In the end, Gregory, feeling cornered, swore in front of Nigel that he would no longer interfere in the Gold family’s matters.
This was meant to appease the old man, but the atmosphere was still heavy as Gregory and Shannon left, both dejected.
Nigel, on the other hand, stood fuming in the study, eyes filled with anger as he surveyed the mess around him.
“Ugh! Those sly women have you and your father wrapped around their fingers!” he muttered bitterly.
Meanwhile, Justin bent down to pick up some broken glass shards, his mind racing with thoughts.
Did someone go to Inalia on Asher’s behalf? But Dad knows Asher.
There’s no way he could be mistaken—he’s met him too many times.
Or could it be.
.
.
Dad has Alzheimer’s?
His thoughts were interrupted when he picked up a folding fan, noticing the familiar item in his hand.
“Grandpa, is this yours?”
“Oh no! I was so mad that I almost broke it.
Bring it to me now!”
Nigel’s voice softened as he continued, “Anna made this fan for me.
The painting and calligraphy on it are her creations.
”
Justin froze, his eyes widening.
He hadn’t known that Anna could paint or write calligraphy.
When Anna was married to him, she had seemed so dull and obedient, especially compared to Rosalind, who could play the piano, dance, and sing.
To Justin, Anna was merely sweet, gentle, and pretty—like the servants around the house.
He hadn’t seen her as anything more than that.
But now, as he held the fan, something stirred inside him.
Had Anna been hiding her talents from me? Was she so talented all along, or was it because she didn’t think I deserved her?
He recalled their marriage, how she had always tried to please him, but there had been no spark of love between them.
He had always thought she was just fulfilling her role as his wife.
But now, after everything that had happened, it became clear to him—She never loved me.
She loved Asher.
Nigel continued talking, unaware of Justin’s inner turmoil.
“Anna used to visit me every weekend.
Sometimes she’d walk with me, or we’d just sit together in the study for hours.
She never felt bored around me.
She’d read a book or write calligraphy beside me.
Her skills were obvious—she’s clearly a cultured person with a refined upbringing.
”
Justin’s hands tightened around the fan.
He scanned the calligraphy—two elegant lines of writing that seemed to hit him like a punch.
“Have no regrets for your past mistakes.
For it is not possible to turn back the clock.
”
His heart skipped a beat, the words sending a jolt through his body.
He examined the writing more closely, realizing it was identical to the calligraphy hanging in Bella Thompson’s office.
He remembered her offering to give it to him as a gift.
Could Anna have known Bella? he thought.
Is it possible that Bella is Anna?
But the thought seemed impossible.
Anna had always been so meek and obedient, not at all like the cunning, insidious Bella.
There was no way they could be the same person.
Was there?
Meanwhile, in Yara Park, Hatchbay, Asher returned from his business trip to Inalia.
He had dinner with Axel and Wyatt, the trio discussing his trip.
Asher reported back on the progress, and Wyatt nodded with approval.
His stoic face showed only a hint of satisfaction.
Wyatt had always been proud of his eldest son but couldn’t understand his insistence on becoming a pastor.
Why is Asher so determined? No amount of wealth, power, or fame can convince him to stop pursuing this path.
Why does he insist on it?
“Asher, it’s not like you to steal a project from the Salvador Corporation so recklessly,” Wyatt commented, taking a sip of red wine.
“Aren’t you always advocating for peace and love? Why resort to this kind of underhanded method? You’re starting to remind me of myself when I was younger.
”
Asher’s answer was indirect, but his sharp gaze met his father’s as he took a sip of water.
“Peace is a fragile thing,” he said.
Axel, ever perceptive, grinned.
He knew full well that Asher’s actions were driven by a desire to take revenge on the Salvador Corporation, not just for business reasons, but for Bella.
“Business is all about quick thinking.
As long as you don’t break the law, you do what you have to do to get the deal done,” Axel commented, raising his glass.
“You did a great job this time!”
Wyatt patted Asher on the shoulder, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
“What’s more, Gregory and I have history.
His grandfather bullied my grandmother.
It’s never too late for a gentleman to take revenge!”
Asher was taken aback, his words failing him.