The word barely escaped my throat. My voice caught. I looked at him, confused and apprehensive.
“I have nothing to trade.“”
“You do,” Kenzo replied flatly. “You have a reason to seek revenge against Sean.”}
“That’s my business…“}
*And I’ll make sure you succeed in that mission.”
I frowned. His eyes were calm, but his tone–cold, steady, and unwavering. There was something about him that made me want to trust him… yet also fear him.”
“Sean has taken so much,” Kenzo said, his eyes piercing into mine. “From people who rightfully deserved it.“}
I held my breath. My heart pounded.
“He didn’t fulfill his father’s mandate.” His voice rose, tinged with disappointment. “Instead of uplifting the family, he seized everything.”}
Kenzo clenched his fists, his jaw tightening.”
He dominated, trampled…” Then his eyes met mine. “And you know it, Lea.”}
Ulowered my gaze, unable to deny the truth I’d long ignored.
“It’s a chain of crimes.” His voice softened but was laden with intensity. “And you… must stop him.”
I swallowed hard. “You seem to know a lot, Kenzo.”
He nodded slowly. “Of course. Because I’m also part of the Armstrong family.”
I froze.
“I’m Mr. Armstrong’s son… from a different mother.“}
My head suddenly felt heavy. My eyes widened completely.
“What…?”
Kenzo took a deep breath. Then he began to tell his story.§
For years, he lived in the shadows. Considered a disgrace. Never acknowledged. When he finally tried to come forward, to reveal who he was, Sean cast him aside.}
In a cruel way.
“He set me up,” Kenzo said quietly, but with deep resentment. “He made it seem like I was part of an international crime network. A dark world I never touched… until I became a fugitive. All because he wanted me gone.“>
My chest tightened. I imagined that snowy night three years ago when I found him with a bleeding wound in his abdomen.
“And I’m grateful Mr. Hilton helped me,” Kenzo continued. “He’s the only one who acknowledged my existence. He adopted me as his grandson. But with one condition: I must not engage with the Armstrong family again.“}
! still struggled to accept this reality. But everything started to make sense.
“So, the incident three years ago…“}
“Yes, Sean framed me,” Kenzo said softly, looking at me with pain.
“That’s why I begged you back then… not to tell anyone.“}
He took a deep breath. “If anyone knew I was still alive… I might be dead by now.”
I bit my lower lip. My body trembled even though the room was warm.
I thought I was the only victim. But it turns out… so many have been destroyed by Sean Armstrong.
I remembered the Duke family–who immediately distanced themselves after my father–in–law died. Even refusing to attend the funeral. I thought it was due to their busy schedules. But no. I was gravely mistaken.
And that day… I saw firsthand how Sean threatened them. Just to take me away from a place that should have been safe.
“Lea,” Kenzo’s voice brought me back to reality. “You must become a superior version of Sean. Take back everything he stole. And return the rights of those he destroyed.“@
I slowly lifted my face.
“You’re the only pawn that can destroy him,” he continued. “Because until now, all his power still stands on your name. You’re one of the heirs of the Armstrong family.”
Those words struck me like lightning.
I remembered Rebecca’s words back then–that I was kept not for love, but for inheritance.
And now, everything became clearer.
“More than Sean, my father trusted you more. He believed that if you held the reins, this family would continue to thrive. But you didn’t know how… and Sean took advantage of that.“>
1 bowed my head. My fingers clutched the fabric of my clothes tightly.W
11:56 PM
O
know how… and Sean took advantage of that.”
I bowed my head. My fingers clutched the fabric of my clothes tightly.
“I understand,” I whispered. “That’s why I sought out Mr. Hilton. I want to learn. I want to know… how to defeat Sean at his own game.“}
Kenzo stepped closer. His voice was soft but firm, “I’ll help you. Trust me.“>
His gaze was so deep. But somehow… there was still a wall between us. I wanted to trust. But I couldn’t fully.
“Yes…” I finally whispered.
For now… that’s all I could offer. Making him believe that I trusted him, yet I remained cautious.
-8
A Week Later
I sat in a large study filled with thick books and the scent of aged wood. And there‘ stood an elderly man with a calming presence–Mr. Hilton.
Upon seeing me, he immediately embraced me tightly.
“Lea… God bless. I was so worried about you.“}
His warm embrace soothed me. As if this shattered world suddenly had a safe corner.
“Thank you, Mr. Hilton,” I whispered. “When the world rejected me… you were the second person to accept me.”
“Forget the past. Now, rebuild yourself. Repay all those wounds with your success.”
jnodded. In my heart, I made a promise.
“We need time for Lea to understand business, Grandpa,” Kenzo said.
Mr. Hilton turned to him. “Kenzo, I entrust Lea to you. Protect her. Guide her.“>
“Yes, sir.”
I saw a relieved smile on the old man’s face. And somehow… my heart warmed.}}
Then, suddenly, he said something that made me tense.
“Lea, may I conduct a DNA test with you?“>
I looked at him, puzzled. “Why?”
“I just want to know… if you share a blood relation with my daughter.“>
Kenzo appeared shocked. “Grandpa… do you mean, she…?“}
“Still a possibility,” he replied softly. “Lea… do you have a birthmark on your neck?“}
I fell silent. And slowly… my hand touched the side of my neck.
Just below the jaw.”
That mark… I always thought it was just a regular spot.