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2024-03-24 18:00:51Hand in hand, Shannon and Aland entered the house after much deliberation. The two entered without wearing masks like everyone else who was attending the celebration. But strangely, the lights shone right on the two after entering the fence.
In the glare, Shannon quickly looked away, hiding her face in the crook of Aland's neck. Aland did the same. To cover his eyes from the blinding light of the lamp, his arms were raised as if he was shading himself from the light that came from nowhere."You see, don't you?" asked Shannon quietly. She glanced at Aland with concern. "They just want to embarrass us."Who would have thought that while Shannon and Aland were still glancing at each other because of the ignored warning, the applause suddenly echoed so loudly? The roar of applause suddenly made the two of them wonder."Because of our new mate, Arthur and I are more certain of our feelings. Arthur and I, in fact, have loved each other since we first me
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RISE OF THE HEIRS: Getting Rid of The Traitor 125
The clock was still pointing to eight in the evening when Shannon and Aland walked into their room on the second floor. Shannon let out a long sigh and flopped onto the bed with her head spinning. She chuckled in annoyance, then looked up at the ceiling in resignation."You saw it, didn't you? They really humiliated us. I can't believe it, but they never think properly, Aland. All they can think just about is how they can surpass us."Aland smiled softly as he looked at his watch. He loosened his tie before taking off his elegant shirt."You saw it too, didn't you? I can still turn it around, Shannon. There were more than a dozen journalists there. They must have made our statement under the headline. Isn't our well-being more important than anything else?"Shannon twisted her head. She frowned and began to rest her head on her right hand while tilting to the right, watching her husband, who was changing his clothes. "How did you get that evidence
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"Just like you wanted, right? We're going to make Cobb lick our boots for his arrogant behaviour. We will bring him to his knees in defeat. He who so brazenly deprived you of everything James gave you must have his comeuppance. Isn't that right, Arthur?"Jill reached over and tapped Arthur lightly on the shoulder. She smiled while hiding her nervousness. She almost let Arthur know the truth if she wasn't so clever.Unfortunately, Arthur was still squinting, looking at Jill curiously. He still doubted Jill's words, even though his head nodded, confirming. "If there's something bothering you, Mrs Reynolds. You can tell me. You know it well, don't you?"Jill looked at Arthur with her characteristic smile, then nodded slowly as she turned to gaze at the family photograph taken when she first came to William Reynolds' family eighteen years earlier. "Of course, Arthur. I will tell you all my worries. And so will you. Since I've officially become your personal co
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Together with Aland, Shannon, and Camellia, Jill arrived just before the inauguration ceremony began. Helped by Aland, who carried his mother-in-law out of the car and into a wheelchair, Jill still wore a beaming smile in front of the journalists and reporters who came from various media outlets.Assisted by Lia, who pushed the impromptu wheelchair she had bought on the way, Jill spoke up when one journalist asked how she was doing. "No, please don't worry. I just feel dizzy. There's nothing wrong with me. Maybe after this inauguration event, I can rest as much as possible for the sake of my health."Behind Jill, Shannon and Aland, who were about to enter the US Foods area, were not spared by the media. Especially about the statement that was being talked about by many articles from several mass media outlets."Can you please say something about your statement last night, Mr Fischer? Are you sure Reynolds Industries sends five per cent of its profits to so
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Aland walked quickly away from the US Foods building inauguration area as soon as possible with Shannon. His hasty steps were noticed by several journalists who had come to cover the US Foods inauguration from outside the continent.For the first time, Aland ignored the questions of the many journalists who greeted him. Without nodding or apologising, he walked away with Shannon, who also looked anxious. His other hand was raised to chest level, and he stretched his fingers as if he was saying, I don't have time to answer your questions, sorry.Shannon ran around, trying to keep up with Aland, whose strides were so wide. He took Shannon to the parking lot and drove away from the US Foods building, which was no less grand than the famous JF Groups.Along the way, Aland tried to focus on the road. His eyes looked teary even though he had wiped his face roughly several times. Occasionally, his elbow would rest on the window, and he would express his worry by
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"What if it's Arthur, Aland?"Aland, who was busy monitoring his work from the hospital room where Pete was being treated, let out a long sigh. He knew that Arthur's statement was something to be wary of. But even Pete himself admitted that he collapsed on the road because he was no longer as active as before. Even the doctor had asked him to encourage Pete to be more active."No, Shannon. He can't possibly be thinking about Pete when he's busy with the grand opening of the first US Foods building. He'll be more preoccupied with image than thinking of ways to get revenge."Shannon had returned to her room at Reynolds Industries two hours earlier, escorted by Aland, after confirming that Pete was fine. Nevertheless, she felt anxious about Pete's safety, which might be in grave danger."I heard it myself, Aland. He whispered to Lia that he would make you go back alone for daring to interrupt his special inauguration. Mum agreed to it, too, as if she
