Chapter 438

"Vincent, prepare the car."

Vincent hesitated. "Sir, leaving now? What if Vincent Atlante shows up—"

Adrian Roland ran his fingers along the wheelchair armrest. "Vincent is nothing but a clown. It's time to reel in the real catch."

Vincent's breath hitched.

Mr. Xavier Atlante had been silent for too long. Since Vincent Atlante's appearance, the once-powerful old man had vanished without a trace. Not even Edward Roland's death or Adrian's imprisonment had drawn him out.

This was beyond unusual.

"Should we mobilize additional personnel?"

"Unnecessary."

"Understood."

The seaside villa basked in the midday sun. Mr. Xavier sat motionless on the wicker chair in the courtyard, his back to the entrance—a statue frozen in time.

The crunch of tires on gravel alerted the servants.

"Mr. Roland." A servant bowed.

Adrian glanced up. "Has Uncle Xavier had lunch?"

"Yes, sir. He's sunbathing now."

"Dismissed."

The servant retreated without a sound.

Salty sea air rushed past them. Adrian's gaze landed on the old man's bare wrists.

"Where are your prayer beads and walnuts, Uncle?"

Xavier kept his eyes on the horizon. "Pointless. All just lies."

"The Buddha would disapprove."

Xavier scoffed. "I burned the first incense every New Year. Donated millions. And what did it get me? Two ungrateful snakes."

Two snakes.

Grant Rubenstein. Adrian Roland.

Vincent wheeled Adrian forward until they sat side by side.

"Uncle, the gods are watching."

"Indeed." Xavier suddenly turned. "Adrian, how have I treated you?"

"You once said you saw me as your own."

"I gave you everything. Did I not know Grant's ambitions? But I chose you." The old man's bony fingers clenched the armrests. "Where did I fail you?"

"Nowhere."

"How many times did I warn you? Women bring ruin. Yet you threw yourself into Stella Valentine's fire. Look at you now—confined to a wheelchair in your prime!"

Adrian narrowed his eyes against the glittering sea. "My failure, not yours."

"Had you listened, none of this would've happened."

"And had you not hinted for Lily Savigny to tamper with my parents' car, you're right—it wouldn't have."

Xavier's eyes bulged. "What nonsense! The investigation proved—"

"Still acting?" Adrian's voice remained calm. "I don't trust Lily. But I'm not blind. She couldn't have hidden those wrecked Land Rovers for five years alone."

"Slander!"

"I had doubts when we found the vehicles. I just didn't want to believe them."

Xavier burst into laughter. "Proof? I saved you twice! Is this your gratitude?"

"Three lives. How will you repay that debt?"

"You have no evidence!" Xavier rasped. "Even if you did, how many years would abetment get me? At my age, medical parole would be effortless."

"Flawless calculations." Adrian smiled faintly. "Let Lily take the fall while you walk free."

"That's called securing an exit! Adrian, let this be your final lesson—never gamble your life for a woman!"

"Stella and I are none of your concern." Adrian's gaze turned glacial. "I repaid your 'kindness' with this arm. But blood debts—"

"What can you do? Call the police?" Xavier sneered. "This villa is filled with my men!"

"Times have changed."

A crisp clap echoed. The servant reappeared.

"Mr. Roland."

"Give the chef leave. Everyone else stays." Adrian's tone was indifferent. "Ensure Uncle Xavier takes his medication—every single dose."

"Understood. The old master's dementia causes him to refuse meals. We'll do our best."

Xavier trembled. "You bribed my staff? To starve me?"

"You calculated everything—how my parents' deaths would turn Stella against me, how threatening my life would drive her away, how greed would corrupt Lily and her mother." Adrian signaled Vincent to wheel him out. "But you never accounted for betrayal from those closest to you. That's human nature."