Chapter 766
Chapter 766:
“You have no choice.”
After a pause, Hank’s lips curved into a smile as bitter as wormwood. Then he began to unravel the tapestry of that year.
“Twenty years ago, Orson held the reins of power, and the Welch family stood at its zenith, their influence even eclipsing the mighty Payne family. Under Orson’s masterful guidance, his three sons grew into formidable forces, each one a worthy contender for…”
The family’s crown. Just as speculation swirled around which of Orson’s sons would inherit his mantle, a single revelation shattered the Welch family’s carefully constructed peace.
Janice’s mind raced ahead—she had already pieced together that this news must have involved the woman who became the catalyst for the White family’s destruction.
“The brothers uncovered Orson’s affair with a woman from the White family. But what truly ignited their fury was his intention to transfer a portion of the Welch family’s vast fortune to her.”
Hank released a weary sigh, his smile etched with regret. “Though the Welch family projected strength and stability to the world, their internal power struggles burned hotter than any other clan’s. The three brothers convinced themselves that this woman had ensnared their father with her charms. So they took matters into their own bloodstained hands, moving against the White family while keeping Orson in the dark. Their twisted logic was simple—eliminate the White family, and their father’s ‘temptation’ would vanish with them. The White family had carved out their own respectable place in Cloverhill by then. Even with the Welch family’s considerable influence, orchestrating their overnight destruction was no simple task. So the brothers forged alliances with other powerful families, all bent on one goal—to uproot the White family from Cloverhill completely.”
Hank cast a nervous glance toward Janice, who appeared unsettlingly composed. He sensed an unsettling tension hiding beneath her calm demeanor, like the heavy silence in the air before a storm broke loose.
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕖: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩵ℭ𝗈𝗺
“We were ordered to deal with the White family’s construction business,” Hank continued. “We severed their ties with key allies, effectively isolating them and blocking any attempts to find external support.”
All the while, Aiden’s eyes had been fixed on Janice. Despite her composed exterior, a cold, intimidating energy radiated from her. Internally, she was probably boiling with anger and bitterness, just biding her time to retaliate.
“Go on,” Janice instructed, her voice devoid of emotion.
After a while, Hank resumed his story. “News of the White family’s ruin reached Orson the following day. Overwhelmed with rage, he suffered a heart attack and never recovered. With Orson incapacitated, he was forced to hand over the leadership of the Welch family to his oldest son, Mateo. Despite bearing the title, Mateo lacked any real power. That’s how it all went down back then. But when it comes to the finer details, only the three Welch brothers and Orson might have the answers.”
Hank let out a heavy sigh. “We were ordered to keep silent about the matter. These days, only a handful of people know the real truth.” Hank’s gaze shifted back to Janice, filled with apprehension.
Patton hesitated for a moment and then spoke. “MO, on behalf of the Lambert family, I want to apologize for what we did to the White family back then. From this day forward, I give you my word—the Lambert family will stand by your side.”
Hank was taken aback by his son’s bold vow and fell silent, turning over its implications in his mind. The years had worn him down. Gone were the days of his youthful ambition. It was now Patton’s turn to shape the future of the Lambert family.
.
.
.