On the way back, Lainey noticed Anthony deep in thought and asked gently, “Wnthony, what did your father say
Anthony snapped out of his daze. “Nothing much. Just some things about the company
Lainey sighed. “He’s always hoped you’d take over. I imagine he’s feeling pretty let down right now.”
Anthony’s eyes darkened slightly. “I try my best, Mom,”
Lainey
gave a small nod, her expression softening. “That’s all he’s ever wanted.”
say to you just now?”
She then glanced at Jayden, who had been unusually quiet. “Jayden, were you startled by the way your dad acted back there? He wasn’t upset with you. It was Theodore he was angry at.”
Logan’s outburst had rattled even her, let alone a child. She instinctively reached out to pat Jayden’s chest in comfort, but he stepped back, avoiding her touch
Lainey froze for a moment, then inwardly cursed Theodore. If he hadn’t shown up so suddenly, Jayden would never have learned the truth about Logan’s past,
That evening, Jayden stood outside Theodore’s room.
After a steadying breath, he raised his hand and knocked.
Elana opened the door moments later. “Why are you here?”
“I have a question. I want to ask Theodore,” Jayden said, his tone serious.
She studied his face. “You’re not here to accuse him, are you?”
Jayden shook his head firmly.
Eliana paused, then said, “He’s in the study. You’ll find him there.”
“Thanks” Jayden turned and headed down the hall
Inside the study, Theodore looked up at the sound of knocking, assuming it was Eliana.
“Come in,” he called. “The door’s open
Jayden hesitated briefly, then opened the door and stepped in. “It’s me.”
Theodore glanced up, brows knitting faintly. “What, here to take as
scolding?”
Logan’s words had left him restless on the drive home, and he’d retreated to the study to read and write in silence.
Jayden shook his head. “No. I just have one question.”
Theodore narrowed his eyes slightly “Close the door.”
Jayden obeyed, then walked over to the desk. “Why did you break Anthony’s leg?”
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Chapter 298
Theodore paused for the briefest moment, then replied coolly, “Why not ask Anthony?”
“I did,” Jayden said, frowning. “But now I think he lied, just like my mom did when she told me you framed Dad. I want the truth, from you
Theodore looked at him steadily. “You’re sure you’re ready for that? The truth carries weight.”
Jayden’s fists clenched. “I am. I don’t want to
ant to be blindsided by it anymore.”
Theodore gave a small nod. “Alright. After I turned your father in, Anthony tried to quietly move the weapons and drugs out of the Russell Group warehouse.
“What he didn’t know was that i had someone planted among his men. I got word of the plan, and before he could act, I broke his leg, and
with it, his escape route.”
Jayden stared in disbelief. “Is that true? You’re not lying to me?”
Theodore glanced at him coldly. “Do you think i have any reason to lie?”
Deceiving them had never been worth his time. He had no need for it. Even together, they were no match for him.
Jayden, still young and somewhat naive, couldn’t hide his confusion. “Then… why didn’t you just stop Anthony? Why break his leg?”
Theodore replied calmly, “I hadn’t, with his cunning nature, he would’ve found another way to get what he wanted.”
Back then, Anthony had known full well that if Logan was arrested, Daniel would waste no time backing Theodore as the next head of the Russell Group. So, no matter the cost, Anthony had tried to move the stolen goods, hoping to shield Logan
But Theodore wasn’t about to let Anthony follow Logan into ruin, nor see another Russell family member behind bars.
So he made the decision to break Anthony’s leg crushing his pride and shaking his confidence, forcing him to withdraw from the matter
entirely
And yet, Theodore had underestimated him. After years lying in wait, Anthony ultimately claimed control of the Russell Group. In that sense, they were evenly matched, formidable adversaries in their own right
Jayden, meanwhile, found his worldview unraveling, Everything he had believed in suddenly felt like a lie.
He clenched his fists, voice trembling. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“You were too young.” Theodore said. “Too inexperienced. Knowing the truth wouldn’t have helped you. Sometimes, it’s better not to carry
the weight of it”
Were it not for Jayden’s recent growth, Theodore wouldn’t have said.
wouldn’t have understood.
word. He knew it likely wouldn’t make a difference as Jayden
Those words lodged deep in Jayden’s chest. Unable to contain himself, he turned, opened the door, and stormed out.
Moments later, Eliana appeared at the open study door. “Theodore,” she asked gently, “Jayden didn’t give you too much trouble, did he?”
“No,” Theodore replied flatly.
Eliana breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “Good.”
Aber all, she had been the one to tell Jayden where Tbeodore was
“What did he come to talk about?” she asked.
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“He asked how his brother’s left was broken,”
Eliana froze, caught off guard. “as there… some kind of misunderstanding?”
“There wasn’t,” Theodore said. “I was the one who broke it.”
“you say that so calmly. Aren’t you afraid Jayden might hate you for it?”
Recalling how Jayden had run out moments earlier, Theodore let out a faint, self deprecating chuckle. “I’m used to it.”
“Jayden, the kitchen made your favorite. Here, have a bite.”
At dinner, Laincy tried to lift Jayden’s mood, gently offering him a bite from her fork.
But he kept his head down, focused on his plate, not sparing her a glance.
She laughed awkwardly. “Not in the mood for shrimp? get you some steak instead.””
As she placed a piece near his plate, Jayden suddenly pushed her hand aside, irritation flashing across his face. “Carryou just stop?”
Caught off guard, Lainey’s fork clattered to the floor. She stared at him in disbelief while he was looking straight at her, furious, with none of his usual warmth.
The rest of the table fell silent as everyone turned to look.
Laincy, embarrassed and hurt, lowered her voice. “Jayden, what’s gotten into you?”
His face was tight, every word deliberate. “You all lied to me!”
Lainey frowned. “I explained everything about your father when we came back. Why are you bringing this up again?”
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