hapter 256
Chapter 256
Garret was a staunch supporter of Daron, and at that moment, she was firmly on his side.
“Mom, Uncle hasn’t even come to see me once since I got hurt, Garret said.
Marina stood at the doorway, listening to the voices inside, when the elevator doors slid open.
Her eyes followed the sound, and she spotted a middle–aged man with gold–rimmed glasses stepping out.
He wore a black overcoat, and his whole presence radiated a cold unapproachable vibe.
Marina couldn’t help but think, ‘Daron’s aura is so much like his
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Marina quickly averted her gaze, stepped up to the hospital room door, and knocked, cutting in on their conversation. In a hushed tone, she announced, “Mr. Zamora is here.”
The conversation inside the room came to an abrupt halt.
Leo walked up to the hospital room door, and Marina smoothly opened it for him, then respectfully stood to the side.
She could feel a sharp, piercing gaze sweeping down from above her head.
Marina looked up to meet Leo’s eyes.
“Mr. Zamora, please,” she said.
Her demeanor was courteous, her eyes steady and composed as she faced Leo’s scrutinizing gaze.
“You’re the youngest daughter of the Finley family, aren’t you?” Leo suddenly spoke up.
A gentle, almost benevolent smile curved his lips, completely different from the cold, distant vibe he’d had just moments before.
“You’re working under Daron now?” he asked.
Marina nodded softly. “Yes, Mr. Zamora.”
Leo smiled, his gaze barely lingering on Marina before he stepped into the hospital room and began to speak.
“Sorry I haven’t been able to visit you in the hospital, Garret. Work’s been crazy lately. How’s your wound? Why didn’t you bring some people along for protection when you went to see the grieving family?”
As he spoke, he set the fruit basket down on the cabinet and walked over to Garret’s bedside, his eyes full of concern.
Garret managed a polite smile.
“Uncle, seriously. I got slashed so many times, I’m only alive because my ancestors must’ve been kneeling and begging the King of Hell for mercy. I’m lucky to be here at all. Of course it hurts.”
Leo frowned, his voice low and serious. “Those people were way too ruthless. You should’ve let your subordinates handle this kind of thing. There was no need for you to get involved personally.”
As he spoke, Leo’s gaze landed on Daron.
He asked, “Daron, did you make a special trip just to handle that union mess?”
Daron didn’t respond. He just stayed put in his seat, not even thinking about getting up.
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Chapter 256
Leo’s expression hardened, and he said coolly.
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“I heard you kicked Victor out of the branch headquarters this afternoon, and even had Vrufield HQ issue a statement declaring that the branches under my name are no longer affiliated with Zamora Group.
“So, what did Victor do to get on your nerves this time?”
He put on an air of impartiality, as if he were about to play judge between his two squabbling sons.
Daron kept his gaze averted, never once looking directly at him
“Those branches under your name were never part of Zamora Group in the first place. You’ve been using the Zamora Group’s reputation to build them up for years. Isn’t that more than enough?”
Leo furrowed his brows, his gaze icy as he stared at Daron.
“I’m part of the Zamora family too, you know. All these years, I’ve been hustling overseas, opening doors for you guys. And now you want to act like we’re not even family?”
Daron shot Leo a look, his tone icy cold, way colder than the old man’s glare.
“Who do you mean, exactly?” Daron said.
“Those branches under your name? Their books and profits have nothing to do with Zamora Group. All I did was put out a statement. Why are you losing sleep over it?
“Haven’t you made enough over the years to kick back and enjoy retirement?”
Leo closed his eyes for a moment, lowering his voice, clearly not wanting to get into it with Daron.
“Daron, Victor is your brother. Your grandfather left you everything the Zamora family owns. Can’t you at least throw him a
bone?”
Daron let out a cold laugh. “Dad, you must be seriously losing your mind. When you’re gone and finally meet Kathy on the other side, why don’t you ask her yourself if she ever popped out a little brother for me and Bette?”
Leo’s face hardened, clearly annoyed.
“What’s the point of dragging your mother into this?” he shot back.
Daron looked up at him, his gaze icy and utterly devoid of respect.
Seeing this, Garret stepped in. “Alright, that’s enough. Stop arguing.”
Leo let out a cold snort, tearing his gaze away from Daron, his voice low and heavy.
“Since you’re so hell–bent on cutting off my branches, then when I’m gone, every share of Zamora Group I own is going straight to Victor. You won’t get a single dime.”
Daron’s face stayed completely blank, but Ophelia was absolutely floored.
“Brother, what are you even talking about? Bette and Daron are your kids too! How can you play favorites like this? Dad would never allow you to do that,” Garret burst out.
Leo looked coldly arrogant, his voice frosty. “I’ve always treated them as my own children, but have they ever seen me as their father? Both of them are cold–hearted and selfish. I honestly have no idea who they inherited that from!”
Daron replied, his face expressionless, “Obviously, they got it from you.”
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Chapter 256
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Leo furrowed his brows, staring Daron down for what felt like ages. Daron’s icy, unyielding gaze never wavered, and finally, Leo spat out his words, his face cold and his words sharp as ice.
“Daron, since you were the one who shattered the balance between us, don’t expect me to pull any punches from now on.” he said.
With that, he strode out, leaving a trail of fury in his wake.
Ophelia parted her lips, wanting to call out to him, but the words died in her throat.
Her gaze landed on Daron, and she let out a soft sigh, speaking in a low voice.
“Daron, why do you have to get him so worked up? If this turns into a big mess, nobody’s going to come out looking good. Your grandparents aren’t getting any younger,” she said.
Daron’s voice was low and steady. “That’s exactly why I need to get this sorted out fast. I want them to be able to go without anything weighing them down.”
Ophelia didn’t say another word. She just looked away, her eyes holding a trace of shame.
Marina felt a sudden, inexplicable heaviness settle in her chest.
All these years, Leo had always acted like the devoted husband, keeping up the image that Kathy was cherished and happy. even after she was gone, as if her life had been nothing but smooth sailing and joy.
‘But was she really happy when she died?‘ she wondered.
Victor was about the same age as Daron.
Back then, Kathy’s death was said to be a car accident, but Marina never knew what really went down.
All these years, her grandparents had to watch as Leo kept bringing up their late daughter with his fake show of affection- just imagine how that must’ve felt for them.
No parent should ever have to bury their own child.
But for the sake of Daron and Bette’s well–being, they had to go along with Leo’s act and pretend everything was fine.
Every poem or article Leo published was a fresh wound for the old couple, stabbing right into their hearts.
Daron was trying to finally pull out those knives and put an end to their pain.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
