Chapter 611

Jonathan had just stepped off the plane when he got a message from Sanford. Liora wanted to come clean about everything that had happened back then. She wanted to tell the whole story, right in front of Jonathan and Irene.

Jonathan relaxed a bit. That was exactly why he came to Shaville—to find out what really happened. He also wondered why Irene hated Liora so much but still seemed powerless, as if Liora held some kind of control over her.

Irene rushed over just as Jonathan arrived at the hospital. She tried to pull him away, but he let go of her hand. “Since we’re already here, let’s hear what she has to say.”

Irene snapped back, “That woman’s crazy. She even said Werner’s kid was your dad’s! She’ll say anything.”

Jonathan stared at her and said, “So I’m the fool? I’m going to believe whatever she says?”

“I’m saying don’t waste your time arguing with her. Now that we know Sanford’s not your dad’s, I’m done with this. Let’s go!”

Jonathan pressed the elevator button and said, “I need to see her today.”

Irene realized she couldn’t stop him and reluctantly followed, worry written all over her face. When they got to Liora’s hospital room, Irene tried to rush in first, pushing past Jonathan, but the room was empty.

The bed was neat, but Liora was gone. Irene panicked. “Where is she?”

“You’re all here?” A familiar voice came from behind.

Irene turned and saw Sanford supporting a weak-looking Liora. She wore her usual pink clothes, which made her look even paler. Her shiny, clean shoes reminded Irene of the first time they met.

Irene hurried over and demanded, “What are you doing dressed like that? What kind of stunt is this?”

Liora coughed weakly and said, “You don’t understand. The doctors say I’m critical and won’t keep me here any longer. I don’t want to spend my last days stuck in a hospital room.

“Sanford’s taking me home. I want to see the flowers and grass along the road. I want to see the world one last time.”

Irene thought for a moment. “Fine, but why did you call Jonathan and me here? We don’t have time for this. Jonathan’s busy. We have to get back to Nareigh.”

“That’s good. I want to go back to Nareigh, too,” Liora said.

Irene was shocked. “What?”

Liora spoke slowly and clearly, “I haven’t been back in decades. It’s my hometown. I want to see it one more time.”

Irene gave Liora a cold look. Sanford spoke up for his mom. “I talked with her. She wants to go back to Nareigh and tell me everything about you two. I think you and Mr. Lynn would want to hear it. Let’s meet there.”

Sanford helped Liora past Irene and then walked over to Jonathan. He looked at Jonathan. His expression was different, no more anger or impatience. It was calm.

Not long ago, the two of them sat together by Starlace River, drinking beer. Sanford turned and gave Jonathan a faint, thoughtful smile.

Then he said, “Mr. Lynn, sorry to bother you, but can you help us book a private plane? My mom’s health isn’t good enough for commercial flights. I’ll send you the money for the ticket.”

“No need,” Jonathan said. “I’ll book a flight tonight. It’s better to settle this as soon as possible.”

“Okay,” Sanford agreed. “If needed, you can bring a trusted lawyer. That’s what my mom wants, too. She said some things might involve other people.”

Suddenly, Irene stepped forward and grabbed Jonathan’s arm. “Jonathan, don’t get involved. Let them handle it, just mother and son. After all, she’s your uncle’s kid, not your dad’s!”

“Don’t worry,” Liora said weakly. “I won’t say anything else. I’ll only talk about what happened back then. I won’t harm you.”

Irene didn’t believe her. “Mom, let’s go,” Sanford said, already supporting Liora as they prepared to leave.

“Wait!” Irene tried to follow, but Jonathan stopped her.

“We need to pack and head back to Nareigh. You should pack your stuff at the hotel too,” he said.

“Jonathan,” Irene looked at him again, “You have to believe me. No matter what Liora says, I didn’t do it on purpose. Your dad’s death—”

She choked and stopped talking. Jonathan’s tone sharpened. “What about his death?”

“Nothing,” Irene swallowed hard, eyes full of pain and sorrow. “Your dad’s death has nothing to do with me.”

“What do you mean? You’re saying my dad’s death is connected to you? Did you do something? Did Liora catch you? Is that why you’ve been avoiding her all these years?” Jonathan asked.

Irene stayed silent. Jonathan narrowed his eyes and got serious. “Tell me now what happened back then. Don’t let Liora tell it first.”

“Jonathan, I honestly don’t know how to say it,” Irene said.

“I’ll give you one day. Think carefully if you want to tell me the truth. If not, and Liora tells it first, you’ll face the consequences.”

Jonathan turned and left. Irene saw the disappointment in his eyes. It was like he blamed her for hiding things. He looked at her as a mother who had done something shameful. Irene collapsed against the wall, pale and weak.

“Mom, we’re here,” Sanford said. It was early morning. In Nareigh, Liora looked at the landmark buildings at Central Plaza. The tall skyscrapers were so different from when she left.

She sat in the car, reluctant to take her eyes off the view. She said to Sanford, “Nareigh really has grown. Here…”

Liora paused when she saw the towering Horizonlead Group building. She quietly watched the business empire. The car drove five more minutes before turning onto another road. Then she looked away.

“That’s Jonathan’s company,” Sanford said. “It’s listed overseas, but he returned to Nareigh three years ago.”

“No wonder he’s Yorick’s son. He’s really capable. With his dad’s genes, he can’t be bad,” Liora said.

Sanford fell silent. Liora hurried to add, “I’m not just remembering Yorick, don’t get me wrong.”

“It’s okay. I know,” Sanford said calmly. Then Sanford said plainly, “I admit, Jonathan is a very impressive man.”