news, Zach's excitement surged. A smile spread across his face as he hurriedly rose from his seat and made his way out to welcome them. Nathan walked in, cradling his son in one arm while gently guiding Mila with his other.
"Grandpa," they chimed in unison, greeting him as they entered.