Chapter 8: Lying

After returning home, Gene called Bree into his study. "Grandpa, what do you need me for?" Bree asked, stepping into the study with a puzzled expression. Gene didn't answer immediately but motioned for his granddaughter to sit down. Once Bree was seated, Gene, after a moment of thought, gazed at her with his wise yet piercing eyes. "Bree, you lied at the police station today!" "Grandpa, how could I... lie? I didn't..." Bree stammered, her eyes unable to meet her grandfather's gaze. Gene sighed softly and said, "Bree, I've watched you grow up. I know your nature better than anyone. I can tell if you're lying." Realizing her grandfather had uncovered her lie, Bree lowered her head slightly, biting her lip in silence. Gene didn't push or question her; just quietly waited for her to speak. After a long pause, Bree slowly nodded. "I did lie at the police station. I actually saw the face of the person who saved me." After a moment, she apologized, "But that person saved me. I can't repay someone's kindness by betraying them. I hope you understand, Grandpa." Gene nodded slightly, his tone earnest. "It's admirable that you keep your promises and are grateful. However, I must remind you, the person who saved you—was it just a coincidence, or did they have other motives?" "Our family is well-known in Welton City and Hanos Province, with businesses in many sectors. We have many friends, but also many enemies. It's always smart to stay cautious." "You're really smart, but you're still young and inexperienced, which makes it easy to get tricked." As he spoke, a deep concern spread across Gene's face. "I understand, Grandpa." Bree nodded. "You've had a scare today and must be exhausted. Go rest early," Gene said, waving her away gently. After his granddaughter left, Gene made a phone call.  Soon, a middle-aged man with a medium build, crew cut, and a slight stubble entered the room. "Mr. Good Sr," The man greeted Gene respectfully. "Starting tomorrow, assign someone to protect Bree. Also, investigate who killed the kidnappers and saved my granddaughter today," Gene instructed. The man nodded. "Rest assured, Mr. Good Sr., I'll complete your task. Do you have any other instructions?" "That's all," Gene said, waving him off. The man nodded and exited the room. ***** Back in her room, Bree began to ponder, "Did the man who saved her have ulterior motives, as Grandpa suggested?" She considered countless possibilities, dismissing each one.  Leo had only been a random victim caught by the kidnappers to intimidate her and the Good family. Moreover, he was forced to kill those kidnappers. If it was a setup, the coincidence and sacrifice involved were too great. Most importantly, after saving her, the man left without leaving any information or asking for anything in return. It was strange. Or could it be a long game to bait a bigger target? But someone with such formidable strength—if they were truly an enemy of the Good family—would have destroyed the family long ago without the need for such underhanded tactics. Leo's terrifying power lingered in Bree's mind, refusing to fade. ***** It was already close to eleven at night when Leo arrived back in the Felton Manor. This was after Leo had used his light-foot technique, "Shadow Step," on roads with no surveillance; otherwise, he would have returned even later. Shadow Step was a technique taught by his mentor. Once executed, it was as fast as a shadow. He had used this technique earlier to kill the kidnappers. When executed, his speed was comparable to a cheetah in full stride. Now, with one foot in the Transcendent Stage, his core generating true energy, his speed was even more terrifying. Arriving at Felton Manor, Leo took out his keys and entered. Inside, the living room lights were bright. Except for Iris and Irene, the rest of the Felton family was gathered for a family meeting. Iris had moved out, angered by her father's decision to call off her engagement with the Watson family without her consent, and was now staying at a hotel. Irene stayed in her university dorm and usually returned on weekends. Leo had already overheard the conversation inside with his heightened senses before entering. It was less a family meeting and more a tribunal. The target of the tribunal was none other than Dustin. Dustin didn't argue much with his family. He knew he was wrong for calling off his daughter's engagement, upsetting the Watson family in his bid to fulfil his promise. "Grandpa, does Leo even respect our family? He only joined us yesterday, and today he's returning late. Who knows what he's been up to?" Franklin vented his pent-up anger on Leo when he walked in, unable to direct it at Dustin. If he had considered Leo a mere gold-digger yesterday, today, he saw him as a sworn enemy. He learned from Jolie that his grandfather and father had decided Leo would be the family's son-in-law. If his sister married into the Watson family, their combined strength would elevate the Felton family's business to new heights. Not only had everything fallen apart now, but there was also a new rival for the family inheritance. How could he not be resentful? Jolin looked at Leo coldly and went to her room without saying a word, showing her disapproval of her husband and trying to make Leo uneasy. Leo stayed calm, answering Franklin's outburst with a steady look. "Is there a curfew in the Felton Manor?" Franklin was about to retort when Dustin quickly intervened, "Enough, Franklin. Leo is family now. You mustn't speak to him like that." "Dad, Leo wants to marry into our family. If he's joining us, shouldn't he behave like a proper son-in-law?" Franklin pointed at Leo, his voice rising. "Look at him—he's acting like he's the head of the family." "Enough!" Dustin scolded, "Leo's a few years older than you. Even though he hasn't married your sister yet, you should respect him. How can you be so disrespectful?" Franklin's repressed emotions exploded at his father's reprimand. He pointed at Leo and yelled at his dad, whom he'd always respected, "What qualifies him to be my brother-in-law? No education, no background—a pauper! Compared to Gary, he's like nothing." "Even if you protect him, can you really keep him safe? Our family made the Watson family a laughingstock in Welton City. They won't let this slide, and neither will Gary." He turned his angry gaze to Leo. "Do you even know? Gary's godfather is Noah Lawne, the underworld kingpin of Welton City. If Gary seeks Noah's help, do you really think Noah won't avenge his godson?" Dustin, taken aback by his son's insolence, was about to chastise him when he heard this piece of news. His heart skipped a beat. Being from Welton City, he knew who that man was—the head of the city's underworld. Ruthless and cunning, with countless illicit enterprises and followers, anyone who crossed him faced dire consequences. Noah Lawne was a fake name; his real name was Ryan Lawne. He was 50. He had trained at a martial institution in his youth, and through sheer ruthlessness, cunning, and exceptional fighting prowess, he had risen to become the city's underworld boss in just two decades. "Is it true? Is Noah really Gary's godfather?" Dustin asked. "It's a rumor, but likely true!" Franklin replied, leaving with a parting glance of pity at Leo. Seeing Leo remain silent, Dustin assumed his son's words had frightened him. He quickly reassured him, "Leo, don't worry. Even if what Franklin says is true, I'll do my best to protect you from harm."  His words, however, lacked conviction. Hidden dangers were the hardest to guard against. He couldn't guarantee Leo's safety against Ryan's potential schemes. "In the meantime, avoid going out at night. If you must go out during the day, stay in crowded areas. I'll arrange for a bodyguard soon." "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Felton, but I won't need a bodyguard. I'm not afraid of people like Noah. If they dare to trouble me, they'll regret it," Leo replied, his tone calm yet edged with determination. "Young folks can be cocky, but there's a time and place. Your arrogance now could cost you your life," Ian interjected, his voice mild but firm. "Don't come home this late again." "If stating facts is arrogance, then I have nothing more to say," Leo replied, turning to Dustin. "I'll head to my room now." Watching Leo's retreating figure, Dustin sighed. "The boy's been sheltered in the countryside for too long, unaware of the world's dangers. He's bound to suffer." "Dad, I apologize on Leo's behalf. He's young and proud. Please don't take it to heart," Dustin said apologetically to his father. Ian gazed at Leo's room on the second floor, murmuring, "I hope this boy isn't a curse upon our family." The old man's good intentions were met with indifference by Leo, leaving him understandably upset.