"It would appear that I've found a worthy opponent this time, " remarked Benard with a sigh.
Zayn was the type who was meticulous and constantly strategizing, never failing to take the next step first. In business, he rarely, if not ever, encountered opponents worthy of his skill. This time, however, he had made a grave mistake.
And that was his failure to counter Daemon head on.
However, facing Carla, who was an acolyte trained by Daemon, was perilous enough. He'd been sorely beaten multiple times in a row even before the real battle had started.
I wonder how an actual fight with Daemon would pan out in the future.
No, I shouldn't be thinking of this. I dare not.
The pressure that he felt in the face of this crisis was insurmountable.
"If I may, I think that Ms. Lierger is your weakness." Somehow, Benard had given Zayn one of the key points. "You can be rational and decisive towards anyone but her. She's a different kind of weak spot for you."
Zayn was silent. Of course, he was well aware. This was why the old man was so insistent on turning Carla away.
Jombo believed that when she was being used by the Liergers to handle the Giblos, the Giblos would be in grave danger.
It was a shame that he tried with all his might, and not only failed to prevent it. Jombo had made a few mistakes along the way, which led to this.
If she had not been sent away, maybe things would not have turned out like this at all. Even if the Liergers had been aware of Carla's identity and came to claim her as a descendent, there was no plausible reason for her to help the Liergers to begin with.
But now, all it took was one wrong step. Due to the arrogance of the Giblos, tragedy has ensued.
Carla losing her memory was one thing. She had changed into a completely different person altogether.
Even if her memory was restored in the future, she would probably bear only a deep-seated hatred towards the Giblos.
Could that hatred be offset by the children? Or even the feelings they shared in the past?
Zayn had no confidence in even that.
Benard noticed Zayn spiraling deeper into his thoughts and tried to console him. "That was not your fault. You tried to protect Ms. Lierger. It was beyond your control."
"No, it's my fault." Zayn smiled bitterly to himself. "I am not persistent enough. I am indecisive, and I have too many scruples."
"There wasn't anything you could have done at the time, " said Benard hurriedly. "You were trying to save her."
"If I bit the bullet and prepared to lay down my life for her, this never would've happened, " lamented Zayn. "My hubris made me assume that I could control everything."
"I think the fault lies with the person who attacked Ms. Lierger from the shadows, " said Benard bitterly. "If it weren't for that, things wouldn't have turned out this way."
"Yes, I need to find out who it was that set up both Carla and Mrs. Borah in T Nation so that she has an explanation at least." Zayn frowned and chewed on his lower lip. "My best guess is that it's either Solara or Shelley, but there is no evidence to make that accusation."
"That incident was also strange. If the Liergers hadn't deliberately erased records of Shelley's entry to T Nation, we would've found out ages ago." Benard sounded quite indignant as he toyed with the collar of his shirt. "Basically, Daemon concealed this to allow Ms. Lierger to get to you."
"External factors should not be the main reason." Zayn sighed and looked pointedly at Benard. "Even if Daemon acted out, it was only because we messed up first."
"Don't worry. Brandy has been investigating this, and maybe we'll have some news soon."
Zayn narrowed his eyes slightly. "I can't wait much longer. I need to find out who did this and give Carla some closure."
After a pause, Zayn thought of something again. "If I remember correctly, it'll be the old man's ninety- eighth birthday soon. On the nineteenth, I think. I want you to go to the press and inform them that I'll be organizing a birthday banquet for him."
Benard nodded and made the necessary arrangements.
When the plane landed in Phoenix City, Zayn received a call from Brandy.
"Mr. Giblo, as expected, Ms. Lierger's private jet did take off and land on time, but she never arrived at Erihal."
Upon hearing these words, Zayn's expression was very solemn.
"Mr. Giblo, what should I do now?" asked Brandy on the other end of the line.
After a long silence, Zayn said, "From now on, you only need to do one thing. You need to keep the children safe."
"Understood."
Share