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"Are you sure?" asked Jill once again. She was still in a wheelchair, as suggested by Aland when she dislocated her leg, but she was still doing well. Even goofing off with her best theatrics.Arthur, who was sitting across the table, just nodded in affirmation. He chuckled in annoyance before finally chuckling softly. He sipped the coffee that was made using the most expensive coffee machine imported directly from where it came from."I had asked him to stab Pete with a hidden penknife, right into the kidney. Or at least, somewhere else vital. But Pete still survived only because he fainted first. Goddess of luck still wanted that old man to live, apparently."Jill snorted, then grinned. She thought of another way to get back at Aland, who had brazenly toyed with her. Jill's gaze lowered, then turned to her ankle, which was still sore. "Forget about Pete. I think they'll tighten the guard for the old man. But can you drive me to the hospital?"Ar
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"W-what am I looking at?"Jill approached the main door upon seeing Aland and Shannon, along with one other person, Pete. She, who was still using a wheelchair as an aid as her ankle was still painful, trudged over while making a dirty cotton swab from her grasp."Why is he here? Should I also accommodate one more person who will trouble me half to death? Do you think this is a shelter for the homeless?"Aland approached and knelt down to align himself so he could have a heart-to-heart talk with his mother-in-law. Unfortunately, Jill was reluctant to be approached by him.Yes, in just an instant, Jill backed her wheelchair away from Aland's reach. Her eyes stared intently as if she was ready to challenge anyone without fear of an opponent.Aland looked down slowly before finally glancing at Pete, who was trying to stand up straight, even though he had to be helped by Shannon, who held Pete's old arm to keep him from falling unconscious. O
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"JF Travel is ready for operations again, Aland. Are you going running the proposal?" asked Pete, who had just come out of the guest room where he was staying. He gave a report on the JF Travel project, which only involved changing the façade. It would only take five days to complete everything according to the requested design.Aland, who was busy with his laptop watching JF Moulding's new designer and production manager work on the first day, just threw his hands up, trying to accept the report revealed by Pete, who had just arrived and was standing right beside him. "I'll start today. So is JF Load. I also have to meet with Mr White after this to talk about the project that started today. Also about our enormous project with Meggie."Jill, who had been busy walk slowly in front of the treadmill on the side terrace connected to the living room, tried to continue listening even though her ears were covered with earphones as a disguise. In fact, she heard everything Aland an
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"I do," Arthur said as he took out a red velvet box from beneath his luxurious clothes. He placed a simple ring with a single jewel on Dwyane's finger, which looked beautiful in his eyes.After that, the priest began to lead the prayers. It didn't take long for the two to sign the marriage contract.Although Arthur's second wedding ceremony was only held at the nearest church in the neighbourhood of the hospital, the happiness was evident on his pale face. He had been a wheelchair user for more than two hours, enduring the pain in his solar plexus after his surgery five days ago.There were only seven people in the church to witness Arthur's far from simple wedding. No party, no food. Only Shannon, Aland, Pete, Will Smith, John Benedict, Phil Allen, and Edward Frey, the officer who uncovered Arthur's many hidden cases.The first-born was given to Arthur, even though he was in a wheelchair. Seeing Arthur's weakening condition, the priest rushed the blessing and lighti
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"I'm going to file for a marriage annulment. So, will you be my lover, Dwyane?"Arthur's request just after Camellia disconnected the call made Dwyane melt. She burst into tears as he approached Arthur, who was still lying in the cage."Why just lovers? You can get married after cancelling your previous marriage," Aland said from the sofa.Aland immediately got up and approached with both hands in each of his trouser pockets. He grabbed his laptop before moving on, as he did not even get a response from his brother.Arthur was silent. Not only him, even Dwyane didn't know what to say when he was in the middle of such an awkward situation.As he put his work laptop in his bag, Aland spoke up again to help."I'll talk to Mr Smith right away. He will help you to file for a marriage cancellation as soon as possible. Only then, you guys can get married before you actually return to prison in six days. If you have anything to say, just call Pete--"Aland hadn't
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"Are you sure you're okay?"Camellia asked from a distance. The look of concern was visible, but it was not savoured by Arthur as he had savoured the anxiety on Dwyane's face earlier.The two were now connected through a call Aland had made to Mr Cavill, who was visiting his daughter. Using a phone and a laptop, the two were now face to face, even though it was only through a call connection.Arthur nodded in response to his wife's question at the end of the call. Unfortunately, he could not take his attention away from Dwyane, who was busy writing in the corner of the room."I'm fine, Lia. What about you? Did mum cause trouble again? Did she hurt you?"Although she sounded more concerned than before, Lia knew very well that it was just a pep talk from her husband. She shook her head slowly as she wiped away tears with her sleeve."Listen to me, Arthur. I asked dad to contact Aland so I could connect with you like this for some reason. Although I just found o
