Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Marcelo got straight to the point and asked, "Did you kill Cillian, your own father?"

Mason froze, stunned. "Mr. Byrne, I don't understand what you're saying! My

father passed away in a nursing home. I'm his son, so how could I ever do

something so monstrous?"

Marcelo did not answer. He simply stared at Mason with eyes like steel.

Mason held the gaze, lifting his chin slightly as if to prove his conscience was

clear.

Finally, Marcelo gave a slight nod. "Fine. Let's say I believe you... for now. In that

case, why don't you tell me how your father died?"

Mason hesitated, stumbling over his words. "Well... Mr. Byrne, you've got me

there. Ever since he was forced to step down, he had been... emotionally

unstable. He kept rambling about Mr. Lloyd wanting him dead. Eventually, the

doctors at the care center said he developed some form of schizophrenia."

He continued, "Not long after, we received word that he had passed. Honestly, all

of this is my fault. I wasn't a good enough son."

Marcelo scoffed. "Of course it's your fault, but the one who really deserves to die

is Andrew. That man is ruthless. Cillian gave up everything and even moved into a

care home, yet he still hunted him down."

Mason shivered and said nervously, "Mr. Byrne, we can't say that out loud. You

know the situation. Right now, I serve under Mr. Lloyd. If he ever finds out I spoke

ill of him behind his back, I'm screwed."

Marcelo's tone turned ice-cold. "He won't be riding high much longer. When the

tide turns, it turns fast. He's been parading around Blumedale like a king for long

enough. If the heavens won't take him, then I will."

Mason's eyes lit up with subtle delight, though he masked it well. He fanned the

flames, saying, "Right now, Mr. Lloyd's power is immense. I'll be honest, Mr.

Byrne... It's almost laughable, but even we, the Ulrich family, with our long-

standing place in the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce, have grown afraid of

him."

He continued, "And we're not the only ones. Many others in the chamber are

terrified that Andrew plans to dominate us all and crush the competition one by

one."

Marcelo responded flatly, "Internal chamber politics are your problem. They have

nothing to do with me. That's enough. I've said my piece. Be smart, Mason."

He turned to leave, but Mason

suddenly dropped to his knees,

sobbing hard. "Mr. Byrne, you and

my father were like family. I know

there was something suspicious

about his death. But the Ulrich

family isn't what it used to be. We

didn't dare investigate too deeply. So

I'm begging you, please... bring

justice to his name!"

For a moment, Marcelo's eyes burned with fury. "You have my word. For Cillian's

sake, I'll destroy Andrew with my own hands."

With that, he walked to the edge of the balcony and leaped off.

Down below, the guards never noticed a thing. They did not even hear a single

sound.

Mason walked over and peeked

outside. After confirming Marcelo

had vanished, he burst into

hysterical laughter and dropped

onto the couch, finally letting his

shoulders relax.

It was obvious now that everything

he had just said to Marcelo had

been an act. However, Mason was

unaware that Andrew had witnessed

everything from the ceiling vent.

This new Ulrich family head really had a death wish.noveldrama

Suddenly, a slow, mocking applause echoed from the doorway.

"Mr. Ulrich, that little stunt-throwing suspicion around and playing both sides? It's

truly beautifully executed."

As the voice faded, a masked man in all black strolled confidently into the room.