The recording ended, and Julian Maxwell couldnât say a single word.
He thought he had handled everything well, even if the person who gave the order was taken away, it wouldnât expose him.
But⦠there was actually a recording.
There was no personal grudge between Peter Qinke and Daisy Zane.
He just wanted to use him to get Daisy Zane out.
He couldnât even utilize online public opinion; he couldnât send anything out, as if it was being detected.
âJulian Maxwell, do you think⦠is this enough to justify confiscating your property?â Kevin Clark said.
The noise from the upper floor grew louder, as if something was being dismantled.
After a while, someone brought down a stack of documents and handed it to Kevin Clark.
Kevin Clark flipped through them casually: âHow did someone like you survive till now?â
Julian Maxwell looked at the things in his hand, regaining some composure: âKevin Clark, even if Iâm guilty, with my status, it should be dealt with through proper procedures. What can you do to me? What can you do to me?â
Kevin Clark handed the documents to James Cooper, walked up two steps, grabbed Julian Maxwellâs neck, dragged him forward two steps, and then threw him onto the ground.
With a muffled thud, Julian Maxwellâs head hit the ground, and blood started to flow. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he could not speak a word.
Mrs. Maxwell sat on the ground, screaming and yelling.
James Cooper was a man who had seen it all, but even he shuddered at Kevin Clarkâs ruthless act.
âIf I wanted to do something to you, who would dare stop me?â Kevin Clark said coldly, âGoing through procedures? You want your lord up there to save you? Let me tell you, heâs going to accompany you today. You wanted to drag my big brother down? What do you think you are?â
Kevin Clark let go, and Julian Maxwell lay still on the ground, as if dead.
âLet him watch this place be dismantled bit by bit.â Kevin Clark wiped his fingers and said, âThen carry him away.â
âYes.â
Kevin Clark didnât linger, and left directly.
The sky was gloomy, and the fallen leaves were scattered on the ground.
The cell phone in Kevin Clarkâs pocket rang twice, and he took it out to check. A message had come in on the cell phone Charlotte Lane left behind.
Joseph Allen sent two pictures.
Both pictures were of black menâs dress shirts, but with more traditional Chinese elements and a more antique look.
Soon, Joseph Allen sent two more messages.
He was inquiring about which fabric would be better for Charlotte Laneâs shirt.
He also gave some suggestions, as each fabric had its own advantages, but he couldnât decide, so he asked her.
Kevin Clark looked at the messages he received, and subconsciously opened the email app on Charlotte Laneâs cell phone.
He saw that on the same evening she left, she sent many design drafts to Joseph Allen â all menâs clothing.
And the size⦠was his.
Kevin Clarkâs eyes turned even redder.
He felt like his heart was being pricked by countless needles. He took a few gentle breaths, trying to soothe the pain before getting into the car.
As the car moved, Kevin Clark texted Joseph Allen back: [Make both].
After replying, he shut off his cell phone and gazed out the window.
Ever since Dean Yueâs incident, they hadnât returned to Clark Manor, and had been staying at the Rose Garden instead.
As Kevin Clark returned to the Rose Garden, he saw Edward North and Charles Amos sitting in the living room.
When Charles Amos saw him return, he immediately stood up from the sofa and hurriedly walked toward him, embracing him tightly.
Charles had grown rapidly over the past year, already reaching Kevin Clarkâs waist.
As Charles Amos hugged Kevin Clark, he whispered softly, âDaddy, you havenât been home for such a long time.â
Kevin Clark looked down at his hair, touched his head for a moment, and led him back to the sofa.
Charles Amos sat close to him and said after a while, âMom will be alright. Sheâs very strong.â
Kevinâs cold gaze finally moved.
Finn Clark also said, âLuciaâs safety should not be a problem.â
Kevin looked at his second brother.
âSheâs very smart; self-protection is not a problem.â Finn hesitated for a moment, âEdward Kirsten wonât harm her. Heâll definitely protect her, too.â
Kevinâs eyelashes trembled, seeming as if he couldnât quite hear the words. Stiff, numb.
Seeing his expression, Finn became silent for a moment before saying, âThe person I arranged in the M Continent Laboratory was discovered. However, they withdrew quickly, and no one was hurt.â
Kevin waited for him to continue.
âThey brought back a message,â said Finn. âAbout Peter Qinke.â
Kevin had only mentioned the recording to the Santiagos, clearing Charlotte Laneâs name in the process.
The others didnât know about it yet. They only knew Peter had disappeared suddenly.
But⦠with the Maxwell Family gone, everyone would know soon.
âWhat?â Kevin asked softly.
âPeter Qinke is an illegitimate child from M Continent Laboratory,â Finn said. âThose in the M Continent value family inheritance. In theory, Peter has the right to inherit.â
âSince I can remember, Peter has been by Dean Yueâs side,â said Kevin.
âWhen Peter was eight or nine years old, Dean Yue found him in M Continent. Iâm not sure about the details, but later Dean Yue has been taking care of him,â said Finn. âOnce, Dean Yue was attacked in M Continent, and Peter leaked his itinerary. Later, he even pushed the blame onto others.â
âHe killed Dean Yue and disrupted the Research Institute. As the thorn in the side of M Continent Laboratory, Peterâs actions can be considered meritorious,â Kevin said.
âThatâs right. As an illegitimate child, doing this will increase his chances of inheritance,â Finn said. âNo matter how well he does at the Research Institute, and how well Dean Yue treats him, the institute will never end up in his hands.â
âIn one fell swoop, heâs destroyed the Research Institute and earned merit for himself,â Kevin said.
He had heard the recording, and so had the little girl.
What had she thought when she left?
Self-blame? Guilt?
Did she attribute Dean Yueâs death solely to herself?
Since Edward Kirsten was involved, she might feel responsible for Edward hurting Dean Yue.
He was not sure why Edward Kirsten wanted to kill Dean Yue, but even without him, and only with Peter, he would still kill Dean Yue, frame the new Dean, and turn the Research Institute into muddy waters.
Kevin suddenly furrowed his eyebrows.
âWhatâs wrong?â asked Finn.
Charles Amos looked up at Kevin, seeing that his lips had suddenly paled.
Kevin shook his head lightly and, after a moment of silence, said, âI still havenât found their whereabouts.â
âIf you find them now, what do you plan to do?â Finn said. âLucia took a risk for nothing. Do you just want to bring her back? Luciaâs goal is Edward Kirstenâs laboratory, right? Now, she might not even know where the laboratory is, and you want to bring her back? Everything would have been in vain. What were these past few days for?â
Kevin closed his eyes and lowered his head.
Charles Amos grabbed Kevinâs clothes.
Finnâs gaze fell on Charles, who stood up and left the living room.
Now with just the two brothers, Kevin finally spoke softly after a while, âBrother. Iâve been with Uncle Lane since I was young, and my education has always been about putting the greater good first. Iâve always felt like I havenât done well, but I guess I havenât let Uncle Lane down too much. However, Iâve just realized how selfish I am.â
Finn looked at Kevinâs lowered head and bent back, feeling a bitter taste in his heart.
âI donât want to care about anything else anymore. I just want her to be safe,â Kevinâs voice grew heavier. âBut⦠Iâm so powerless. I canât protect her, and I canât find her.â
â¦