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Arthur blinked softly. His eyes squinted as the glare of the lights greeted him as he woke up after being in a state of emergency because of heavy blood loss.Instead of finding Dwyane or Lia, he saw Aland sitting with his head bowed on the edge of the bed. Her eyes closed again to make sure before finally looking back at who was beside him.It was the same man he hated to death before. Aland.Arthur's hand moved towards Aland's closed head, hiding his face, when he suddenly saw movement from the sofa. Quickly, Arthur pretended to close his eyes again, as if he hadn't woken up from a long sleep.Dwyane was shocked to death when he looked at the clock. It was almost night and Arthur had not woken up. This was contrary to the information received from the doctor earlier.Slowly, Dwyane woke up Aland, who had fallen asleep by accident. "Mr Fischer. It's already dark. Shouldn't you be going home?"The surprised Aland got up hurriedly. He looked over to where Arth
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"What else this time, Dwyane?"Arthur's question made Dwyane shake her head slowly. She plugged the flash disc into the laptop she had brought with her. She positioned it so that the screen was facing the direction where Arthur was."I haven't seen it myself, Arthur. You can see for yourself. This was given to me by Aland. He said it was a precious gift for you."Hearing Aland's name, Arthur rose lazily. He shook his head, refusing to see what he really wanted to show."No, Dwyane. That's enough. The other day you brought me the news you secretly heard from him. And it really kept me up all night long. Now what? Are they planning to frustrate me here?"Dwyane shook her head slowly. She was just trying to keep Arthur's attention back on what Aland was about to show him."No, Arthur. The other day, the possibility that I was wrong was quite high. Aland said that sometimes there is some information that is missed and contributes greatly to misunderstandings. Tha
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"Go away, Cobb! Get out of here or I'll kill you right now!"Aland sniggered and moved off, leaving Jill filled with intense guilt."You're just bragging! Arthur is my nephew! He is everything to me! And you can't touch him! He's mine! Don't ever come back or I'll kill you right here!"The clock had already struck three in the afternoon when Aland and Shannon sat across from Dwyane Hills. He knew very well that Dwyane continued to visit Arthur, no matter what. Every day. For more than nine days."I'm sorry if I've upset you, Mr Fischer," Dwyane greeted, having just spoken after ten minutes of apparent silence.Aland cleared his throat, then took a sip of his coffee while shaking his head slowly."What do you have to apologise for? There's nothing wrong with you going there, Ms Hills. I just don't like that you went there with information you shouldn't have given."Suddenly, Dwyane's eyes widened. Her hands immediately folded on the table, and tried to rea
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"Since when did you become so talkative, Cobb?"Jill's counterattack made Aland pause. He looked at Jill, who grabbed a plastic chair to sit across from him."How can I help you with coming all the way out here?"Aland glanced at Shannon for a moment, trying to make sure that his wife was fully prepared. He looked again at his mother-in-law, whose new identity had been stripped away, leaving nothing of her once admired name."There's something I want to do about the key you gave me. Liliana's death."Jill did not seem surprised at how quickly Aland had learnt the truth with just one keyword."You found it?"Aland showed her an old photo of Sophie and Liliana that he had copied from an old file at the orphanage. Even though it wasn't clear, Jill could still recognise who was in the picture."This is you and Liliana. You two are sisters, aren't you?"Seeing that Aland was not surprised by what she had found, Jill got up and approached. Her eyes squi
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"What did you say? Sorry, but can you say it again?"Shannon's request was not without reason. For the first time, she sat in Will Smith's room with Pete and her husband to explain everything.Aland closed his eyes and smiled faintly. His hands were intertwined with each other in a position in the middle of her legs."I'm not misspeaking, Shannon. This is the truth. Until a few moments ago, only Pete and I knew about this."Will Smith didn't understand. He, who had been staring out the window while listening to Aland's explanation, could only turn around and shake his head slowly."If Arthur is not James's son, why does James insist on claiming him?""Because he just lost his son, Mr Smith. Don't you remember that his scandal broke just as he was about to celebrate JF Groups' anniversary? James couldn't just ignore Arthur's arrival with Liliana. He didn't want to act rashly, either. He asked me to keep the fact that Arthur was abandoned by Eugene a secret bec
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"Sophie? You're trying to defame our orphanage just because of Sophie's case? Do you also want to examine all the children in this orphanage so that you can be satisfied with your judgement, Mr Fischer?"Aland turned to Shannon briefly before leaning forward, trying to calm him down. "Listen to me, Mr Flitch. This is not what you think it is. We're not here to make a statement or to judge your orphanage as bad, no. I'm just here because there's something wrong. I'm only here because there's something I wanna to know. About Sophie. That's all. We will never tell anyone that Sophie is from here. After all, the whole of the UK knows that Sophie's dangerous behaviour is not the result of someone's upbringing, but her disposition, which may never change even twenty years later. We're just looking into her bloodline. That's all."Dom Flitch squinted with an angry gaze. His previously cupped hands immediately came closer, watching Aland and Shannon's movements that seemed so d