Chapter 453 Tough Road
Gary’s hand stiffened suddenly, his breath quickening as he looked up at Ken.
Ken met his gaze, his eyes slowly reddening.
He didn’t speak again; he only smiled–a heart–wrenching smile.
Finished
Back then, Sylvester knew there was no going back. Those men were out for his life, so even if the Lockharts paid a hefty ransom, it wouldn’t save him.
Since it was a situation where death was inevitable, Sylvester thought… he might as well send Ken back.
One of them had to make it out alive.
Ken was young, and life had already been tough on him…
Sylvester wanted him to survive.
So when they provoked the kidnappers, and the kidnappers forced Ken to commit murder, Sylvester understood.
As long as he died, Ken would have a slim chance.
But he … had to die by Ken’s hand.
Those men needed to ensure they had “evidence” of Ken committing murder to keep him under control.
“They left evidence of me killing Sylvester and told me that even if I didn’t join them, I couldn’t escape… They threatened me, and I agreed. That’s why they let me go.” Ken’s voice was hoarse.
Patrick’s men thought they could control Ken this way. As long as Ken didn’t explain, everyone would suspect him, and all the pressure would fall on him.
Moreover, Patrick believed that Ken, being capable, would eventually serve him.
So many years ago, Patrick planted Ken within the Lockhart Group, thinking he could destabilize it during Zev’s crisis.
Patrick never anticipated that Kelly, a mere woman, could stabilize the situation after Ken left. He also didn’t expect Ken’s allegiance to be a facade…
“When I returned to Seaville and everyone misunderstood me, only Mr. Wade believed in me. He said he trusted me–that his son Sylvester … might have been betrayed by someone close but would never blame me…” Ken lowered his head, tears falling on his hands.
Wade had been like a mentor to Ken
He confided everything to Wade, who didn’t blame him for Sylvester’s death, understanding that Sylvester had willingly sacrificed for Ken.
When the kidnappers forced Ken to kill Sylvester, it was Sylvester who had thrust himself or
Sylvester traded his life for Ken’s survival.
he knife….
So Ken cared little about his own life, believing he had already lived beyond his years. For revenge, he
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Chapter 453 Tough Road
would do anything.
“Why… didn’t you tell me?” Gary’s voice was rough, pained by Ken’s long suffering and past hardships.
Killing Sylvester had been harder for Ken than dying.
All these years, living had been more painful than death.
Only living was a punishment.
“Tell you?” Ken laughed bitterly. “You’re Patrick’s brother… How could I tell you?”
Wade had forbidden him from revealing anything, for Ken’s sake and to uncover the truth for his own son.
“I thought, at least like Wade, you would staunchly believe I had a reason … But you didn’t. You deemed me a traitor, a murderer… the mastermind.”
Ken found it laughable. When Gary had ordered him to leave years ago, the disgust in his eyes pushed Ken into a deeper hell.
“I’m sorry…” Gary muttered, his hands trembling.
But what use was an apology?
“You have nothing to be sorry for …” Ken looked at Gary. “You did nothing wrong …”
“Ken…” Gary wanted to say more, but Ken didn’t want to talk further.
“Colonel Wagner, I’m tired… Do you have any more questions?” Ken asked, looking at Gary.
“No…” Gary stood up, looking at Ken.
How had he survived all these years alone?
Through all the misunderstandings and accusations, he never once explained himself.
“Get some rest,” Gary spoke softly as he left the room.
Ken closed the door, and as it shut, Gary leaned against the doorframe. “Sylvester’s death wasn’t your You don’t need to blame yourself.”
fault…
Ken looked at Gary. “It wasn’t my fault. I don’t feel guilty; I just hate your brother.”
He lived in hatred, wanting to kill Patrick himself.
“I’m sorry… “Gary lowered his head again.
He hadn’t expected Patrick to conceal his true nature so well.
Hardison Mansion.
The children were safely home, oblivious to the danger they had narrowly escaped.
Shane and Jasper continued playing with blocks, unaware of the adults‘ worries.
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Chapter 453 Tough Road
“Patrick is terrifying. His people have infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives,” Caden said angrily, realizing even his bodyguards had moles from Patrick.
“If only Charles were here…” Caden murmured, trailing off into silence.
Finished.
Kelly turned to Sidney. “Sidney, we’re openly against Patrick now. He won’t show us any mercy. Shane and Jasper are our shared vulnerabilities…”
“I’ll tighten security and conduct thorough checks. More than the kids, I’m worried about you,” Sidney replied. “Vincent called earlier. The board demanded he sever all ties with the Lockhart Group and both the Lockhart and Wagner families. Even the Hardisons have acted, forbidding Caden and me from getting involved in their disputes.”
It was clear Patrick was preparing a major move.
What was most chilling was that Patrick was merely the leader of the pack; many more predators lurked behind him.
Many influential families were aligned with Patrick due to financial interests.
Like Sylvester’s death, which was never traced back to Patrick due to the united effort to keep the investigation stagnant, Patrick wasn’t working alone.
Betrayals and consolidated power.
Now, these same forces were banding together against Kelly …
Against the Lockharts.
They believed the Lockharts were defenseless, that the Wagners aimed to dismantle them. Once the Lockharts fell, these predators would feast on their remains, reaping some benefits.
After all, even the carcass of a dead camel had meat.
“Sidney, you’re not seriously considering doing as those people say?” Caden asked.
“Shut up,” Sidney snapped. “If I were, I wouldn’t be telling Kelly this.”
Caden sat back. “I bet it’s not just the Hardisons and the Brooks who are staying out of the Lockhart and Wagner fight. Most in the business circle will avoid it too.”
With two tigers fighting, the hunter would benefit. Everyone wanted to be that hunter.
Patrick was ruthless, while Kelly was just a woman–a mother.
No one believed in Kelly’s chances, so they sided with Patrick.
“This will be a difficult road,” Sidney/murmured.
“No matter how tough, we must walk it.” Kelly clenched her hands.
“Zev spoke to me …” Sidney looked at Kelly meaningfully. “From now on, Vincent and I will quietly assist you, diverting Patrick’s attention. He and Oscar will work to break Beau’s psychological defenses and get the evidence to implicate Patrick.”
Revenge with My Undercover Cop Hubby
Chapter 454 Mother’s Love
